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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 122 reviews

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully coated in powdered sugar, creating a festive contrast with their vibrant red color and rich cocoa flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any sweet craving, these cookies combine the classic red velvet taste with a fun crinkled appearance.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring

Coating

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until they are well combined for even distribution.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
  4. Add Eggs and Coloring: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter has an even, vibrant red tint.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no streaks of flour remain. The resulting dough should be soft and sticky.
  6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle for shaping.
  7. Form and Coat Dough Balls: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated to create the signature crinkle effect.
  8. Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
  9. Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.

Notes

  • For best results, use gel-based red food coloring to achieve a vibrant color without affecting the dough’s consistency.
  • Chilling the dough is key for preventing spreading and achieving the perfect crinkle texture.
  • Ensure cookies have enough space on the baking sheet to avoid sticking together as they bake.
  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Optionally, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Keywords: red velvet cookies, crinkle cookies, cocoa cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, chocolate crinkle, powdered sugar cookies