Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for any festive occasion. With their signature red hue, beautiful powdered sugar coating, and melt-in-your-mouth softness, these cookies will leave everyone at the table wanting more. Whether it’s for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just a special occasion, these cookies make an excellent choice that’s as tasty as it is visually appealing.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to bake perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. From ingredients to step-by-step directions, variations, and helpful tips, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this, you’ll have a batch of cookies that are not only delicious but are sure to stand out with their festive charm.

What Are Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake. They are soft, chewy cookies with a rich cocoa flavor, a vibrant red color, and a beautiful snowy powdered sugar coating. The crinkles on top, which form during baking, are one of the signature features of this cookie, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance.

These cookies are the perfect combination of a cake-like texture and the appearance of crinkled brownies. The bright red color adds a festive touch, making them ideal for holiday baking or as a sweet treat to share with family and friends.

Origin of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Red velvet cake has been a staple in American baking for over a century. It’s known for its striking red color, which is traditionally achieved with food coloring, and its tender texture that comes from the combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk. While red velvet cake itself has roots in the southern United States, the crinkle cookie variation likely originated as bakers sought to combine the flavors of red velvet cake into a more portable and easier-to-bake cookie form.

The crinkle cookie itself, with its cracked top, has roots in the classic brownie. However, the crinkle effect in these red velvet cookies is achieved by rolling the dough in granulated and powdered sugar before baking, creating the signature cracks on the top as they bake. These cookies are an adaptation of the traditional red velvet cake, simplified into a more user-friendly and bite-sized form.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own batch of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice (this enhances the red color)
• 1–2 tsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)

For Rolling:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Directions for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have soft, chewy, and beautifully crinkled Red Velvet Cookies in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Dough

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 2 minutes.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed mixture, making sure to mix well after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract, white vinegar (or lemon juice), and the red food coloring. Adjust the amount of food coloring based on how vibrant you want the color of your cookies to be. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, chill the dough overnight for even better results. Chilling the dough is crucial because it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls and ensuring the signature cracks form when baked.
2. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: Roll and Coat the Dough

1. Once the dough is chilled, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. The dough will be a little sticky, so don’t worry if it’s hard to handle at first.
3. Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, which will help the powdered sugar stick better. Then, generously coat each ball in powdered sugar.
4. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each ball of dough. This will give the cookies room to spread as they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are cracked and just set. The cookies will look soft, but that’s exactly how they should be. They will firm up as they cool.
2. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them! Place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Tips and Variations for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

1. For a Cream Cheese Flavor: To enhance the flavor of your cookies, consider adding ½ tsp of butter flavoring or a few drops of cheesecake extract to the dough. This will give your cookies a subtle but delicious cream cheese undertone.
2. Add White Chocolate Chips: For an extra touch of sweetness and richness, try folding ½ cup (90 g) white chocolate chips into the dough. This adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
3. Puffier Cookies: If you prefer your cookies to be a bit puffier with deeper cracks, chill the dough for a longer period—up to overnight. The longer the dough chills, the puffier and more cracked your cookies will be when baked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Yes, you can use other colors of food coloring if you want to experiment with different shades, but red is the traditional choice for red velvet cookies. Gel food coloring is often preferred because it provides a more vibrant color without adding extra moisture to the dough.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead of time and chilled for up to overnight in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors to develop and makes the cookies even better.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While you can substitute whole wheat flour, the texture and flavor will be slightly different. The cookies may be denser and less tender. For the best results, it’s recommended to use all-purpose flour.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough if you like a little crunch in your cookies. Add about ½ cup of nuts for a nice texture balance.

Conclusion: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that will undoubtedly impress your guests. Their soft, chewy texture, rich cocoa flavor, and stunning appearance make them a perfect choice for any celebration. By following this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll create cookies that are not only delicious but will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you make them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just as a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to be a hit every time.

So, roll up your sleeves, get your ingredients ready, and start baking your very own batch of these irresistible Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. You won’t regret it!

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Festively Beautiful

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake. They are soft, chewy cookies with a rich cocoa flavor, a vibrant red color, and a beautiful snowy powdered sugar coating. The crinkles on top, which form during baking, are one of the signature features of this cookie, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice (enhances the red color)

• 1–2 tsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)

For Rolling:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prep the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until evenly blended.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined — do not overmix.

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2. Chill

• Cover the dough and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  (The dough will be sticky, and chilling makes it easier to roll and helps create deep cracks.)

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3. Preheat Oven

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C).

• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

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4. Roll & Coat

1. Scoop about 1½ tbsp of dough and roll into balls.

2. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar (this helps the powdered sugar stick better), then generously coat in powdered sugar.

3. Place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.

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5. Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are cracked and just set.
  (They’ll look soft — that’s perfect! They firm up as they cool.)

• Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

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Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months — thaw at room temp before serving.

Notes

These soft, chocolatey cookies with a hint of cocoa and a crackly sugar coating are perfect for holidays or special occasions. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or use them to make mini ice cream sandwiches for a fun twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: Moderate

Keywords: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies