There’s something magical about red velvet desserts. The rich, cocoa-kissed flavor paired with that unmistakable deep red hue brings a touch of elegance and nostalgia to any occasion. Now, imagine combining the beauty of red velvet with the soft, chewy texture of a classic crinkle cookie. Enter: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies—a treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a standout addition to your holiday cookie tray or simply want to surprise loved ones with a baked good that feels extra special, these cookies are the perfect choice. Dusted in powdered sugar and baked to perfection, they’re a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Plus, their festive red and white appearance makes them a showstopper for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration that calls for a pop of color and indulgence.
Let’s dive into the recipe and whip up a batch of cookies that are guaranteed to spread cheer, one bite at a time.
Why you will like these red velvet crinkles:
Flavor: The taste of red velvet cake, in a slightly cake-like pillowy cookie that is perfect for serving at any party!
Easy to make: Just a few ingredients come together in no time for this cookie dough. Just roll into balls and toss in powdered sugar, before baking them up fresh for snacks!
A bright treat for Christmas or Valentines Day: These cookies are so bright, and will have people taking notice at Christmas or Valentines parties!
What you will need to make these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies, providing the right balance of sturdiness and softness.
- Cocoa powder: Adds the signature subtle chocolate flavor that defines red velvet.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft and airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe, balancing sweetness and amplifying cocoa’s richness.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the acidic components (cocoa powder and red food coloring) to give the cookies a light and chewy texture.
- Butter: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring the cookies are tender and flavorful.
- White granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create their soft yet slightly crisp exterior.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together, and add moisture for a chewy texture.
- Red food coloring: Gives the cookies their iconic red hue, perfect for the classic red velvet aesthetic.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, complementing the cocoa and sugar.
- Powdered sugar: Coats the cookies before baking, creating the signature crinkled, snowy-white exterior as the cookies expand in the oven.
What is the history of Red Velvet Cake?
During World War II baking products like sugar and butter were a part of the rations. As a result, some bakers chose to use beet juice in their cakes. You can still find red velvet cake recipes today that call for beet juice. The red color of the beets makes the cake have a more delicious appeal.
How does Red Velvet Cake get it’s flavor?
Equipment
- disposable gloves so you don't get red stained hands
- large mixing bowl
- spoon
- small bowl for coating cookies with powder sugar
- 2 cookie sheets
- cooling rack
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a bowl, and set aside.4 1/4 cups flour, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, 3 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Cream the butter and sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until soft and fluffy, almost white in color.1 1/2 cups butter, 2 cups sugar
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. Mix in the vanilla and red food coloring until everything is incorporated. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all is mixed well. Scoop in the flour mixture 1 cup at a time until just absorbed. Repeat until all the flour has been mixed in.3 eggs, 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 ounces red food coloring
- Place the dough into a container, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 325 F degrees.
- Scoop the dough out using a small cookie scoop.
- Using your hands, roll the dough into a smooth ball. I used rubber gloves to avoid red hands. Roll each ball into the powdered sugar until they are completely covered. Place the balls 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 more minutes. Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
More cookie recipes to try!
[…] Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a festive addition to your Christmas baking! With the classic flavor of red velvet cake and […]