Red velvet crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, chocolatey flavor of cocoa powder with the vibrant hue of red food coloring. These cookies are not just a visual feast; they deliver a soft, chewy texture and a burst of sweetness that makes them perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday delights. One of my fondest baking memories revolves around these cookies—the way the sugary exterior cracks to reveal a soft, tender interior never ceases to amaze me.
Making red velvet crinkle cookies is a straightforward process that doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it an ideal recipe for budding bakers. With just a few simple ingredients, including all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and eggs, you can whip up a batch in under an hour, including baking time. The true magic lies in how these cookies come out of the oven, puffy and crinkled, dusted with powdered sugar, ready to impress everyone who crosses their path.
Why you’ll love this
- They’re easy to make with only a few ingredients.
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with a vibrant color.
- Fun for all occasions—from casual snacks to festive gatherings.
- The crinkled texture is visually appealing and unique.
- They store well and freeze perfectly for later enjoyment.
"These cookies are a hit with everyone who tries them!"
Step-by-step overview
To create these delicious red velvet crinkle cookies, whisk together dry ingredients, mix the wet ingredients, combine both, chill the dough, scoop and roll into balls, then bake until set. The result will be these beautiful cookies with a crinkled top and rich flavor.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Cocoa powder: This adds the chocolate flavor; you can substitute with a different unsweetened dark cocoa if desired.
- Vegetable oil: Can be replaced with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter for a different flavor profile.
- Red food coloring: Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant hue; liquid food coloring can be used in a pinch but may require more.
Cooking method
Making red velvet crinkle cookies is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Start by combining your dry ingredients, then mix in the wet ones to create a delicious cookie dough. Chill the dough for half an hour, roll in powdered sugar, and bake until they are crinkled perfection.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in powdered sugar, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Let cool before serving.
Pro Tip: Ensure the dough is sufficiently chilled to maintain shape during baking.
Helpful cooking tips
- Consistency is key: Make sure to mix the dough until just combined to keep the cookies soft.
- Roll in powdered sugar right before baking for a snowy effect.
- Consider doubling the batch to ensure there’s enough for sharing or freezing!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these crinkle cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or coffee. For a decorative touch, you can place them on a festive platter and offer them at parties or holiday events. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
How to store & freeze
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to make them ahead of time, freeze the unbaked dough balls rolled in powdered sugar for up to three months. Simply bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
How to fix common issues
- Dry cookies: If your cookies turn out dry, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
- Bland flavor: Ensure your cocoa powder is not old and consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Too crumbly: Add a touch more oil to the dough.
Recipe variations
For added texture, mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also experiment with different flavors by using almond extract instead of vanilla or adding a hint of orange zest for a citrus twist.
Common questions
How do I achieve the best crinkle effect?
Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, allowing the tops to crack more effectively. Make sure to roll them well in powdered sugar right before baking.
Can I use different food coloring?
Absolutely! While traditional red is iconic, you can experiment with any vibrant color to match your event or preference.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute designed for baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to the dough not being chilled enough or too much sugar in your mixture. Always ensure adequate chilling time before baking.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges should be set, but the center may look slightly soft; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye out for the crinkles to start forming on the tops.
Red velvet crinkle cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration of flavor and texture that brightens any table. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them alone with a cup of coffee, they never fail to impress. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful recipe!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in powdered sugar, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Let cool before serving.