Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich cocoa flavor and a tender, slightly chewy texture. These cookies have that gorgeous deep red color with the classic crinkle top that makes them not only delicious but also super fun to look at. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to impress!

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was—yet the results felt a little fancy. You’ll find that the dough is forgiving, and chilling it really helps develop the flavors and keeps the cookies from spreading too much. Plus, the powdered sugar coating adds just the right sweetness and that iconic crackled finish we all adore.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to build that classic red velvet flavor with a soft, tender bite. I recommend using good quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract to really boost the flavor.

• All Purpose Flour: Makes for a sturdy yet tender cookie base; try to measure it properly by spooning into your cup and leveling off.
• Baking Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened, for that rich chocolate undertone that defines red velvet.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become nice and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Works with the acidic vinegar-like flavor in cocoa to create that soft texture.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• White Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds structure.
• Avocado Oil: A neutral oil that keeps cookies moist without overpowering the flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness and moisture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that pairs beautifully with cocoa.
• Red Food Coloring Gel: For that signature vibrant red color, gel works best without altering the dough consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Coats the cookie dough balls and creates the iconic crackly finish.

Variations

I love playing around with this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe to make it my own, whether it’s tweaking flavors or adding mix-ins. It’s easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or dietary preferences, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Chocolate Chip Twist: I like folding mini white chocolate chips into the dough for little bursts of sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts adds a lovely texture contrast that my family loves.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend – just be sure to watch the dough texture.
• Less Sweet Option: Try cutting back the granulated sugar slightly if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise and have that tender crumb. I always sift or whisk the powdery ingredients to avoid any lumps haunting my dough later on.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Oil, Then Add Eggs & Flavor

In your mixer bowl, beat the granulated sugar and avocado oil until light and fluffy—about a minute should do it. This is the base for your moist cookie texture. Then, add eggs one at a time on low speed, followed by the vanilla extract and a drop of red food coloring gel. I usually add just one drop and slowly adjust if I want more intensity—the gel can be pretty concentrated!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Chill

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together and you don’t see flour speckles. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it gentle and quick, about 30 seconds to a minute. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least one hour. I discovered this chilling step makes a huge difference—the dough firms up, flavors meld, and the cookies spread less when baking.

Step 4: Scoop, Roll, and Coat in Powdered Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350°F and sift your powdered sugar to get rid of lumps, so it coats beautifully. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough, rolling each ball in your palms to smooth it out. Then roll the balls heavily in the powdered sugar—don’t brush off the excess! Leaving a thick layer helps create that stunning crinkly top after baking.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the coated dough balls about 4 inches apart on a lined baking sheet; they don’t spread much, so you can fit about 8 per tray. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed and crackled on top. When you pull them out, let them cool on the sheet for at least 5 minutes—they’ll gently settle down, which is perfect. I like to serve these with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or a few white chocolate shavings atop the cookies just before serving them for a festive touch. The contrast of white against the red crinkles gives a winter holiday vibe I love. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can also elevate the presentation for guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with classic treats like a warm mug of hot chocolate, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hearty slice of pound cake for a decadent dessert plate. For brunch, I sometimes serve them alongside fresh fruit salad – the bright fruit complements the rich chocolate notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies on a tiered cake stand, garnished with some holly sprigs or rosemary for a festive effect. Wrapping a few cookies in parchment with a pretty ribbon makes a perfect homemade gift. I’ve also baked mini versions for cookie platters – they’re just as adorable and bite-sized!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 3-4 days, which is perfect for sharing or enjoying across the week. If you find they started to dry out, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them right up.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works great! I freeze them unbaked (ready to roll and coat in powdered sugar), shaping the dough balls onto a tray, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. It’s a life-saver for holiday prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I let the cookies come to room temperature, then warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This refreshes their soft, chewy texture without drying them out. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll become crumbly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful surprises I love sharing with friends and family. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and always yields show-stopping cookies that get compliments every time. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be baking up festive magic and cozy vibes in no time, with a batch that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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