Description
Soft, fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies coated in powdered sugar with a vibrant red color and a perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness. This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers a delightful twist on classic cookies, ideal for holidays, gifting, or anytime you crave a sweet treat with classic red velvet flavor and a beautiful crinkle finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure all ingredients accurately and sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air, helping to create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and stir just until combined to avoid tough cookies. You should have a thick, soft dough.
- Shape and Coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and generously coat each ball in powdered sugar. This coating will create the iconic crinkle pattern during baking.
- Bake and Cool: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies puff up and cracks appear on the surface. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for authentic flavor and better red color contrast.
- If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to deepen flavor and reduce spreading.
- Apply a generous coating of powdered sugar for the classic snowy crinkle effect.
- Ensure baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rising and texture.
- Mix dough gently and just until combined to keep cookies tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: red velvet, crinkle cookies, holiday cookies, soft cookies, fudgy cookies, red velvet dessert, cocoa cookies, powdered sugar cookies