Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Recipe and Baking Tips
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Feb 20, 2023 • 2 min read
Red velvet crinkle cookies are vibrant, festive, and subtly chocolatey—ideal for Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
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What Are Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
Red velvet crinkle cookies are a type of soft chocolate cookie dyed red with food coloring. Although a classic red velvet cake features cream cheese frosting, these red velvet cookie dough balls get rolled in powdered sugar before baking. Cracks appear in their powdered sugar coating as they expand in the oven, creating their signature “crinkled” look. Like brownies, the best red velvet cookies have crisp, set edges and fudgy centers.
3 Tips for Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Unlike other holiday cookie recipes that require hours of careful preparation, red velvet crinkle cookies offer an eye-catching result with little effort. Here’s what to know.
- 1. Use food coloring gel or paste. For a deeper, more concentrated crimson color, use gel-based food coloring rather than liquid food coloring.
- 2. Incorporate add-ins. For extra chocolate flavor, mix in one cup of mini chocolate chips. To complement the chocolate flavor with bright, wintry peppermint, add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla extract.
- 3. Store cookies in an airtight container. Store red velvet crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for best results. Separate the layers with a sheet of parchment paper to preserve the distinct cracks. For more extended storage, freeze the dough balls for up to six months; when you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough slightly at room temperature, then roll it in powdered sugar.
Easy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
makes
12–15 cookiesprep time
10 mintotal time
20 mincook time
10 minIngredients
Note: The total time does not include 2 hours 15 minutes of inactive time.
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- 2
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- 3
Add the vanilla and food coloring. Start with a small amount of food coloring and slowly add enough to turn the dough a deep shade of red.
- 4
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- 5
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, and mix after each addition until no floury streaks remain and the color is well-incorporated and even.
- 6
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- 7
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- 8
Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl.
- 9
Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough, then roll each dough mound into a smooth sphere between your palms and place them on a plate.
- 10
Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until well-coated, then place them an inch or so apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- 11
Bake until the edges of the cookies have set, but the centers are still puffed, about 10 minutes.
- 12
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 10 more minutes.
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