Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

$- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon red food coloring - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) When it comes to making red velvet crinkle cookies, quality ingredients matter. Each one plays a role in the cookie's taste and texture. For example, unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cookies a rich flavor, while the red food coloring creates that iconic look. You might want to make some changes based on your needs. Here are some options: - Vegan alternatives: Use a plant-based butter and a flax egg instead of the large egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. - Gluten-free options: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xantham gum for the right texture. - Flavor variations: Add chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist! These additions can enhance the cookie flavor and add crunch. These swaps can help you enjoy this treat, no matter your dietary needs! {{ingredient_image_1}} To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent sticking. Next, grab a bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these well so they blend evenly. Set this bowl aside for later. Now it's time to make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together. Beat them on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should look light and fluffy. After that, add in 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring. Mix until everything is well combined. Next, slowly add the dry ingredients from the first step to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can change the texture of your cookies. Chilling the dough is important for perfect cookies. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up, making it easier to handle. Once chilled, take the dough out and roll it into 1-inch balls. After rolling, coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar. This will give your cookies that classic crinkle look when baked. Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Now, it’s baking time! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still be slightly soft. To check for doneness, gently press the center of a cookie. If it springs back, they are ready. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they cool! To get those lovely crinkles, follow a few key steps. First, you need to chill the dough. This cools the fat and helps the cookies hold their shape. After chilling, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar. This sugar creates the crinkle effect as the cookies bake. The sugar melts and cracks, making the cookies look stunning. Avoid overmixing the dough. When you mix too much, the cookies can turn out tough. Mix just until the ingredients blend. Also, don’t skip the chilling step. If the dough is warm, the cookies spread too much while baking. Red velvet crinkle cookies look great on a pretty platter. Dust them with extra powdered sugar for a nice touch. Serve these cookies with milk, coffee, or tea. The flavors pair well and make for a delightful snack. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Use Quality Food Coloring: For the best vibrant color, opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid. It provides a richer hue without adding extra moisture. Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set, and the centers are slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Presentation is Key: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish that enhances their visual appeal. {{image_2}} To make your red velvet crinkle cookies vegan, you can use simple egg replacements. A popular choice is to use flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. This mix works well to bind your dough. For dairy-free alternatives, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. Both options work great for keeping your cookies soft. You can also use almond milk or soy milk in place of any dairy ingredients. If you need a gluten-free version, consider using almond flour or a blend of gluten-free flour. These options give a nice texture. Another good choice is a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix, which usually includes xanthan gum. This helps your cookies hold together better. When you switch to gluten-free flour, you might need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They may need a minute or two less or more, depending on the flour you choose. To boost the flavor, you can add spices or extra extracts. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth. You can also add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a fresh twist. Experimenting with flavors keeps baking fun and exciting. Some people love classic red velvet flavors, while others enjoy modern twists. You can mix in chocolate chips for added richness or sprinkle in crushed nuts for crunch. Each variation brings its own special touch to the cookies. To keep your red velvet crinkle cookies fresh, use airtight containers. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Zip-top bags also work well. Press out excess air before sealing. Store cookies at room temperature for best taste. You can freeze both cookie dough and baked cookies. For dough, scoop portions onto a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to zip-top bags. For baked cookies, let them cool completely before freezing. To thaw, place cookies in the fridge overnight. For dough, bake straight from the freezer but add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. Store them in a cool, dry place. If they develop a hard or stale texture, it's time to toss them. Signs of spoilage include an off smell or mold. To make cookies soft and chewy, you need to focus on a few key factors. Here are my top tips: - Use butter: Softened unsalted butter adds moisture and flavor. - Don’t overmix: Mix until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. - Chill the dough: Chilling for about 30 minutes helps control spread and keeps them soft. - Bake just right: Remove cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They continue to cook as they cool. These steps help prevent dryness and keep your red velvet crinkle cookies delightfully soft. Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Here are a few recommendations: - Chill the dough: Shape the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and chill. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies later. - Baking: You can freeze the rolled dough balls. Just thaw them for a few minutes before baking. - Baked cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These tips let you enjoy fresh cookies on your schedule! Red velvet desserts have a rich history. They first appeared in the early 20th century. The cake became famous for its striking red color and subtle cocoa flavor. The term "velvet" refers to the cake's texture, which is soft and smooth. During the 1920s, red velvet cake gained popularity due to its unique taste and appearance. Many people associate red velvet desserts with special occasions, especially around holidays. Today, red velvet flavors show up in many treats, like cookies, cupcakes, and brownies. Its vibrant color and rich flavor make it a favorite for dessert lovers everywhere. In this post, we explored how to make delicious red velvet crinkle cookies. We covered ingredients, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to achieve the perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. Red velvet crinkle cookies are a great treat for any occasion. With easy variations and storage tips, you can enjoy these cookies fresh or save them for later. Get creative with flavors and impress your friends!$

Deliciously soft and chewy red velvet cookies with a crinkly surface, dusted with powdered sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
0.5 cups powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve the cookies in a decorative box or on a beautiful platter, dusted lightly with more powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Keyword cookies, dessert, red velvet