Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Get in the Christmas spirit with these fudgy homemade red velvet crinkle cookies. Perfect for your next holiday party or to leave out for Santa! These cookies are not only visually stunning with their deep red color and snowy white sugar coating, but they also offer a deliciously chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor that will delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, cookie swap, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies fit right in.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The vibrant red color and powdered sugar dusting make them a showstopper on any dessert table.
• Deliciously Chewy: Their unique texture provides an enjoyable bite that keeps you coming back for more.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the little ones involved in rolling the dough in sugar; it’s a great way to spend quality time together.

Tools and Preparation

To create your perfect batch of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy consistency when creaming butter and sugars.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon professional red food coloring
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and professional red food coloring until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients. Beat together until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Prepare two bowls—one with granulated sugar and another with powdered sugar. Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (or tablespoon) to portion out cookie dough. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until cookies have puffed up and cracked on top but remain gooey in the center. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to wire racks.

Now enjoy your freshly baked Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with a glass of milk!

How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These fudgy red velvet crinkle cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Serve them in various ways to enhance their appeal and enjoy their rich flavor.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk is classic. The creaminess balances the cocoa flavor, creating a delightful experience.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter alongside other holiday treats. This presentation adds to the festive spirit and makes for an eye-catching display.

As Part of a Dessert Bar

• Include the cookies in a dessert bar at your next gathering. They pair well with various desserts, allowing guests to indulge in multiple sweet options.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as gifts. This thoughtful touch makes them perfect for sharing during the holidays or special occasions.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your red velvet crinkle cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can make your cookies dry.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavors.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when they are slightly underbaked for that gooey center.
• Store Properly: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Red velvet crinkle cookies make a wonderful addition to any meal or snack time. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement their taste perfectly.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies, enhancing their richness.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balance, providing a contrast to the dense cookie texture.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Serve cookies with chocolate fondue for dipping, creating an indulgent treat that’s fun to enjoy.
4. Cheese Board: Include some mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a cheese board for an interesting flavor combination with the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa complements these cookies well, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.
6. Whipped Cream: Top with fresh whipped cream for added texture and sweetness; this makes each bite more decadent.
7. Nutty Trail Mix: Offer a crunchy nutty trail mix alongside for contrasting textures that enhance your snacking experience.
8. Coffee or Tea: Pairing with coffee or herbal tea provides a warm beverage option to enjoy alongside these delicious treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and texture issues.
• Overmixing the dough: Avoid overmixing once you combine wet and dry ingredients. This can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Incorrect measurements can ruin the balance of flavors and texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: If your dough is too warm, the cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if needed before scooping.
• Baking on unlined sheets: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those crinkly tops.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper to keep individual cookies from freezing together.

Reheating Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-second intervals until just warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies that might help you perfect your baking skills.

Can I use different food coloring?

Yes, you can use any color food coloring to customize your cookies for different holidays or occasions.

How should I store leftover Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Why did my cookies not crinkle?

If your cookies didn’t crinkle, it could be due to underbaking or not rolling them in sugar enough. Ensure you bake until they puff but remain gooey inside.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are not only festive but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them a favorite among many. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or swapping out colors, making them uniquely yours!