If you’re ready to embrace a holiday treat that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious, the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Festive Delight Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These cookies offer that perfect harmony of tender, moist cake-like texture with a rich cocoa undertone wrapped in a fun, powdered sugar crackle exterior. They’re not just cookies; they’re joyful bites of festive magic that bring the warm, cozy spirit of celebrations right to your fingertips. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these red velvet crinkle cookies will quickly become a beloved staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create the magic of red velvet. Each one plays a key role, from giving the cookies their signature color and flavor to ensuring the perfect texture and delightful crinkle finish.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure to your cookies without weighing them down.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate richness that complements the red velvet flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise to that soft, tender perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Imparts creaminess and tenderness, crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s light, airy texture when beaten with butter.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring: Giving these cookies their signature festive pop of color you can’t resist.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Keeps the dough tender and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling: Creates that classic crinkle effect and a snowy finishing touch.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Festive Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick or burn on the bottom.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients ahead ensures even distribution and breaks up any lumps so your dough bakes evenly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to adding air into the dough, resulting in a soft, tender cookie.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated. Watch the dough turn a festive red shade, an irresistible preview of what’s to come.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined—the dough should be soft but not runny, ready for rolling and baking.
Step 6: Coat and Bake
Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough balls and roll each generously in powdered sugar until completely coated. Place them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread, then bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are lightly set but still soft and chewy.
Step 7: Cool to Perfection
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes after baking to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies maintain their soft, tender texture.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Festive Delight Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, adding a sprinkle of white chocolate chips or drizzling melted white chocolate over the top can elevate their festive appeal. A dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds a delicate snowy shimmer perfect for holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pairing these red velvet crinkle cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee enhances their rich, chocolatey flavor. For an extra indulgent touch, serve alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter layered with fresh holly or pine sprigs for a beautiful holiday centerpiece. Wrapping a small stack with red ribbon or placing them in clear decorative bags makes for charming edible gifts that friends and family will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps preserve their soft texture and keeps them fresh enough to enjoy as if they were just baked.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive the soft, freshly baked feel, gently warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or microwave individually for 10-15 seconds. This quick step brings back that delightful warmth and tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps tenderize the dough and add a subtle tang.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can try natural alternatives like beet juice or powder, but the color may be less vibrant. For the classic festive red, a good quality red food coloring is recommended.
How do I ensure the cookies have the perfect crinkle effect?
The key is rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking and using the right amount of moisture in the dough so the surface cracks nicely during baking.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
With some modifications like using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can achieve similar results. Just be mindful that textures might differ slightly.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Substituting with plant-based butter, a flax or chia egg, and non-dairy milk with a splash of vinegar can work, but expect minor changes in texture and flavor. Experimentation may be needed.
Final Thoughts
Making the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Festive Delight Recipe is like inviting a little holiday cheer into your kitchen, creating treats that everyone will rave about. With their irresistible color, luscious texture, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, these cookies are sure to brighten any festive occasion. So, grab your ingredients and let the baking begin—your new favorite cookie tradition awaits!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a festive and delightful treat combining a soft, buttery texture with a vibrant red color and rich cocoa flavor. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any occasion that calls for a sweet, visually appealing cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the butter mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined and the color is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough is formed, taking care not to overmix.
- Prepare Coating: Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl. Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough and roll each piece into a ball, then roll it in the powdered sugar until evenly coated.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are set at the edges but remain soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra vibrant red color, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of red food coloring.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a festive twist, sprinkle a few white chocolate chips into the dough before rolling in powdered sugar to add texture and flavor contrast.
