Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a stunning red color. These cookies are soft, chewy, and look beautiful when rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a crinkly top. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies will impress everyone who tastes them.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is a fun and enjoyable experience. One of the best reasons to try this recipe is the incredible visual appeal these cookies have. The bright red color stands out and makes them perfect for celebrations, parties, or festive events.
When you bake these cookies, your kitchen will fill with a delicious aroma that makes everyone curious about what you are preparing. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and the process is straightforward.
Another great reason to make these cookies is their unique flavor. The combination of cocoa powder and vanilla creates a tasty mix that is not too sweet, while the powdered sugar adds a lovely touch of sweetness. Plus, these cookies are soft in the center with slightly crispy edges, giving them just the right texture.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies also make wonderful gifts. You can package them nicely in a box or jar and share them with friends, family, or coworkers. The vibrant color and crinkly surface make these cookies a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is simple. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
Ingredients
To make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step as it prepares your oven for perfect baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that everything blends evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital as it creates air pockets in the batter, leading to a softer cookie.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the large eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that the color and flavor are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything combines well. Be careful not to over-mix, as it can affect the texture of the cookies.
Chill the Dough: Once the dough is combined, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
Shape the Cookies: After chilling, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Make sure they are even in size for uniform baking.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll the balls in powdered sugar until they are well coated. This sugary coating will create the signature crinkly appearance as they bake.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Place the rolled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between the cookies, as they will spread while baking.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are firm but the center remains soft. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time will help them set properly.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or during the holidays. You can serve them on a decorative plate for an elegant touch. For a fun twist, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create delicious cookie sandwiches.
Another idea is to pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. The combination of the rich chocolate flavor and the creamy beverages will delight your taste buds and create a cozy experience.
How to Store Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
To keep your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes, and they’ll taste just as good as fresh.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Use Quality Ingredients: Higher quality cocoa powder and vanilla extract can enhance the flavor of your cookies, making them even more delicious.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential for the right texture. It helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. It’s better to slightly underbake to keep them soft.
Adjust Sugar Coating: If you want a thicker coating of powdered sugar, feel free to roll the cookies in it a second time after they have cooled.
Add Extra Flavor: For a delightful twist, you can add chocolate chips or nuts into the dough before chilling.
Variation
If you want to try a twist on this classic recipe, consider adding some white chocolate chips to the dough. They will complement the flavor of the red velvet and add a creamy texture. Another option is to swap out the red food coloring for green to create festive holiday cookies for St. Patrick’s Day!
FAQs
1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour, but the texture might be a bit different. Cake flour produces lighter, fluffier cookies, while all-purpose flour gives a richer texture.
2. What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you don’t have red food coloring, you can use beet juice or even a mix of other food colorings to achieve a similar hue. However, the flavor and appearance may vary.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling it into balls.
In conclusion, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are not only tasty, but they also provide a sense of joy when shared with loved ones. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the rolled dough balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.