Why Make This Recipe
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are not your ordinary cookies. They are a festive and colorful treat that everyone loves. These cookies have a rich flavor from cocoa powder but also carry the signature red velvet taste we all adore. The soft texture combined with the sweet powdered sugar coating creates a beautiful contrast. Not only do they taste delightful, but they also look stunning on any dessert table.
If you want to impress your family, friends, or guests, these cookies are a perfect choice. Whether for a special occasion or a simple gathering, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies bring a touch of elegance and charm. They are ideal for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration you can think of. Plus, they are easy to make and can become a favorite recipe in your collection.
Making these cookies is a fun and enjoyable process. It’s perfect for baking with kids or friends. You’ll create wonderful memories while mixing and baking together. So, if you’re looking for a fun, visually pleasing treat that tastes as amazing as it looks, let’s dive into how to make these delightful Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Baking these cookies is straightforward and requires no special skills. You will only need some common items found in your kitchen. All the steps are easy to follow, making it fun for everyone involved.
Ingredients
To make the delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are well combined and that no lumps remain.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step usually takes around 2-3 minutes. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand with a wooden spoon. The key is to get the butter and sugar to mix well.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. After the eggs, mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, ensuring even color throughout the dough.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
Form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use your hands or a cookie scoop for easier handling.
Roll each ball in powdered sugar. This coating is what gives the cookies their crinkle effect and sweet finish.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out. Leave enough room for the cookies to spread while baking.
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to look set while the center remains soft.
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps them firm up a bit before you enjoy them.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Serving these cookies is as fun as making them. Once cooled, arrange them on a beautiful plate or in a festive container. They can be served fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for the classic cookie experience.
If you’re hosting a gathering, these cookies can be a centerpiece on a dessert table. Their vibrant color stands out and attracts everyone to them. Consider dusting a little extra powdered sugar on top before serving for a more impressive touch.
You might also add a scoop of your favorite ice cream next to the cookies for an indulgent treat. This combination will surely delight anyone who tries it.
How to Store Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
To keep your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together. Stored properly, they can last for up to a week at room temperature.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. After baking and cooling, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to let them thaw at room temperature for a bit before enjoying them again.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Use Gel Food Coloring: For a more vibrant color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. Gel tends to produce a richer hue.
Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect crinkle effect. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
Adjust Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies at 12 minutes. They should be set at the edges, and the centers may look slightly underbaked.
Taste Variation with Add-ins: For an extra twist, consider adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added flavor and texture.
Serve Warm: These cookies taste best when they’re still warm. The center is soft and gooey, making each bite delicious.
Variation
While the classic Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are delightful, there are ways to change them up. Here are a few variations you can try:
Cream Cheese Filling: Add a small dollop of cream cheese in the center of each cookie before rolling in the powdered sugar. This can give a nice surprise in the middle.
Nutty Twist: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a nuttier flavor.
Chocolate Chip Variant: Instead of rolling in powdered sugar, you can sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra chocolatey treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour. However, the cookies may have a denser texture. You might want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a better result.
2. Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances the texture, so it is highly recommended. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can bake them without chilling. Just be aware that they may spread more.
3. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, you can use liquid food coloring. However, the color may not be as vibrant. You might need to use more to achieve the same deep red color.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should look set and slightly firm, while the centers might appear soft and puffy. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked!
Now you have the perfect guide to make delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Enjoy baking and sharing them with your loved ones!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (around 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges should look set while the center remains soft.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.