Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Festive and Fudgy Recipe

Festive and Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

These delightful red velvet crinkle cookies burst with rich, chocolatey goodness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Powdered sugar creates a gorgeous crackled exterior for each irresistible bite.

Soft centers melt in your mouth with decadent smoothness.

Winter gatherings become magical moments when you serve these stunning treats.

Chocolate lovers will absolutely adore the deep crimson hue and velvety texture.

Baking these cookies feels like spreading edible joy across your kitchen.

One taste, and you’ll want to share these festive delights with everyone around you.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Storage

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and fresh-baked texture.
  • Add a slice of bread to the storage container to help maintain cookie moisture and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.

Sweet Sips With Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

  • Cream Cheese Frosting Dip & Cold Brew: The tangy dip enhances the cookie’s richness; cold brew adds bold contrast to the fudgy center.
  • Fresh Berries & Sparkling Rosé: Juicy berries lighten each bite; rosé’s bubbles lift the dense, cocoa-filled texture.
  • White Chocolate Shavings & Peppermint Mocha: Sweet shavings add creaminess; peppermint mocha complements the festive flavor.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream & Hot Cocoa: Ice cream softens the crinkle texture; hot cocoa adds cozy warmth to every bite.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Fudgy Spins

  • Gluten-Free Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
  • Reduced Sugar Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, and replace powdered sugar coating with a light dusting of cocoa powder for a lower-sugar option.
  • Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Fold in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the dough for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.

FAQs

  • What gives red velvet crinkle cookies their signature color?

Red food coloring is responsible for the vibrant red hue. A small amount creates the classic deep red shade that makes these cookies visually striking.

  • Why do the cookies have a crackled appearance?

The powdered sugar coating creates the crinkle effect. When the cookies bake, the sugar cracks and splits, forming beautiful white lines against the red background, giving them their distinctive look.

  • Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

While a mixer helps create a smoother, more consistent dough, you can use a whisk and strong arm muscles. Hand-mixing requires more effort but can still produce delicious cookies if you mix thoroughly and evenly.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a crackled top. The centers should remain soft and slightly underbaked. When you remove them from the oven, they’ll continue cooking slightly on the hot baking sheet, ensuring a fudgy texture.

Red Velvet Cookies That Combine Festive Looks and Flavor

  • Quick and Easy Holiday Baking: Whip up these delightful red velvet crinkle cookies with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Tackle this recipe without complex techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels – from kitchen newbies to seasoned pros.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Festive Treat: Create a show-stopping dessert that brings joy to holiday parties, family gatherings, and special celebrations with its stunning red color and irresistible texture.
  • Time-Saving Delight: Complete the entire cookie-making process in under 30 minutes, from mixing ingredients to pulling a fresh batch out of the oven – ideal for busy home bakers wanting a quick sweet fix.

How to Bake Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for cookie structure, provides essential texture and support.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and rich color.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Granulated Sugar: Creamy base that creates soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that holds ingredients together.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor background.
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates signature vibrant red velvet appearance.
Coating Ingredient:
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides classic crinkle cookie exterior, creates beautiful white-dusted finish and sweet exterior layer.

Red Velvet Cookies Festive Crinkle Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Space

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F.

Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your delicious cookie creations.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and granulated sugar.

Whip them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweet goodness.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in:
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring

Mix until the batter becomes smooth and has a vibrant red hue.

Step 5: Create the Cookie Dough

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir until a thick, rich dough forms that’s ready to become amazing cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create perfect dough balls.

Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring a complete white coating.

Place the sugar-covered balls on baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cookies into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set and the tops have those signature crinkle cracks.

The centers should remain soft and tender.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in with a glass of cold milk.

Baking Tips for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure a smooth, fluffy texture that blends seamlessly with sugar.
  • Add food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect vibrant red shade without changing the cookie's consistency.
  • Roll cookies in powdered sugar just before baking to create those signature crackly, snow-like surfaces that make these cookies stunning.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before forming balls to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to keep their perfect crinkle texture intact.
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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Festive and Fudgy Recipe

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Festive and Fudgy Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive red velvet crinkle cookies bring holiday cheer with their chocolate-rich charm and powdered sugar elegance. Rich cocoa and cream cheese create irresistible magic you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (595 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened

Flavoring and Coloring Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking workspace by setting the oven temperature to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl, then set aside for later use.
  3. Use an electric mixer to blend butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and develops a fluffy texture, continuing to mix for approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Introduce milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until the liquid ingredients are evenly distributed and create a smooth consistency.
  5. Gradually fold the prepared dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until a thick, uniform dough forms.
  6. Shape the cookie dough by scooping tablespoon-sized portions and rolling each into a ball. Generously coat each dough ball with powdered sugar, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  7. Place the cookie-laden baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for crinkled tops and set edges while ensuring the centers remain soft. After removing from the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
  8. Once completely cooled, serve these vibrant, rich red velvet crinkle cookies as a delightful treat perfect for sharing or enjoying with a refreshing glass of milk.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar coating, ensuring a perfect balance between tangy cocoa and sweet exterior.
  • Prevent cookies from spreading too thin by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking, creating a more compact texture.
  • Swap regular food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a healthier, chemical-free red hue that maintains vibrant color.
  • Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cookie’s rich, fudgy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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