Save to Pinterest A delightful combination of classic red velvet flavor and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies, perfect for holidays or any special treat.
I first baked these cookies for a holiday party, and their vibrant color and powdered sugar coating made them an instant favorite. Guests often ask for the recipe because they're both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups/210 g): Forms the base of the cookie dough for structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup/20 g): Adds chocolate richness and yields the signature crinkle look.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies puff up when baking.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Assists with leavening for a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup/115 g): Lends richness and moisture to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup/200 g + 1/4 cup/30 g for rolling): Sweetens the dough and helps with texture and coating.
- Large eggs, room temperature (2): Provide structure and help bind ingredients.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances flavor.
- White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Contributes signature red velvet tang.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon, liquid or gel): Creates vibrant red color.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup/60 g for rolling): Coats the cookie balls for a snowy finish.
Instructions
- Prep Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine.
- Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form dough.
- Chill Dough:
- Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to handle.
- Prepare Oven & Sheets:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookie Balls:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll into balls.
- Roll in Sugar:
- Coat each ball first in granulated sugar, then thoroughly in powdered sugar.
- Arrange & Bake:
- Place sugar-coated balls two inches apart on baking sheets. Bake 11-13 minutes, until puffed with cracked tops but centers remain soft.
- Cool Completely:
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.
Save to Pinterest My family loves these cookies during winter gatherings, especially when paired with mugs of warm cocoa. It's fun to bake them together for a cheerful baking day.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, baking sheets, wire cooling rack.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter). May contain traces of nuts if processed in facilities handling nuts. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 1 g (per cookie).
Save to Pinterest Share these cookies with loved ones for a festive, sweet finish to any gathering. Their eye-catching appearance and flavor are always a hit.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What gives these treats their vivid red color?
The red hue comes from liquid or gel red food coloring added to the batter, creating a bright and festive appearance.
- → Why is the dough chilled before baking?
Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing flavors, resulting in a chewy texture after baking.
- → What causes the cracked surface on these cookies?
Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking creates a crackled effect as the surface expands and hardens in the oven.
- → Can chocolate chips be added for extra flavor?
Yes, folding in chocolate chips before chilling enhances the chocolate taste and adds texture.
- → How should these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness and softness.
- → Can these be paired with other flavors?
They pair beautifully with cream cheese frosting for a rich and tangy contrast.