Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Festive and Fudgy

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Fudgy red velvet crackle cookies are ready in just 20 minutes and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. These chewy treats require minimal effort but deliver
maximum impact with their striking appearance and rich flavor.
What makes these red velvet crinkle cookies so special? They have a dense, almost brownie-like texture that’s simply scrumptious. The dough creates cookies in
a beautiful shade of burgundy (though you can add extra food coloring if you prefer a more vibrant red), perfectly contrasted by the white powdered sugar coating.
If you’re looking to bake something impressive, this easy red velvet crinkle cookies recipe yields 24-28 cookies—enough to enjoy and share with friends and
family.
The best part? These red velvet cookies with powdered sugar come together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. However, for the best texture, you’ll want to
chill the dough for 2 hours before baking—trust me, it’s worth the wait! The dough will be sticky, but I’ll show you exactly how to handle it for perfect results every
time.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my foolproof method for creating these showstopping cookies, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the signature
crinkle effect. Let’s get baking!
Essential Ingredients and Tools
The secret to perfect red velvet crinkle cookies lies in selecting quality ingredients and having the right tools on hand. Let’s explore what you’ll need to create
these striking treats.
Choosing the right cocoa powder
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for authentic red velvet crinkle cookies. Unlike Dutch-processed cocoa, natural cocoa has higher acidity that
works with baking soda and buttermilk to create that signature tender crumb [1]. Additionally, natural cocoa is lighter in color, allowing the red hue to shine through
more vibrantly [1]. Look for brands like Ghirardelli or Hershey’s – both provide excellent results without breaking the bank.
Why gel food coloring works best
Gel food coloring is undoubtedly superior for red velvet crinkle cookies. Since it’s more concentrated, you’ll need much less compared to liquid coloring [2]. This
concentration means you won’t alter your dough’s consistency, which can affect how your cookies spread and bake [3]. For most recipes, just 1-2 tablespoons of
gel coloring provides that classic deep red shade [4]. Brands like AmeriColor and Wilton are particularly reliable [5]. For those preferring natural alternatives, beet
powder (about 1-2 teaspoons) can create a darker burgundy shade [6].
Optional add-ins like white chocolate chips
White chocolate chips create a stunning visual contrast against the deep red cookie base. When selecting white chocolate chips, check the ingredients list
quality chips should contain cocoa butter [4]. Alternatives include dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor profile or even yogurt chips for a different twist [4].
The chips not only add visual appeal to your red velvet crinkle cookies but also provide delightful pockets of sweetness throughout.
Tools that make baking easier
To streamline your baking process, consider these essential tools:
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Half sheet pans (at least two) for efficient batch baking [7]
Silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking [8]
Medium cookie scoop for uniformly sized cookies [7]
Cooling racks to prevent soggy cookie bottoms [7]
Mixing bowls that are microwave-safe for ingredient prep [8]
A stand mixer is certainly helpful for larger batches, yet a quality hand mixer works well for this one-bowl recipe. Quality measuring cups and a digital scale will
ensure accuracy, ultimately leading to consistently perfect red velvet crinkle cookies every time.
Making the Dough: One-Bowl Method
The beauty of these red velvet crinkle cookies lies in their simple preparation method that requires just one bowl, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
Mixing wet and dry ingredients together
Our one-bowl method begins with creaming together softened (not melted) butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Initially, mix these ingredients until the
mixture becomes creamy and slightly lighter in color – about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or 45 seconds by hand with a silicone spatula. Subsequently, add
the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until fully incorporated.
Once your wet ingredients are well combined, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Rather than dirtying another bowl, simply sift the flour, cocoa powder,
baking soda, and salt directly into your wet mixture. This step prevents lumps while ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents. Fold everything together
gently until just combined – overmixing will result in tough cookies rather than the tender, fudgy texture we’re aiming for.
How to get the perfect red velvet color
The signature hue of red velvet crinkle cookies comes primarily from food coloring. Gel food coloring works substantially better than liquid varieties because it
provides intense color without adding unwanted moisture to your dough. Furthermore, you’ll need much less gel coloring – typically 1-1½ teaspoons is sufficient
to achieve that classic deep red shade.
Add your coloring after incorporating the wet ingredients but before adding the dry components. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter. For those
preferring a natural alternative, beet powder can create a darker burgundy shade, though the color won’t be as vibrant as with gel coloring.
Tips for handling sticky dough
Red velvet cookie dough is naturally sticky, which can make it challenging to work with. Chilling the dough is absolutely essential – at least 30 minutes to an hour
will make a remarkable difference in handling. Without proper chilling, your cookies may spread too much during baking and lose their characteristic crackle
appearance.
If the dough remains too sticky even after chilling, lightly dust your hands with flour before rolling the cookies. Essentially, you can adjust the consistency by
adding ½ tablespoon of milk at a time if the dough seems too dry, or a tablespoon of flour if it’s too wet. Remember that this flexibility is one of the advantages of
this foolproof method – you can easily adapt the dough to achieve the perfect texture.
Rolling and Baking the Cookies
The magic of red velvet crinkle cookies comes alive in the rolling and baking process. With a few expert techniques, you’ll achieve that perfect crackled
appearance every time.
Double sugar coating technique
The secret to achieving those distinctive cracks lies in a two-step sugar coating process. First roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, then coat generously in
powdered sugar [9]. This double-coating method helps the powdered sugar adhere better to the cookie dough and prevents it from dissolving during baking [10].
For even more defined crinkles, mix your powdered sugar with a bit of cornstarch [9]. This technique creates a striking contrast between the deep red cookie and
bright white sugar coating.
How to shape and space the dough balls
Portion your dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls (approximately 30-35g each) using a medium cookie scoop [11][6]. Given that the dough is quite sticky, dropping it
directly into the sugar mixture makes handling easier [11]. Once coated, arrange cookies about 2-3 inches apart on your baking sheet [12][6]. This generous spacing
allows them to spread properly without merging together [1].
Baking time and temperature tips
Preheat your oven to 350°F standard or 325°F convection [3][10]. Bake for 9-13 minutes until the cookies flatten, spread, and begin to crackle [9][6]. Remember that
these cookies should still feel somewhat soft when removed from the oven [13]. They’ll continue cooking slightly as they cool. For optimal results, bake one sheet
at a time on the center rack [1]. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack [9].
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips
Properly storing your red velvet crinkle cookies ensures they remain delicious long after baking day.
How to store cookies for freshness
First and foremost, allow your red velvet cookies with powdered sugar to cool completely before storage. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature,
where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days [10]. Concerning long-term storage, avoid disturbing them too much as this can make the powdered sugar coating look
messy [10]. For maximum freshness, you might add a slice of plain white bread to the container to absorb excess moisture [14].
Freezing dough vs. freezing baked cookies
Freezing baked red velvet crinkle cookies works well for up to 3 months [15]. Alternatively, prepare the dough ahead by rolling it into balls, freezing solid on a
baking sheet for 1 hour, and transferring to freezer bags [16]. Once ready to bake, you can either thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight or roll in sugar and
bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time [15].
Reheating and serving suggestions
To recreate that fresh-baked experience, try these methods:
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Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds [5]
Oven: Warm at 350°F for 3-5 minutes [5]
Air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes [5]
For cookies with hardened edges, wrap in a damp paper towel before microwaving to restore softness [5].
Conclusion
Red velvet crinkle cookies truly stand out as a perfect addition to any cookie collection. These fudgy, brownie-like treats offer both visual appeal and remarkable
flavor while requiring minimal effort. The one-bowl method makes this recipe particularly appealing for bakers at any skill level.
Overall, success with these cookies depends on a few key techniques we’ve covered. Natural cocoa powder creates that authentic red velvet flavor, while gel
food coloring delivers the perfect hue without affecting texture. Additionally, the double sugar coating technique ensures those beautiful cracks develop during
baking.
Most importantly, don’t skip chilling the dough! This step might require patience, but it transforms sticky dough into manageable balls that bake into perfectly
textured cookies. The versatility of storage options means you can prepare these treats ahead for special occasions or keep them on hand for unexpected guests.
Therefore, whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, weekend treat, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth craving, these red velvet crinkle cookies will surely
impress. Their striking appearance combined with rich flavor makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Grab your mixing bowl and get started – those
picture-perfect cookies are just 20 minutes of active time away!
FAQs
Q1. What makes red velvet crinkle cookies unique? Red velvet crinkle cookies are known for their dense, brownie-like texture and striking appearance. They
feature a deep red color contrasted with a white powdered sugar coating, creating a beautiful crackle effect when baked.
Q2. How long does it take to make red velvet crinkle cookies? These cookies can be ready in about 20 minutes of active preparation time. However, for the
best texture, it’s recommended to chill the dough for 2 hours before baking.
Q3. What type of food coloring works best for red velvet cookies? Gel food coloring is ideal for red velvet cookies. It’s more concentrated than liquid coloring,
so you need less, which helps maintain the proper dough consistency. Typically, 1-2 tablespoons of gel coloring is sufficient for a deep red shade.
Q4. How do you achieve the crinkle effect on these cookies? The crinkle effect is created using a double sugar coating technique. First, roll the dough balls in
granulated sugar, then coat them generously in powdered sugar. This method helps the powdered sugar adhere better and creates distinctive cracks during
baking.
Q5. Can red velvet crinkle cookies be made ahead and frozen? Yes, these cookies can be prepared in advance. You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3
months, or freeze the dough balls to bake later. When ready to bake frozen dough, you can roll it in sugar and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the
baking time.