Red velvet crinkle cookies are a dreamy dessert that captures the essence of Valentine’s Day. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with that iconic red velvet flavor that combines chocolatey richness with a slight tanginess. Their vibrant red hue is perfect for this romantic holiday, and the powdered sugar coating gives them an elegant, crinkled finish that makes them look as good as they taste. Perfect for sharing with your loved one or gifting to friends, these cookies are a simple way to show you care. Best of all, they’re easy to make and require just a handful of pantry staples, making them ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re a fan of red velvet or just looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat, these crinkle cookies are a must-try. Their soft, fudgy texture and beautiful presentation will have everyone reaching for seconds. The cookies can also be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a little sweetness on Valentine’s Day.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe ticks all the boxes for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal equipment, and delivers a stunning result every time. The cookies are soft, fudgy, and packed with a rich cocoa flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the tanginess of cream cheese or buttermilk. Plus, their striking red color and powdered sugar finish make them an instant eye-catcher.
These cookies are also versatile. You can customize them by adding white chocolate chips, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a hint of peppermint for a unique twist. Whether you’re making these cookies as a romantic gesture or as a fun baking activity with kids, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Three Factors That Contribute to the Best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Proper Chilling of the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking and achieve the signature crinkle effect.
- Quality Cocoa Powder: Using high-quality cocoa powder adds depth to the red velvet flavor and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
- Generous Powdered Sugar Coating: Rolling the cookies in plenty of powdered sugar before baking ensures they develop that beautiful crinkle pattern and a sweet outer layer.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Red food coloring
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk or cream cheese (optional)
- Powdered sugar
Tools and Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Spotlight: Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is the unsung hero of this recipe. It provides the deep, chocolatey flavor that balances the sweetness of the cookies and complements the tangy undertones of red velvet. Additionally, cocoa powder’s rich color helps create the vibrant red hue that’s so iconic to this dessert. Using a high-quality cocoa powder ensures a robust flavor and smooth texture in the final product. Discover the incredible health benefits of cocoa powder in our detailed guide: 10 Health Benefits of Cocoa Powder You Should Know.
Ingredient Notes
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Red Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red hue without altering the texture of the dough.
- Buttermilk or Cream Cheese: Optional, but adds a slight tanginess that enhances the red velvet flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: The coating not only creates the crinkle effect but also adds a touch of sweetness.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Variations: Add white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast or mix in chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Substitutions: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
- Color: Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade. You can even experiment with other colors for different occasions.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance.
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and ensures a soft, chewy texture.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This helps create evenly-sized cookies, ensuring consistent baking.
- Double Coat in Powdered Sugar: For a more pronounced crinkle effect, roll the dough balls twice in powdered sugar.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies as soon as the edges are set. The centers may look slightly underdone but will firm up as they cool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Chill Time: Warm dough spreads too much, resulting in flat, less attractive cookies.
- Using Too Little Powdered Sugar: This can result in a patchy crinkle effect.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of soft and tender.
- Overbaking: Overbaked cookies lose their fudgy texture and become dry.
Troubleshooting Guide: Fixing Common Issues
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking.
- Crinkle Effect Is Weak: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar and ensure the oven is preheated properly.
- Dry or Crumbly Texture: Avoid overbaking and measure ingredients accurately.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Arrange the cookies on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair them with a bowl of fresh strawberries or a glass of milk for a classic combination. You can also package them in decorative boxes or bags tied with a red ribbon to make thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts.
Pairing Suggestions
- Beverages: Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of chilled milk.
- Desserts: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse for an indulgent dessert platter.
Storage Instructions
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
My Favorite Tools to Make This Dish
- Cookie Scoop: For uniform-sized cookies.
- Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Stand Mixer: For quick and efficient mixing of the dough.
Shop This Post
This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please read the affiliate disclosure.
This Dutch-processed cocoa powder is celebrated for its rich, reddish-brown color and robust chocolate flavor, making it an excellent choice for red velvet recipes. Its high fat content contributes to moist and tender baked goods.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat
These red velvet crinkle cookies are soft, fudgy, and packed with rich chocolatey flavor. Coated in powdered sugar, they develop a beautiful crinkle effect that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, these cookies are easy to make and loved by all. They’re guaranteed to be a festive hit!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk if using. Mix until just combined.
-
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Chilling ensures the cookies hold their shape and achieve the signature crinkle effect.
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
-
Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick coating.
-
Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
-
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
