Name: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1⅔ cups All-Purpose Flour; ⅓ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 1½ teaspoons Baking Powder; ¼ teaspoon Salt; ½ cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature; 1¼ cups Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 tablespoon Milk; 1½ teaspoons Liquid Red Food Coloring; 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; Powdered Sugar, for rolling

Ingredients

1⅔ cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

1¼ cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon milk

1½ teaspoons liquid red food coloring

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer.

Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions.

Step 4: Mix in the milk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract at medium speed until blended. Scrape the bowl and mix again to ensure everything is incorporated.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture on medium-low speed, scraping down the bowl sides between additions until a smooth dough forms.

Step 6: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to one day.

Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 8: Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough, roll into balls, then immediately roll each ball in the powdered sugar.

Step 9: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until cookies are set and tops have cracked.

Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper red color, add a bit more red food coloring, but avoid too much to prevent a bitter taste.

Use natural cocoa powder for a milder flavor or Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer taste.

Chilling the dough ensures less spreading and helps create those signature crinkles.

Substitute milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and slightly softer texture.

FAQs

Can I freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough either in ball form or as a whole batch tightly wrapped. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking for best results.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

Without red food coloring, the cookies will look more like chocolate crinkle cookies but will still be delicious. You can try natural alternatives like beet juice, but color and flavor may vary.