Why Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are not just delicious; they’re visually stunning as well. Their bright red color and white powdered sugar coating make them a delightful treat for any occasion. If you enjoy baking cookies that look great and taste even better, this recipe is perfect for you.
These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior. The combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring gives them a unique flavor and appearance that sets them apart from regular chocolate cookies. Whether you are celebrating a special holiday, having a gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will surely impress your friends and family.
They are also quite simple to make. With common ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a batch of these delightful cookies. Plus, they can be made in less than an hour, making them a great option for last-minute baking. Let’s dive into how to make these fantastic treats!
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is simple and enjoyable. Follow these detailed steps to bake your own batch, and soon you’ll have mouthwatering cookies ready to share or devour on your own.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for baking the cookies properly. While the oven is warming up, take the time to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first will help ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Next, beat in one large egg until fully combined. Then, mix in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. The red food coloring is what gives the cookies their signature color, so don’t skip this step!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with dough and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and also enhances the flavors.
Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough. Roll each scoop into a ball between your palms. This process ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: Before placing the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, roll each ball in powdered sugar until it is fully coated. This step gives the cookies their beautiful crinkle appearance once baked.
Bake: Place the cookie balls on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, and the tops should appear crinkled.
Cool: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to set properly before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the aroma while they cool; it will be hard not to sneak a cookie!
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Serving Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is as easy as it gets! Once they have cooled completely, you can present them on a beautiful plate or in a cookie jar for everyone to admire. These cookies are perfect for various occasions.
You can serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or just for a cozy night in. Pair the cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee to enhance the flavor. They also look lovely on dessert tables, especially during festive seasons like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
For an extra special touch, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy contrast with the rich cocoa flavor will delight anyone lucky enough to try them.
How to Store Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
To keep your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you’ve made a large batch, it’s best to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
These cookies can be stored at room temperature for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Afterward, you can transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and food coloring. The quality of your ingredients really affects the final result.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Keep the Size Consistent: To ensure even baking, try to scoop the dough into the same size portions. This will help all the cookies bake uniformly, preventing some from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Ovens can vary in temperature, so check them a minute or two before the suggested baking time is up.
Variations
While the classic Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are delicious on their own, you can add your own twist. Consider these variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for added chocolate flavor. Both milk chocolate and white chocolate chips work well.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
- Cream Cheese Filling: For a decadent twist, try adding a cream cheese filling. Make small balls of cream cheese and freeze them. Then, wrap the cookie dough around the frozen cream cheese balls before baking. This will create a delightful surprise inside.
FAQs
1. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
You can tell if the cookies are done when the edges are firm and the tops are crinkled. The center might look a bit soft, but that’s okay. They will firm up as they cool.
2. Can I use other colors instead of red for the cookies?
Absolutely! You can use different food coloring to create cookies in various colors. Just keep in mind that the cocoa powder will still affect the flavor slightly.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure it’s covered tightly to prevent it from drying out.
By following this straightforward guide, you’ll be making delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. With their perfect blend of flavors and eye-catching appearance, these cookies will quickly become a favorite treat! Happy baking!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg until fully combined, then mix in the red food coloring and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops appear crinkled.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.