Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, bringing all the rich flavors into a perfectly chewy cookie form. These cookies are as visually stunning as they are delicious, with a vibrant red color contrasted by a crinkly white powdered sugar coating that invites you to take a bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just craving something sweet and festive, these cookies are sure to impress.

The magic behind these cookies lies in their texture and flavor combination. Soft and tender on the inside, with a slightly crisp and crackly exterior, they strike the perfect balance. The hint of cocoa blends beautifully with the subtle tang of buttermilk and the warmth of vanilla, all wrapped up in that iconic red hue. This recipe is straightforward yet yields bakery-quality results, making it a wonderful choice for bakers of any skill level looking to add a bit of wow-factor to their cookie repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon (15ml) red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
1 teaspoon white vinegar
For Coating:
1 cup (125g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Beat in the egg, then add the red food coloring and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk with the white vinegar and let it sit for a minute to curdle slightly (this mimics buttermilk if you don’t have any on hand).
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix to keep cookies tender.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps in shaping and prevents spreading.
Remove the dough from the fridge and scoop out tablespoon-sized portions, rolling each into a smooth ball.
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until well coated. This coating creates the signature crinkle effect as the cookies bake.
Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers still soft and slightly underbaked for the perfect chewy texture.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy the cookies once fully cooled or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy to Medium

Tips & Variations

For the richest flavor and color, use a gel-based red food coloring.
Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the right cookie texture.
Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
Chilling the dough is crucial for shape and texture.
If you want thicker cookies, bake for a minute or two less and let cool on the tray.
Variation Tip: Try adding white chocolate chips or a hint of cinnamon for a flavor twist.
Substitution Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, the vinegar + milk mix works perfectly as shown in the recipe.
Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Tip: Warm slightly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.
Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be made and refrigerated overnight before baking to deepen flavors.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)

Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate any occasion with something both beautiful and delicious, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a fantastic choice. Their enticing color and tender, chewy texture make them perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or simply indulging yourself with a sweet treat. Pair them with a glass of milk, cup of coffee, or tea for an especially cozy moment.

Give this recipe a try and bring a little festive flair to your baking. Don’t forget to share your baking results and any creative variations you try—I love hearing from fellow cookie enthusiasts!