Soft and Chewy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Red velvet crinkle cookies are a vibrant and indulgent treat that combine the classic charm of red velvet flavor with the soft, tender texture of a crinkle cookie. Their striking crimson color and delicate powdered sugar coating make them visually appealing, creating an irresistible temptation on any dessert platter. The texture is soft and chewy, with a slightly crisp edge that melts in the mouth, while the subtle cocoa flavor and creamy sweetness make them a festive favorite. Baking these cookies allows home bakers to create a professional-looking dessert without the complexity of layering or frosting.

The process of making red velvet crinkle cookies is both enjoyable and rewarding. Rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking creates the signature crinkled appearance, giving each cookie a unique, homemade look. The combination of ingredients, including cocoa powder, red food coloring, and a touch of vinegar or buttermilk, produces the classic red velvet taste. These cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a treat to brighten any day. Their bold color naturally draws attention, making them a delightful addition to cookie trays, gift boxes, and afternoon tea spreads.

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Ingredients Needed

The following ingredients produce approximately 24 medium-sized red velvet crinkle cookies. The table includes approximate calorie counts for each ingredient.

Ingredient	Amount	Approximate Calories
All-purpose flour	2 and 1/4 cups	1020
Cocoa powder	2 tablespoons	20
Baking powder	1 teaspoon	6
Baking soda	1/2 teaspoon	0
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	0
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup (1 stick)	810
Granulated sugar	1 cup	774
Brown sugar	1/4 cup	210
Eggs	2 large	140
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	12
Red food coloring	2 tablespoons	15
Buttermilk	2 tablespoons	30
Powdered sugar	1/2 cup for rolling	200

Optional: White chocolate chips or cream cheese chunks for extra flavor (add ~100 calories per 1/4 cup).

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure even baking and easy removal. Proper preparation sets the stage for consistent results.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents lumps, contributing to a uniform texture in the cookies.

In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and light in color. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a soft, tender cookie. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.

Add buttermilk to the mixture to balance the acidity from the cocoa and enhance the flavor. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If using optional mix-ins such as white chocolate chips, fold them in carefully.

Pour powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick coating. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately two inches apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. The powdered sugar will crack slightly during baking, creating the signature crinkle effect. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps maintain the soft, chewy interior while preserving the cookie’s shape.

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Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Red velvet crinkle cookies are highly adaptable. To enhance flavor, fold in white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or cream cheese pieces into the dough. For a deeper cocoa taste, increase the cocoa powder slightly and reduce the flour proportionally.

Texture can also be customized. Softer cookies can be achieved by slightly underbaking, while crispier edges can be obtained by baking a few extra minutes. Experimenting with flavored extracts such as almond, orange, or coconut can create unique variations without altering the basic method.

Presentation can be elevated by rolling dough balls in a mixture of powdered sugar and a touch of cocoa or cinnamon for added contrast. For a festive look, use naturally colored powders like beetroot or matcha instead of traditional red food coloring. Chilling the dough before rolling makes handling easier and results in cleaner crinkles. These adjustments allow bakers to produce cookies that are visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.

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Nutritional Information

Each medium red velvet crinkle cookie contains approximately 170 to 200 calories depending on size and optional mix-ins. The cookies provide carbohydrates from flour and sugar, fat from butter, and small amounts of protein from eggs. Cocoa powder adds a hint of antioxidants, while optional chocolate or cream cheese increases calorie content slightly. These cookies are primarily a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Adjustments such as reducing sugar, substituting part of the butter with unsweetened applesauce, or using low-fat dairy can create a slightly lighter version while maintaining the classic flavor and texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Red velvet crinkle cookies are versatile and enjoyable in many settings. Serve them with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for a comforting treat. They are ideal for holiday dessert trays, birthday parties, or festive gatherings, providing a visually striking addition alongside other baked goods.

For an indulgent experience, layer cookies with frosting or sandwich them with cream cheese filling. Packaged in gift boxes or decorative tins, these cookies make excellent homemade gifts. They can be served slightly warm to highlight softness or cooled completely to showcase the crinkled sugar coating. Storing in an airtight container preserves freshness for several days, while freezing the dough or baked cookies allows for longer-term enjoyment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make red velvet crinkle cookies without food coloring
Yes. Natural alternatives like beet juice or powdered beetroot can achieve the red color while adding subtle flavor.

Do I need to use buttermilk
Buttermilk adds moisture and tang, enhancing flavor. You can substitute milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Can the dough be prepared in advance
Absolutely. Dough can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen before rolling and baking.

How do I make cookies softer or chewier
Slightly underbake the cookies and cool on the baking sheet to retain a soft, chewy center.

Can I add chocolate or nuts
Yes. White chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or finely chopped nuts enhance flavor and texture.

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Conclusion

Red velvet crinkle cookies are a festive, indulgent, and visually striking treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their soft, tender texture, subtle cocoa flavor, and signature crinkle make them a standout among holiday and everyday desserts. Baking these cookies offers satisfaction and creative expression, allowing customization in flavor, texture, and presentation. Sharing them with family and friends enhances celebrations and creates lasting memories. The combination of flavor, visual appeal, and soft-chewy texture makes red velvet crinkle cookies a timeless and beloved favorite in any baker’s repertoire.