Name: Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; Powdered sugar for rolling

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The aroma of baking cookies wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy kitchen filled with holiday cheer. As the cookies expand in the oven, their soft, chewy texture begs to be paired with a delightful crunch of powdered sugar, creating the signature crinkle finish of these stunning treats. Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies not only bring color to your dessert table but also warmth to your celebrations. Memories of gathering around with family to enjoy festive bakes remind me of the joy and laughter that fills the room, creating bonds that last far beyond the holidays.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

With their rich, deep red hue and a soft snowy coating, these cookies are eye-catching and delightful. Ideal for holiday gifting or as a standout addition to your cookie platter, this recipe brings together the timeless allure of red velvet with the playful charm of crinkle cookies. Dive into the magic of the season with these cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or making new memories with loved ones in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of baking ensure these cookies come together in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: Soft and chewy with a subtle chocolate flavor and a hint of vanilla, these cookies will have you coming back for more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red color contrasted with the white powdered sugar makes these cookies a showstopper for any holiday gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a festive treat for Christmas parties, or as a sweet snack to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa.
Diet-Friendly Options: Depending on your dietary needs, substitutions for gluten-free or dairy-free options can easily be made!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookies, providing structure. For gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor and depth. Look for high-quality cocoa for the best taste.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise beautifully. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it! You can use sea salt for a touch of gourmet flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, it creates a tender dough. You can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the texture. Brown sugar can also add a bit of caramel flavor if desired.
Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, yielding a luscious texture. Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother mix.
Vanilla Extract: A must for flavor! Always go for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
Red Food Coloring: This vibrant addition brings the red velvet theme to life. Use gel food coloring for a more intense color without adding too much liquid.
Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies before baking, creating that trademark crinkle effect.

How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This simple step makes a world of difference when you’re ready to bake your cookies!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This dry mix will create a well-rounded flavor and texture. Be sure to combine thoroughly to avoid any dry clumps in your cookie dough.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, ensuring your cookies are soft and chewy!

Add Eggs and Coloring: Now it’s time to get a bit more colorful! Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring until the batter is a vibrant hue. Don’t be afraid to add a tad more food coloring if you want a deeper shade!

Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until there are no streaks of flour. The dough will be soft and a bit sticky, which is exactly what you want for that perfect chewy texture!

Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough firm it up, making it easier to handle when you start rolling the cookies.

Form and Coat Dough Balls: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar till they are fully coated. This snowy coating will create the gorgeous crinkle finish in the oven!

Bake: Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. You’ll know they’re ready when they puff up and start cracking on the surface!

Cool: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain the chewy texture while allowing the flavors to develop.

Storing & Reheating

These Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them up briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor may change slightly after freezing, so consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar upon serving to refresh their festive look!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your butter is truly softened to room temperature; cold butter won’t blend well with the sugar.
If your dough seems too soft, don’t hesitate to chill it a bit longer for easier handling.
Watch your baking time closely; underbaking just a minute can provide that perfect soft center.
Consider adding chocolate chips to the dough for an extra melty surprise!
You can replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar to enhance the cookies’ flavor and moisture.
Feel free to add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles on the cookie dough before baking for a delightful holiday touch!

These Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies come with so many benefits, from their colorful charm to their soft, chewy textures. They’re the perfect treat to share during the holiday season, and they invite creativity, so don’t hesitate to show off your unique twists. No matter how you shape them or where you share them, you’re bound to spread joy and sweetness like never before.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many brands offer good options that mimic regular flour well. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep everything safe for those with sensitivities!

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week. If you have more cookies than you can eat within that time, freeze them instead! Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for up to three months.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough! Simply scoop the dough into balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies don’t crumble the way I’d like?

If your cookies aren’t crinkling, it could be due to overmixing the dough. Ensure you mix just until combined, as overmixing can lead to denser cookies. Also, be sure to chill the dough properly before baking, which helps maintain the desired texture and form.