Print

Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Easy Homemade Recipe

red velvet crinkle cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

These Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, fudgy, and beautifully crackled with a snowy powdered sugar coating. An easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for holidays, gifting, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural, not Dutch-processed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
  • 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring (e.g., Americolor Super Red or Wilton Red-Red)
  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted if lumpy

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk for about 20 seconds to evenly distribute. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  4. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk until well combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—this is normal.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring and ½ teaspoon white vinegar. Mix on low speed until the color is evenly distributed and vibrant red.
  6. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed just until combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom of the bowl. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This is essential for the perfect crinkle texture.
  8. While the dough chills, place ½ cup powdered sugar in a small bowl. Sift if clumpy.
  9. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar, coating completely. For best results, roll twice.
  10. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  11. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look puffed and cracked on top, with edges set but not browned. Centers will look slightly underdone.
  12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. The crinkles will become more pronounced as they cool.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes—this is non-negotiable for the perfect crinkle. Roll dough balls twice in powdered sugar for a snowy crust. Don’t overbake; cookies continue to set as they cool. Use gel food coloring, not liquid, for vibrant color without altering dough consistency. For best flavor, bake a day ahead and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet crinkle cookies, red velvet cookies, crinkle cookies, Christmas cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, soft cookies

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/perfect-red-velvet-crinkle-cookies-easy-homemade-recipe/