Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Printable Version)
Fudgy, vibrant cookies with crackly powdered sugar—soft in the center and festive for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
11 - 1 tablespoon red food coloring, liquid or gel
→ Coating
12 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set mixture aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition.
05 - Mix in vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until well integrated and batter is evenly tinted.
06 - Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix dough.
07 - Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill dough in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for easier handling.
08 - Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls between your palms.
09 - Generously roll each dough ball in sifted powdered sugar to coat the exterior.
10 - Place coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
11 - Bake cookies for 11 to 13 minutes, until they are puffed with crackled surfaces and centers remain soft.
12 - Leave cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- Uses simple pantry and fridge staples you likely already have
- Ready in about half an hour plus optional chill time
- Bright and festive color makes them perfect for gifting or parties
- Soft and moist center with crisp edges for the best texture
02 -
- High in festive spirit ideal for holidays Chocolate flavor with tangy notes
- Keeps soft for days if stored well
- Easily doubled for a crowd
03 -
- If you want extra bold cracks be generous with the powdered sugar coating
- The dough is sticky after mixing so do not skip the chill time For uniform cookies use a cookie scoop and rotate your trays halfway through baking for even color and rise Never overbake or they will lose that dreamy soft center