If you’re looking for a delicious treat that brings together flavor and a stunning appearance, look no further than Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. These soft and chewy cookies boast a rich red hue, thanks to cocoa powder and food coloring. With their signature crinkly tops dusted in powdered sugar, they not only taste great but also make an impressive addition to any dessert table. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour
For this recipe, you will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour. This ingredient provides the structure needed to support the rich flavors of the cookie while allowing it to maintain its softness.
Cocoa Powder
You’ll need 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. This adds depth of flavor and enhances the chocolate notes in the cookies without making them overly sweet.
Baking Powder
Use 1 teaspoon of baking powder. This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly during baking, creating that perfect soft texture everyone loves.
Salt
A pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) is essential in balancing sweetness. It enhances all flavors in your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies and prevents them from tasting flat.
Granulated Sugar
You will require 1 cup of granulated sugar. This ingredient sweetens the dough and contributes to the lovely caramelization that occurs during baking.
Brown Sugar
Use 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of richness to each bite.
Vegetable Oil
You need 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for this recipe. It provides moisture and fat, ensuring that the cookies remain tender and chewy after baking.
Eggs
Two large eggs are necessary for binding all ingredients together. They add structure as well as moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract
One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract enhances flavor, adding warmth and depth that complements the cocoa perfectly.
Red Food Coloring
Add one tablespoon of red food coloring to achieve that vibrant hue characteristic of red velvet treats. Adjust the amount based on your desired intensity.
Powdered Sugar
You’ll need about 1 cup of powdered sugar for dusting before baking. It creates that signature crinkly look on top while adding just a touch more sweetness.
Step By Step Recipe: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture. While waiting for the oven to heat up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or greasing them lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until thoroughly combined. This mixture will provide structure to your cookies while ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the dough.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, mix together 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar until well blended. Add in 1/2 cup vegetable oil followed by two large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth using an electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
Add Food Coloring
Pour in one tablespoon of red food coloring into your wet mixture. Stir gently until fully incorporated; this gives your cookie dough its signature vibrant color that makes them stand out beautifully at any gathering!
Incorporate Dry Mixture
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; do not overmix! The dough should come together nicely but still be slightly sticky due to the oil content.
Chill The Dough
Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid; place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight if possible. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking while enhancing flavors in each cookie.
Scoop The Dough
Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out balls of dough (about two tablespoons each). Roll them between your palms into smooth balls before rolling each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated; this creates that classic crinkly appearance once baked!
Bake The Cookies
Place rolled dough balls onto prepared baking sheets approximately two inches apart; bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them as they can quickly go from perfect to overdone!
Cool Before Serving
Remove from oven once done; allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful treats warm or at room temperature!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies on their own or alongside a glass of milk or coffee for an indulgent treat! Consider pairing with cream cheese frosting drizzled over each cookie for extra sweetness—perfect for special occasions like birthdays or holidays!
Storage Guidelines
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days; they will retain their softness beautifully! If you want longer storage options, consider freezing unbaked cookie dough balls—just thaw before baking whenever you’re craving fresh cookies again!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is not measuring ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little flour can lead to cookies that are either too dry or too sticky. Always use a kitchen scale for precision, or spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup for the best results.
Another frequent error is overmixing the dough. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Aim for a dough that is slightly lumpy but well combined.
Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Make sure to preheat your oven before baking, as this ensures even cooking. An oven thermometer can help verify that your oven reaches the correct temperature, preventing burnt edges or undercooked centers.
Not letting your dough chill is another mistake many bakers make. Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. Aim to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
Lastly, ignoring the cooling time can affect texture. Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack allows them to firm up without breaking apart. Patience here pays off with perfect cookies.
Tips and tricks
For perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, always choose high-quality cocoa powder and red food coloring. The cocoa should be unsweetened and rich in flavor, while gel food coloring provides vibrant color without affecting the dough’s consistency. Avoid using liquid coloring, as it may add too much moisture.
When rolling your cookie dough into balls, coat them generously in powdered sugar before baking. This coating creates that signature cracked appearance as they bake and also adds sweetness to each bite. Make sure every surface of the dough ball is covered for best results.
Consider adding chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for an extra layer of flavor. These additions create delicious pockets of melted chocolate that complement the cocoa’s richness beautifully. Adjust the amount based on your preference; a half cup usually works well.
Additionally, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. Cake flour has less protein than regular flour, resulting in softer cookies with a delicate crumb. This small change can elevate your cookie game significantly without much effort.
Lastly, be mindful of baking times when making these cookies. Each oven varies slightly, so start checking your cookies a couple of minutes before the recipe suggests. You’re looking for edges that are set while still slightly soft in the center; they will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.
Suggestions for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Pair your freshly baked Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat! The creaminess complements the rich flavors beautifully while balancing sweetness.
Consider serving these cookies at parties or special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas gatherings. Their festive red color and unique appearance make them an eye-catching dessert that guests will love.
You could also package these cookies as gifts during holidays or special events. Wrapping them in decorative boxes with ribbons adds a personal touch and shows you care about presentation as well as taste.
For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, try adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to your cookie batter for added warmth and flavor depth during colder months. This small adjustment can create an entirely new taste experience!
Finally, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness and softness. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them; simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy again!
FAQs
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies stand out due to their vibrant red color and unique cocoa flavor profile combined with creaminess from butter and sugar. The crinkles come from rolling them in powdered sugar before baking, which creates those beautiful cracks on top when baked properly.
Can I use different types of food coloring?
Yes! While gel food coloring is preferred because it doesn’t alter moisture levels in the dough, liquid food coloring can be used if you’re cautious about how much you add. Just remember that too much liquid may affect texture; hence it’s best to use gel when possible.
Your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are ready when the edges appear set but still soft in the middle; they will firm up once cooled on racks! Keep an eye on them starting at around eight minutes into baking time since ovens vary greatly.
Can I freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze these cookies effectively, allow them to cool completely first, then layer between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag before placing them in the freezer. They can last several months; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
If your cookie dough feels too sticky after mixing it together, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. Chilling firms up butter content within while helping manage stickiness effectively!
These delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week if stored properly in an airtight container away from direct sunlight! For longer storage options—freezing works wonders too!
Summary
In summary, creating delightful Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies involves avoiding common mistakes like incorrect measurements and overmixing while applying helpful tips throughout preparation and baking processes enhances flavor profiles significantly! Pairing suggestions elevate presentations further alongside proper storage measures ensuring lasting enjoyment over time makes this treat truly worthwhile!
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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat with their rich red color and soft, chewy texture. Dusted with powdered sugar, they make for an elegant dessert perfect for any occasion!
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, mix the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined.
4. Add the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the oil mixture and stir until blended.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Refrigerate dough for about 30 minutes to help it firm up.
7. Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
8. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
10. Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Please ensure that the dough is chilled before baking to achieve the perfect crinkle effect.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: red velvet, cookies, dessert, baking