Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Printable)

Rich cocoa cookies with vibrant red color and crinkled powdered sugar coating. Perfect for sharing during holidays.

# 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 salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
10 - 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

→ For Rolling

11 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

# Method:

01 - Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
02 - Beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy using an electric mixer.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, red food coloring, and distilled white vinegar until well integrated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined without overworking the dough.
05 - Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until sufficiently firm for shaping.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Place powdered sugar and additional granulated sugar into two separate shallow bowls for coating.
08 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough, roll into balls, then coat first in granulated sugar followed by a generous coating of powdered sugar.
09 - Place dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
10 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until tops crack and cookies are set but maintain softness at the center.
11 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under two hours with hands-on time of just thirty minutes
  • No stand mixer required for easy clean up
  • Festive and eye-catching for holiday parties or cookie swaps
  • Stays soft for days so you can make ahead
  • Even kids can help roll the dough and coat in sugar
02 -
  • These cookies are a classic choice for cookie swaps and gift boxes
  • Red velvet is all about a subtle cocoa tanginess layered under the sweetness
  • Powdered sugar gives that iconic crinkle top with no extra effort
03 -
  • Definitely use gel food coloring for that classic intense red you see in bakeries
  • Do not skimp on the chilling time because this step controls the texture and prevents the dough from spreading too much
  • Sift your powdered sugar for the best crinkle finish

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