As the holiday season approaches, there’s an unmistakable buzz in the air, driven by excitement and a love for festive treats. Picture this: your kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies, while the vibrant red color of Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies beckons everyone to gather. I discovered this delightful recipe during a family get-together, when my niece eagerly asked if we could bake something special for her friends.
What I love most about these cookies is how effortlessly they elevate any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients – think rich cocoa, sweet vanilla, and a splash of red food coloring – you can create a batch that not only looks beautiful but also melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even novice bakers can join in on the fun! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s bring some cheer to your dessert table with these scrumptious treats that are sure to wow everyone!
Why You'll Love This Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- These cookies are a breeze to make, taking just a short time to prep and bake, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- The rich chocolatey flavor combined with the vibrant red hue creates an irresistible treat that is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
- With their unique texture and sweet taste, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
- Plus, their versatility means you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your festive occasions and personal preferences.
Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake these irresistible treats!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – This is the base for your cookies, providing the perfect structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that complements the red velvet beautifully.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that delightful texture.
- Baking powder – Essential for a light and fluffy cookie, helping them rise beautifully.
- Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in the cookies.
- Vegetable oil – Keeps the cookies moist and adds richness to each bite.
- Large eggs – Help bind the ingredients and create a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract – Introduces a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- Red food coloring – This is the star ingredient that adds that festive pop of color to the cookies.
For Rolling
- Powdered sugar – Coating the cookies in this turns them into sweet, crinkly delights that look stunning on any dessert spread.
How to Make Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful crinkled top. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step is important to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which will help your cookies rise beautifully.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix well until everything is combined and the mixture is vibrant and luscious.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just mixed; be careful not to overmix, as this could result in tough cookies. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough.
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Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial for a firmer dough that is easier to scoop and roll later.
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Form Cookie Balls: Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring they are generously coated for that signature crinkle effect.
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Bake Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about two inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the tops are crinkled and slightly firm. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Optional: Dust with more powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; they’ll retain their delicious softness and taste.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the unbaked dough in individual balls, wrapped tightly in plastic, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply pop leftovers in the microwave for a few seconds or heat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are the perfect solution for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the mixing and chilling steps (just be sure to cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out). Once your dough is ready, simply scoop and roll the cookie balls in powdered sugar before baking. When you’re set to bake, preheat your oven and arrange the coated dough balls on baking sheets, then bake for 12-14 minutes. You’ll find that this preparation keeps the cookies just as delicious while saving you valuable time when guests arrive!
Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these delicious cookies to match your taste or dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies friendly for everyone. They’ll still keep their delightful texture and flavor.
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Vegan: Swap the eggs for a flax or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds with 2.5 tablespoons water) to create a binding effect while keeping it plant-based.
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Minty Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients for a refreshing, holiday-inspired flavor. Imagine that cool aftertaste mingling with the rich cocoa!
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Nutty Delight: Include chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added flavor. The warmth of the nuts complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for those who enjoy a hint of heat. The surprise kick will leave your taste buds dancing!
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Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips for an extra dose of sweetness and gooey chocolate in every bite. This twist indulges any chocoholic’s craving.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Roll the cookie balls in red or green sprinkles along with powdered sugar for a festive touch that’ll wow at any holiday gathering.
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate a tablespoon of lemon zest into the dough for a zesty flavor boost that brightens up the cookies. It’s a refreshing change that’s simply delightful!
What to Serve with Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
As you indulge in the eye-catching, melt-in-your-mouth experience of these delightful cookies, consider what delicious treats can accompany them.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the cookies’ sweetness, creating a cozy, comforting treat for the holiday season.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of silky vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the dense texture of the cookies, making each bite feel indulgent.
These two additions enhance the festive spirit while providing a variety of flavors and temperatures that balance beautifully with the crinkle cookies.
- Spiced Coffee: The warm, spiced notes in your cup will beautifully accentuate the rich cocoa in the cookies, making every moment enjoyable.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A small dollop of sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie elevates their flavor profile, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Bright and refreshing, mint adds a crisp, vibrant note that offsets the sweetness of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.
With these pairings in mind, you’re sure to create an unforgettable dessert table that brings joy and warmth to all gatherings!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- To avoid overmixing the dough, combine the dry and wet ingredients just until you no longer see flour; this will keep your cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough for at least an hour is essential to help the cookies maintain their shape and achieve that classic crinkle texture.
- Bake in a preheated oven as using an unheated oven can lead to uneven baking and less desirable cookie texture.
Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How can I choose the right ripeness of ingredients for baking?
Absolutely! For the best results with your Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, it’s important to use fresh ingredients. Ensure your eggs are fresh—check the expiration date on the carton. For the best flavor, use granulated sugar that isn’t clumpy. With flour, make sure you don’t see any signs of pest infestation or dark spots, which could indicate spoilage.
What is the best way to store baked cookies, and how long will they last?
Very good question! Store your Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and they will keep their delightful softness. If you’d like to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to wrap them well to keep them from drying out!
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely, you can freeze your cookie dough! To do this, scoop the dough into individual balls and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then roll in powdered sugar and bake as directed!
What should I do if my cookies don’t crinkle as expected?
If your Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies don’t crinkle, don’t worry! Here’s a handy troubleshooting step: make sure your dough has been properly chilled for at least an hour, as this helps control the spread during baking. Also, ensure you’re generously coating the dough balls in powdered sugar, which creates that beautiful crinkle effect. A quick oven temperature check can help too; if it’s too low, your cookies won’t rise and crinkle properly!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for these cookies?
Great question! These cookies contain eggs and vegetable oil, which are common allergens. For a vegan alternative, you can replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) and use a plant-based oil. Always check food coloring for potential allergens if you’re baking for someone with sensitivities. It’s best to inform your guests about the ingredients, just to be safe!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- parchment paper
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cups Vegetable oil
- 2 large Large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Red food coloring
For Rolling
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
Instructions
How to Make Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, blend the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just mixed to avoid overmixing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Scoop tablespoons of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes until crinkled.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheets before transferring them to wire racks.
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