Name: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Festive)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the dough balls)

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If you’re looking to add a splash of color and a burst of flavor to your holiday cookie platter, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Festive) are a must-make. Soft, chewy, and perfectly crinkled with a beautiful dusting of powdered sugar, they bring the classic charm of red velvet in a fun, portable cookie form. This recipe combines the rich cocoa and vanilla flavors that everyone loves with a festive red hue, making them perfect for any celebration or cozy winter gathering. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are straightforward to whip up and will impress your family and friends every time.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it uses common pantry staples that are easy to find and measure. The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures that the cookies rise just enough to create that signature crinkle effect without spreading too thin. The oil keeps these cookies wonderfully moist and tender, while the eggs bind everything together for a soft, chewy texture. The red food coloring lends that iconic red velvet color without overpowering the subtle cocoa flavor. Plus, the powdered sugar coating not only adds a festive touch but also enhances the cookie’s texture and sweetness. You can rely on this recipe to deliver consistent results every time, making it a trusted choice when you want your holiday treats to shine.

What Goes In

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of the cookie dough for structure.
1/4 cup cocoa powder – adds rich chocolate flavor and depth.
1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cookies rise and create that crinkle texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – reacts with the acidic ingredients to tenderize and leaven.
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens and helps with cookie texture.
1/2 cup vegetable oil – keeps cookies moist and soft.
2 large eggs – bind ingredients together and add richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds warmth and aroma.
1 tablespoon red food coloring – creates the vibrant red velvet color.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – for rolling the dough balls before baking to achieve the crinkle effect.

What’s in the Gear List

Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
Measuring cups and spoons – precise measurements ensure perfect results.
Electric mixer or whisk – for mixing the dough thoroughly.
Baking sheet – to bake your cookies evenly.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cooling rack – for cooling cookies evenly without sogginess.
Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for portioning dough uniformly.

Step-by-Step: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Festive)

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and clean up is a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps combine these ingredients and prevents lumps, giving your cookies a smooth texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is evenly tinted a vibrant red.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can toughen the cookies. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Form and Coat the Cookies

Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This coating is crucial for creating that signature crinkle look on the baked cookies.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and cracked on top but still feel soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps them set perfectly.

Holiday-Friendly Variations

Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy contrast to the cocoa flavor.
Mix in crushed peppermint candies for a festive minty twist reminiscent of Peppermint Hot Chocolate.
Swap vegetable oil for coconut oil to add a subtle tropical note and extra moisture.
Top with a sprinkle of edible glitter or colored sugar for extra holiday sparkle and cheer.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

Cookies spreading too much: Make sure your dough is chilled before baking to help maintain shape.
Dry or crumbly cookies: Avoid overbaking and measure your flour carefully. Too much flour dries cookies out.
Uneven crinkles: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar to ensure a beautiful crackled surface.
Faded red color: Use gel or paste red food coloring for a more vibrant, lasting color compared to liquid dyes.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

Store your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Festive) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and chewy. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have all the details on making these irresistible Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Festive), it’s time to gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get baking. These cookies are sure to become a seasonal staple that everyone looks forward to year after year. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying with a cup of tea, these crinkle cookies bring joy in every bite. Happy baking!

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