Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies | Soft, Sweet & Easy Recipe

Valentine’s Day calls for something sweet, soft, and a little dramatic. These red velvet crinkle cookies deliver all of that rich cocoa aroma, soft centers, and snowy powdered sugar that cracks into the prettiest patterns as they bake. Each bite feels like a cozy celebration wrapped in red.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

You’ll love how simple and rewarding these cookies are to make. They taste like classic red velvet cake but in soft, chewy form. The deep red hue and powdery white crinkles make them a showstopper for any Valentine’s dessert tray. They’re also freezer-friendly, beginner-proof, and made from basic pantry ingredients. Wrap a few in parchment, and you’ve got a thoughtful edible gift ready to share.

Ingredients Overview

Flour builds the cookie’s soft structure, while cocoa adds that signature red velvet flavor. Baking powder gives a gentle lift, keeping each cookie light. Butter and sugar cream together for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Eggs and vanilla add richness, and red gel food coloring creates that bold color without watering down the dough. Finally, powdered sugar gives the cookies their striking crinkle finish once baked.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your cookies rise properly and bake with an even texture.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in the vanilla and red gel food coloring until the dough turns a deep, even red.

Combine and Chill the Dough

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir just until no streaks remain. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up and develop those beautiful crinkles during baking.

Shape, Coat, and Bake

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. Coat each generously in powdered sugar and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still look soft. Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Crinkles Every Time

Use gel food coloring for a vivid red that won’t thin the dough. Avoid overmixing after adding flour so your cookies stay tender. Chilling is key for keeping that round shape and getting perfect crinkle lines. Coat each cookie thickly in powdered sugar before baking for the most dramatic contrast.

Yield, Bake Time, and Key Details

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Plan for 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of chilling, and a 10–12 minute bake. Each cookie has around 179 calories with 6g of fat, 28g of carbs, and 4g of protein. You’ll get soft centers, crisp edges, and a hint of cocoa in every bite. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Ideas for Valentine’s Day

These cookies shine on their own, but you can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for a playful twist. Arrange them beside cherry pie cookie cups for a fruity Valentine’s Day dessert or mix them with peppermint bark brownies for a festive chocolate twist for a beautiful dessert spread. Their bright red color makes them perfect for sharing with someone special.

FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Soft pumpkin snickerdoodles with cozy spices
• Chewy pumpkin cookies perfect for fall and holidays
• Easy pumpkin pie bars with creamy filling
• Chocolate chip banana bars for a sweet treat
• Banana pudding cheesecake bars for creamy indulgence

Conclusion

Red velvet crinkle cookies are simple to make, lovely to share, and guaranteed to brighten any Valentine’s table. The soft red centers and sugar-dusted tops look like tiny gifts from the oven. Bake a batch, wrap a few for someone you love, and watch how quickly they disappear. You can find even more ideas and holiday treats on Pinterest and Facebook.

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