If you’re searching for a festive cookie that brings together a perfect touch of softness, chewiness, and a delightful crackled look, this Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies offer a beautiful red hue, a subtle cocoa flavor, and an irresistibly powdered sugar-coated exterior that makes each bite a celebration on its own. Whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings or simply craving a sweet treat with a holiday twist, this recipe delivers charm, flavor, and the cozy feeling only homemade cookies can provide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Every item plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, rich flavor, and that iconic festive color that’s sure to impress.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides the soft, tender crumb without adding extra saltiness to the cookie.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve the chewy texture we love.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for that soft interior.
- Milk (1 tbsp): Enhances moisture and tenderness in the cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Cocoa powder (1 tbsp): Delivers that classic red velvet hint of chocolate.
- Red food coloring (1 tsp): Gives the cookies their iconic festive red color that steals the show.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): The backbone of the cookie, creating structure and chew.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Adds slight lift for a soft, tender cookie.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling the dough to create that signature crinkle look.
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies will be soft yet chewy, setting the perfect base for our Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies recipe.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. These components add richness and moisture, making your cookies tender and flavorful while infusing that classic vanilla warmth we all adore during the holidays.
Step 3: Incorporate Cocoa and Red Food Coloring
Add the cocoa powder to bring in a subtle hint of chocolate, followed by the red food coloring to make those cookies stand out with their merry, vibrant hue. This combination is a hallmark of red velvet treats and gives the crinkle cookies their signature look.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form your dough. Handle gently to maintain the tender texture that defines this Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Chill the Dough for 30 Minutes
Wrap your dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest period helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing each cookie’s taste and texture.
Step 6: Shape and Coat with Powdered Sugar
Roll the chilled dough into small balls, then generously coat each ball in powdered sugar. This step creates the delightful crackled appearance as the cookies bake, bringing festive charm to every bite.
Step 7: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 Minutes
Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake—the edges should be set while the centers stay soft and chewy, just perfect for these Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cookies visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible red glitter or finely crushed peppermint candy on top right after baking. The contrasting sparkle or minty crunch adds a playful holiday touch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, warm spiced cider, or a cup of rich hot chocolate. The creamy drinks balance the sweet, tender cookies perfectly, making every bite feel extra cozy and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe in festive tins lined with parchment paper or stack them in a mason jar tied with a colorful ribbon for an adorable gift. You can also serve alongside a holiday dessert buffet with a variety of cookie shapes and flavors for a stunning seasonal spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and chewy delight without drying out, so every bite tastes fresh as when you first baked them.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls or baked cookies. Place dough balls on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well too and just need to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to warm your cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This revives their softness and melty goodness, reminding you of fresh-baked holiday comfort.
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
Yes, you can. Just know that natural cocoa powder is more acidic and will slightly alter the flavor. If you want a true red velvet taste, Dutch-processed cocoa usually gives that milder, smoother chocolate note.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can try using natural alternatives like beet juice or powdered beetroot, but the color will be less vivid. For the best vibrant reds that pop in this Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe, traditional red food coloring is recommended.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix designed for cookies. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly, so a bit of experimentation might be needed!
Why do these cookies have a crinkle appearance?
The powdered sugar coating is key. As the dough bakes and expands, the surface cracks and breaks through the sugar coating, giving the signature festive crinkle look that’s so charming.
How soft or chewy are these cookies?
They’re soft and chewy with a slight tender crumb thanks to the butter and balanced leavening. The chilling step helps maintain that texture and prevent spreading, so they keep their perfect shape and bite.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of sharing a batch of Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe with loved ones during the holidays. These cookies are easy to make, full of festive spirit, and deliver that perfect balance of soft, chewy, and beautifully cracked for an eye-catching treat. So, gather your ingredients, warm up your oven, and create memories with this deliciously charming holiday favorite!
Print
Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft and chewy with a rich cocoa flavor and a vibrant red color, perfectly coated in powdered sugar to create a festive crackled finish. Ideal for holiday celebrations, these cookies bring a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that stands out on any cookie platter.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Coating
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender and airy cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Flavorings: Mix in the egg, milk, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dough has a smooth, bright red appearance.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough forms and the ingredients are evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping maintain the crackled appearance.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely, which will create the signature crinkle effect as they bake.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The powdered sugar cracks during baking, giving the cookies their festive appearance.
Notes
- For best results, use a gel-based red food coloring to achieve vibrant color without altering dough consistency.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft in the middle for a chewy texture.
- You can refrigerate the dough longer than 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.
- Rolling generously in powdered sugar creates the classic crackle look, so don’t skimp on this step.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
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