Name: The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour carefully measured; 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ¾ cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 3-4 drops red gel food coloring; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling); ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

When it comes to delightful treats, few can rival the charm of The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. These cookies not only burst with vibrant red color, but they also deliver the perfect balance of soft and chewy textures. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious! Ideal for a variety of occasions, from festive celebrations to simple afternoons at home, these cookies are guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Their rich taste, enhanced by a hint of cocoa, makes them a delightful addition to any cookie platter.

This recipe stands out not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its simplicity. In under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of these delectable treats ready to share (or keep for yourself!). With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these crinkle cookies up with ease. Plus, the fun of rolling the dough in both granulated and powdered sugar adds an interactive element that makes these cookies a joy to create!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are sure to delight both your taste buds and your eyes. Here are some reasons why this recipe shines:

Beautiful Presentation: Their vibrant red color and powdered sugar topping create a striking visual impact.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a texture that’s satisfying to bite into, making them an irresistible treat.
Easy to Make: This simple recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy baking delicious cookies without fuss.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a birthday party, or just a sweet craving, these cookies fit any scenario.
Customizable: The flavors can be tailored easily with variations in ingredients to suit anyone’s preference.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on your cookie-making adventure, it’s essential to set up your kitchen efficiently. Start by gathering all your ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salted butter, vegetable oil, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, red gel food coloring, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure to measure your flour carefully to avoid dense cookies! You’ll need two shallow bowls for rolling the cookies, parchment paper for lining the baking sheets, and a whisk or mixer for mixing the dough. A scooper or spoon will help you portion out the cookie dough more evenly, which is crucial for uniform baking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these scrumptious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour carefully measured
2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
¼ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3-4 drops red gel food coloring
1 tablespoon milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes for easy cleanup later. Next, set out two shallow bowls—one filled with granulated sugar and the other with powdered sugar, which you will use to roll the cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Your Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened salted butter and vegetable oil until you achieve a creamy consistency. Add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, blending until everything is fluffy and well combined. It’s crucial to scrape the sides of your bowl regularly to ensure all ingredients are incorporated, leaving no trace of sugar or butter behind.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Color

Once the butter and sugars are whipped together, crack in the eggs. Pour in the vanilla extract and the red gel food coloring, mixing until you get a uniformly colored, vibrant red mixture. This visual transformation is one of the highlights of this recipe!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. The goal is to create a soft, slightly sticky dough. Finally, add the milk to achieve that perfect texture.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough and roll each ball in the granulated sugar first, ensuring it’s coat evenly. Then, roll it in the powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look. Be gentle when rolling to maintain the dough’s shape—avoid flattening them!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring each ball is spaced about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading while baking. Now, slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let them bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re aiming for set edges with soft centers.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This crucial resting time helps the cookies retain their soft centers while developing that coveted crinkle texture on top. Once they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

If you’d like to give your cookies a personal twist, consider these variations:

Protein: Incorporate flavors by experimenting with chocolate chips or nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts.
Vegetables: For a touch of health, consider adding shredded zucchini or pureed sweet potato for added moisture and sweetness.
Spices: Ad your favorite spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, for an additional depth of flavor to your cookies.

Cooking Notes

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy blending.
Do not overbake; keep an eye on them to ensure they remain soft.
If your dough seems too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your red velvet crinkle cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sophisticated afternoon snack.
These cookies also make for an exceptional dessert when served with vanilla ice cream.

Tips

For a more intense flavor, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before shaping and baking.
Test the doneness of the cookies with a toothpick; it should come out moist but not wet.
To enhance the visual presentation, dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar just before serving.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
Protein: 1.5 grams
Sodium: 40 mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Yes, you can substitute the red gel food coloring with any food coloring of your choice, but the consistency may vary.

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or the baked cookies themselves. Just make sure they are properly sealed to avoid freezer burn.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are an experience! With their rich flavor, delightful texture, and striking appearance, these cookies are bound to be a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them alone, they are sure to brighten your day. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and get ready to impress with these stunning cookies. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below!