Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking during the holiday season, especially when it involves vibrant colors and delightful scents wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: a batch of warm Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies sits cooling on a wire rack, their soft, chewy texture inviting you for just one more bite. As you reach for one, the powdered sugar coating glistens like fresh snow, while the deep crimson hue beckons you to indulge in this festive treat.
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Every bite of these cookies transports me back to my childhood, where the aroma of holiday treats filled the air, mingling with laughter and love. They’re not just cookies; they evoke that warm, fuzzy feeling of holiday gatherings and the endless joy of sharing sweet bites with family and friends. With the holiday spirit in the air, there’s no better time to whip up a batch of these stunning Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get to baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a colorful treat to impress guests or family.
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich cocoa and vanilla blend perfectly, creating a delightful chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their snowy white sugar coating against the vibrant red makes a stunning addition to any dessert table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet gift for friends; everyone loves these cookies!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable; make them gluten-free with a simple flour swap!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base and gives the cookies their structure. For gluten-free cookies, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: It provides the rich, chocolatey flavor. Make sure to use unsweetened; Dutch-processed cocoa will yield a deeper flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Essential for that slight lift, giving your cookies a nice, soft bite.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors in the cookies.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a creamy texture that melds beautifully with the sugar. For dairy-free options, use a plant-based butter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and helps achieve that coveted chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Binding agents that add moisture; use room temperature eggs for the best results.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth; be sure to use pure extract for the best flavor.
- 1 tbsp red food coloring: This gives the cookies their festive hue. Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling: This finishing touch is what makes these cookies so visually appealing, creating that classic crinkle effect.
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having your pans ready ensures you can pop the cookies in as soon as they’re formed, keeping the baking momentum going!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa, ensuring every cookie bakes properly and has that rich, chocolate flavor throughout.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key; it creates tiny air pockets that help the cookies rise, resulting in that soft, tender texture we’re after.
Add Eggs and Coloring: Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract along with the red food coloring. Watch as the batter transforms into a bright red wonder, mixing it thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until there are no streaks of flour remaining. Don’t overmix; your dough will be soft and a bit sticky, which is what we want for those chewy cookies!
Chill the Dough: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is essential; it firmens up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies maintain their lovely shape without spreading too much in the oven.
Form and Coat Dough Balls: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until they’re completely coated. This sugar blanket is what gives the cookies their signature look and adds a sweet touch to each bite.
Bake Until Golden: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will look slightly cracked, which is part of their charm.
Cool: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 3 to 5 minutes, letting them firm up a bit more. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, making sure to enjoy that delightful aroma as they sit!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, stash them in the fridge where they’ll last for about a week. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully; wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll be perfect for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Note that while freezing enhances the flavors, the texture may slightly change, so a quick reheat makes them feel freshly baked again!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t Skip Chilling: It prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies keep that lovely crinkle appearance.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your butter and eggs to room temp for better incorporation, making your cookies even chewier.
- Timing Matters: Keep an eye on them as they bake. They should be soft in the center! If you wait until they look fully set, you’ll miss out on that gooey texture.
- Flavor Boost: Add a touch of espresso powder for an enhanced chocolate flavor that elevates your cookies to another level.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be chilled for a day; just keep it wrapped in plastic to prevent drying out.
Every bite of your sweet, chewy Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is bound to remind you of the cheerful holiday spirit! Whether you bake them for family, friends, or simply as an indulgent treat for yourself, these cookies embody the festive flavors of the season. Try experimenting with different rolling sugars or add festive sprinkles for an extra touch. Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing these delightful treats that bring smiles to anyone who takes a bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a lovely depth of flavor and keep the cookies extra chewy. If you’re using brown sugar, they may be a tad darker, but the taste will be phenomenal!
What can I use instead of red food coloring?
If you’re looking for a more natural option, beet juice can work well to tint your dough red. However, keep in mind that it may alter the cookie’s flavor slightly.
How do I know when my cookies are finished baking?
The edges should look set and slightly puffy, while the center will still feel soft to the touch. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to underbake them slightly for that delightful chewy texture.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, these cookies freeze wonderfully! Just ensure they’re sealed well in an airtight container. They maintain their delicious flavor and can be enjoyed at a later date, just thaw and enjoy!
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📖 Recipe Card
Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are festive treats that combine rich cocoa and sweet vanilla, perfect for holiday celebrations and joyful gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in vanilla and food coloring.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on the baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Chilling the dough is important for preventing spreading during baking.
Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation and texture.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
