Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for Festive Christmas Baking

If you’re looking for a fun baked goods recipe to brighten up your holiday season, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are just the ticket! I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, decided to help me bake cookies, and we ended up with flour everywhere. It was a mess, but we laughed so much and made some delicious treats. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re a vibrant red, making them a festive addition to any holiday spread.
• The crinkle effect gives them a delightful texture that everyone loves.
• They’re easy to make, so you can involve the whole family in the baking fun.
• The rich chocolate flavor paired with cream cheese makes them irresistible.

Pure Comfort

These cookies are pure comfort, bringing warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. Their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor will make you feel right at home, no matter where you are.

What You Need

• 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 ml) – Can use melted coconut oil if desired.
• 1 1 large egg – Ensure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Feel free to use almond extract for a twist.
• 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g) – Sifted for better texture.
• 1/3 cup 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (40 g) – Use Dutch-process cocoa for a richer taste.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder – This helps the cookies rise.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp baking soda – Balances the acidity of the cocoa.
• 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g) – For rolling the cookies before baking.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect crinkle.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. The mixture should look glossy and smooth, which means you’re on the right track.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until everything is blended nicely and the mixture is creamy. This adds richness to your cookies.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures a consistent texture.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that holds together without being tough.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that lovely crinkle effect when baked.
7. Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives your cookies a beautiful snowy finish.
8. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread while baking, so give them room to breathe.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled. They’ll look slightly soft in the middle, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This way, they won’t fall apart and you can enjoy them warm!

Make It Perfect

• For an extra festive touch, add some red and green sprinkles on top before baking.
• If you want a cream cheese filling, simply mix 4 oz of cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and pipe it into the center of the cookies after they cool.
• Make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing new dough on them to prevent spreading.
• If you find the dough too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

Mix It Up

• Try adding white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast.
• Substitute half the cocoa powder with finely ground espresso for a mocha flavor.
• For a minty twist, add 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract to the dough.

Perfect Partners

• Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa.
• They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Try them alongside a festive fruit platter for a balanced treat.

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FAQs

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking lineup. With their festive color and delightful taste, they make perfect red Christmas desserts. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with your loved ones!

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for Festive Christmas Baking

Soft, chewy red velvet crinkle cookies with a rich chocolate flavor and festive crinkle texture, perfect for holiday gatherings and family baking fun.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g, can substitute with brown sugar for deeper flavor
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil 120 ml, can use melted coconut oil if desired
• 1 large egg room temperature for better mixing
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or almond extract for a twist
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 120 g, sifted for better texture
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 40 g, use Dutch-process cocoa for richer taste
• 1 tsp baking powder helps cookies rise
• 1/2 tsp baking soda balances acidity of cocoa
• 1/4 tsp salt enhances the flavors
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar 60 g, for rolling before baking

Equipment

• Oven
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and perfect crinkle.
2. Mix granulated sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl until glossy and smooth.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract and stir until creamy and well blended.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly combine.
5. Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form a soft dough.
6. Chill dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes to achieve crinkle effect.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and roll into balls, then coat thoroughly in powdered sugar.
8. Place dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and tops are crinkled but slightly soft in center.
10. Let cookies cool on baking sheet a few minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.