Introduction to The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
As a busy home cook, I know how valuable time can be. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies! These delightful treats are not just visually stunning with their bright red hue, but they’re soft and chewy too. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a last-minute office treat, these cookies are sure to impress! When life gets hectic, having a quick and simple dessert recipe at your fingertips is a game-changer. Trust me, you’ll love the compliments they bring!
Why You’ll Love This The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ah, the magic of cookies! The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies offer you a sweet escape from the chaos of daily life. They come together in a flash, so you won’t be tethered to the kitchen. Plus, their unique flavor and rich color will have everyone buzzing with excitement. You’ll love that they’re not only delightful to eat but also leave a stunning impression. Who said quick desserts can’t be fabulous?
Ingredients for The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in crafting The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our cookie dough, giving it structure.
- Cocoa powder: It adds a lovely chocolatey flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda: It works alongside baking powder for added lift and a tender texture.
- Salted butter: Using salted butter enhances the flavor and creates that rich, creamy base.
- Vegetable oil: This keeps the cookies moist and chewy, giving them that delightful texture.
- Light brown sugar: It’s moisture-rich and adds caramel notes, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This sugar adds a lovely crunch to the cookie’s exterior.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and contribute to a lovely texture.
- Red gel food coloring: This vibrant hue is what makes these cookies visually pop!
- Milk: Just a splash helps to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Vanilla extract: A couple of drops will make everything taste just a bit more magical.
- Granulated sugar for rolling: This gives the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Powdered sugar for rolling: It creates that signature crinkly look, making your cookies irresistible!
For specific measurements, don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for a handy list to print. Every ingredient plays a role, ensuring these cookies are as delightful in flavor as they are in looks!
How to Make The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Sugar Bowls
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, set up two shallow bowls—one filled with granulated sugar and the other with powdered sugar. These will be your secret weapons in achieving that beautiful crinkle effect!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, take your softened butter and vegetable oil. Beat them together until they’re creamy and fluffy—this is where the magic begins! Then, add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat it all together until the mixture is smooth and luscious. Scraping the sides of the bowl is a must, so no delicious bits are left behind!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring
Next, it’s time for the stars of our dough! Crack in the large eggs, pour in the vanilla extract, and add those magical drops of red gel food coloring. Stir until they’re evenly incorporated. You want that rich, beautiful red color to shine through like a California sunset!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. This mix is essential for that perfect texture! Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, followed by the splash of milk. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix; we want these cookies tender and lovely!
Step 5: Form and Roll Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. First, roll them in the granulated sugar, making sure they’re well coated. Next, dip them in the powdered sugar, pressing gently to cover them evenly. This double roll is what gives The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies that signature, crinkly look!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread without crashing into one another! Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set, while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for that chewy bite!
Step 7: Cooling Process
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the centers to finish cooking while keeping them delightfully soft. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack. This step helps to develop that perfect crinkle and enhances the flavors. Just try to resist eating them all at once!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant hue; it won’t water down the dough.
- Don’t overbake! Cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center.
- Cool cookies on a wire rack to maintain that soft, chewy texture.
- For flavored variations, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or espresso powder.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A standard one will do, but a heavy-duty sheet helps distribute heat evenly.
- Parchment paper: Use any type of non-stick baking mat if you don’t have parchment!
- Mixer: A hand mixer works great, but a stand mixer saves time and energy.
- Baking spatula: Any wide spatula can help transfer cookies without breaking.
Variations of The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist, and consider folding in mini chocolate chips!
- White Chocolate Chips: Swap some of the granulated sugar for white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet surprise inside the cookies.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make these crinkle cookies accessible for everyone.
- Less Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of brown and granulated sugars for a lighter treat that still tastes amazing.
- Nutty Flavor: Fold in crushed walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic pairing that never fails!
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert experience.
- For a festive touch, present the cookies on a colorful platter dusted with additional powdered sugar.
- Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
FAQs about The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Absolutely! However, gel food coloring gives a richer red hue without changing the dough’s texture. If using liquid food coloring, you may need to adjust the flour slightly.
How do I store The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just roll them in sugars and place them in an airtight container. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What if my cookies don’t crinkle?
If they don’t crinkle as expected, it could be due to underbaking or not rolling them well in powdered sugar. Make sure to coat them thoroughly!
Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Definitely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and they’ll be just as delicious! Enjoy these easy cookies without worry.
Final Thoughts
Making The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug on a busy day. These cookies bring not just joy but also memories, whether it’s baking with your kids or surprising a friend. The delightful blend of flavor, texture, and that eye-catching color will surely leave both you and your loved ones smiling. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making them the perfect solution for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe for sweetness and smiles!
Print
The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Easiest Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and visually stunning with their vibrant red color and powdered sugar coating. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress!
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)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set up two shallow bowls, one with granulated sugar and one with powdered sugar, for rolling your cookies later.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened salted butter and vegetable oil until creamy. Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl a couple of times so nothing is left behind.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red gel coloring, and stir until the dough is evenly colored and beautifully red.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Fold these dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture, then add the milk and mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Scoop the dough and roll each portion first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar, pressing lightly to coat evenly without flattening. This double roll is what gives the cookies that classic crinkle look.
- Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers stay soft and tender.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then place them on a wire rack. This short resting time ensures the centers remain soft while the tops develop that perfect crinkly texture.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature.
- The cookies will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
