Description
Soft, fudge-like Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with a snowy powdered sugar coating. These striking cookies combine rich cocoa flavor with a festive look, making them perfect for holiday gifts.
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for dough)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons red gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and red food coloring until uniform.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients until dough just forms. The dough will be sticky.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar in one small bowl and powdered sugar in a second small bowl.
- Scoop chilled dough into 1-tablespoon balls and roll them smooth.
- Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously coat completely in powdered sugar.
- Arrange balls on prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and cracked, with set edges.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red without adding excess moisture.
- Do not skip chilling the dough; warm dough spreads too much.
- Rolling first in granulated sugar keeps the final powdered sugar coating bright.
- Bake a test cookie first to check dough spread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American