Introduction
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the fun texture of crinkle cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and boast a visually striking crackled top, making them perfect for any occasion. With a rich cocoa flavor balanced by a hint of tanginess from buttermilk, they are sure to please everyone who tries them. Whether for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a sweet indulgence, these cookies will be a hit.
Ingredients
200g all-purpose flour
20g unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
120g unsalted butter, softened
150g granulated sugar
50g brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
120ml buttermilk
1 tsp red gel food coloring
100g powdered sugar (for rolling)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 18 cookies
Directions
1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Mix in the buttermilk and red food coloring.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
7. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Roll the chilled dough into 25g balls, then coat each ball generously with powdered sugar.
9. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
10. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Buttermilk and Food Coloring
Mix in the buttermilk and red gel food coloring until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the previously whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the dough is firm.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 8: Form Cookie Balls
Roll the chilled dough into 25g balls, then coat each ball generously with powdered sugar.
Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for spreading.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are beautifully crackled.
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Tip on Texture
For the best texture, make sure to not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the crackled effect on top; don’t skip this step.
Storage Instructions
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Baking Time Variance
Oven temperatures can vary; check the cookies a minute or two earlier than recommended to prevent overbaking.
Storage Instructions
To store your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw frozen cookies, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for various occasions. Serve them on a dessert platter at parties, or pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for an indulgent experience. You can also top them with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor!
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (approximately):
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Sodium: 90mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 17g
– Dietary Fiber: 0g
– Sugars: 9g
– Protein: 1g
Please note that nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to modify the recipe, here are some substitutions you can consider:
– For all-purpose flour, use gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
– Substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with Dutch-process cocoa for a richer flavor.
– Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan option.
– Instead of buttermilk, you can use 120ml of milk mixed with 1 tsp of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
– If you don’t have red gel food coloring, you can use another liquid food coloring or omit it altogether for plain chocolate cookies.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisk dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and prevent clumping.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy to incorporate air, which helps the cookies rise.
Adding Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and food coloring gradually to maintain a smooth batter and enhance flavor.
Chilling the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to firm up, which makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading while baking.
Rolling Cookie Dough
Roll the chilled dough into balls and coat them with powdered sugar before baking to achieve a beautiful crinkle effect.
Baking Techniques
Monitor the baking time closely to achieve slightly soft centers. Cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
Cooling Process
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to ensure optimum texture.
FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk adds tanginess. If you substitute with regular milk, consider adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar effect.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
What can I use instead of gel food coloring?
Liquid food coloring can be used as a substitute, but gel provides a more vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency.
Why are my cookies not crinkling?
If cookies don’t crinkle, it may be due to insufficient chilling time, overmixing the dough, or not rolling the balls in enough powdered sugar.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are not only delightful in appearance but also in taste. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the rich cocoa flavor and subtle tanginess from the buttermilk, creates a delicious treat that is perfect for celebrations or casual snacking. With their festive red hue, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
White Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cookies
Add white chocolate chips to the dough before chilling for a creamy contrast to the cocoa.
Red Velvet Crinkle Sandwich Cookies
Sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert.
Red Velvet Crinkle Brownies
Transform these cookies into brownies by adjusting the baking time and pan size for a rich, fudgy dessert.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Use the cookies as the perfect base for ice cream sandwiches for a fun twist.
Mint Chocolate Red Velvet Crinkles
Incorporate mint extract into the dough for a refreshing flavor that complements the cocoa.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with Pecans
Mix in chopped pecans to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Trifle
Layer pieces of the cookies with whipped cream and berries to create an elegant dessert trifle.