Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

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 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

120g unsalted butter, softened

150g granulated sugar

50g brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

120ml buttermilk

1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon 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.