Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Sweet Crunch

These red velvet chocolate crinkle treats combine rich cocoa and vibrant red hues for a visually striking dessert. The dough is chilled to enhance texture, then rolled in sugar before baking to achieve a crisp outer crackle with a soft, chewy center. Simple to prepare and perfect for festive occasions, these delightful morsels capture the essence of classic flavor with a tender bite, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any sweet gathering.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:38:00 GMT
Warm, crackled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to enjoy. Save
Warm, crackled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to enjoy. | kookycrunch.com

A delightful combination of classic red velvet flavor and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies, perfect for holidays or any special treat.

I first tried making these cookies for a winter party, and they were such a hit that my friends requested the recipe! The tenderness paired with a striking red center and snowy powdered sugar coating makes them irresistible.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 2/3 cups (210 g)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup (20 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g), plus 1/4 cup (30 g) for rolling
  • Eggs, room temperature: 2 large
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • White vinegar: 1 teaspoon
  • Red food coloring (liquid or gel): 1 tablespoon
  • Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60 g) for rolling

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients:
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and flavorings:
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until well combined.
Combine mixtures:
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet. Mix just until combined.
Chill dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Prep oven and sheets:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape dough balls:
Scoop tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls.
Roll in sugars:
Coat each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
Arrange and bake:
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake 11-13 minutes until puffed and cracked outside but soft inside.
Cool:
Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
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Sharing these cookies after dinner with family is always a crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves the snowy crackled tops and the rich cocoa taste that comes with each bite.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups, parchment paper, baking sheets, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat, eggs, milk. May contain traces of nuts depending on ingredient sourcing.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

Calories: 110. Total Fat: 4 g. Carbohydrates: 17 g. Protein: 1 g.

These soft, bright red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies, piled high, offer a delicious texture. Save
These soft, bright red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies, piled high, offer a delicious texture. | kookycrunch.com

Serve these cookies freshly baked for the best texture. Their bold color and flavor always brighten up the dessert table!

Recipe FAQ

What makes the cookies crinkle on top?

The powdered sugar coating cracks during baking, creating the characteristic crinkle effect on the cookie surface.

Can I substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, using a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil can provide a similar texture while keeping the treats moist.

Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling firms up the dough, preventing spreading and ensuring the cookies maintain their shape with a tender crumb.

How can I intensify the chocolate flavor?

Fold in chocolate chips before chilling the dough to add bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.

What's the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Chewy chocolate crinkle cookies infused with classic red velvet flavors, ideal for festive celebrations.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
12 min
Complete duration
32 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 2 large eggs, room temperature
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 1 teaspoon white vinegar
06 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)

For Rolling

01 1/4 cup granulated sugar
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Phase 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Phase 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Phase 03

Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until fully combined.

Phase 04

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Phase 05

Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle.

Phase 06

Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 07

Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll into balls.

Phase 08

Coat Dough Balls: Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.

Phase 09

Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place coated dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Phase 10

Bake Cookies: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until cookies puff and crack on the surface but centers remain soft.

Phase 11

Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter).
  • May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 1 g