Red Velvet Crinkle Christmas Cookies

What kind of recipe is it?

Red Velvet Crinkle Christmas Cookies are a delightful twist on classic holiday treats, combining the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the fun, textured surface of crinkle cookies.

These vibrant, eye-catching cookies are dusted with powdered sugar, giving them a festive touch perfect for celebrations. With their soft, chewy interior and slight cocoa undertones, they’re sure to please both children and adults alike.

Ideal for holiday gatherings or gift-giving, these cookies will add festive cheer to any occasion, making them a must-try for baking enthusiasts.

Ingredients

This table outlines all the necessary ingredients and their respective quantities needed to create delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Christmas Cookies.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and position the oven rack in the center. Line a baking sheet (approximately 43 x 30 cm or 17 x 12 inches) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 240 g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour, 20 g (2 tablespoons) of cocoa powder, 5 g (1 teaspoon) of baking powder, 5 g (1 teaspoon) of baking soda, and 2.5 g (1/2 teaspoon) of salt. Whisk to thoroughly blend the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together 115 g (1/2 cup or 1 stick) of unsalted butter, 200 g (1 cup) of granulated sugar, and 100 g (1/2 cup) of brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Add 2 large eggs, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of vanilla extract, and 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of red food coloring to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and smooth, approximately 1–2 minutes.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined and no visible flour remains. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, which will make it easier to handle.
7. Place 125 g (1 cup) of powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Once chilled, using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls about 3–4 cm (1.5 inches) in diameter.
8. Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar until completely coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5 cm (2 inches) apart.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges and slightly cracked on top. They’ll look soft but will firm up as they cool.
10. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
12. Enjoy your festive Red Velvet Crinkle Christmas Cookies once they’ve cooled!

Variations

• Chocolate Chunk Variation: Add 150 g (1 cup) of semi-sweet chocolate chunks to the dough for a rich chocolate explosion in every bite.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the eggs with 60 g (1/4 cup) of unsweetened applesauce and use 115 g (1/2 cup) of coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free and egg-free cookie.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with 240 g (2 cups) of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free while maintaining their delicious texture.
• Peppermint Twist: Incorporate 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of peppermint extract into the dough and top each cookie with crushed candy canes before baking for a festive flavor.

Tips on plating and presentation

After experimenting with delicious variations of Red Velvet Crinkle Christmas Cookies, it’s time to think about how to serve them.

I love placing them on a festive platter, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra charm. Pair them with holiday-themed napkins and perhaps some seasonal greenery.

These small touches enhance the visual appeal and make your cookies the star of the dessert table!

What other dishes can I pair it with?

Wondering what other dishes I can pair with my Red Velvet Crinkle Christmas Cookies?

I love serving them alongside a rich cream cheese frosting or a tangy raspberry sauce. They also complement holiday-themed cheesecakes or peppermint bark perfectly.

For added fun, try them beside a platter of assorted desserts, like gingerbread or sugar cookies, to create a festive spread.

What drinks can I pair it with?

Looking for the perfect drinks to pair with your Red Velvet Crinkle Christmas Cookies?

I love serving them with a creamy hot chocolate or a rich vanilla latte.

If you prefer something sharper, a glass of spiced cranberry juice works wonders, too.

For an adult twist, try pairing them with a festive red wine or a velvety Baileys Irish Cream.

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?

Absolutely, you can use a different flavor of cake mix! I’ve tried several, like chocolate and vanilla, and they all turned out delicious. Just remember to adjust any flavors or add-ins as needed!

How Long Can These Cookies Be Stored?

I typically store cookies for about a week at room temperature. If I’ve got extras, I freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to keep them fresh!

Are These Cookies Suitable for Freezing?

Yes, I freeze these cookies all the time! Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months.

Can I Make Them Gluten-Free?

Absolutely, you can make them gluten-free! I usually swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just guarantee the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Enjoy these treats without worry—trust me, they’re delicious!

What Is the Best Way to Transport Them?

I usually stack the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keeping them cool and out of direct sunlight also helps maintain freshness during transport. You’ll love the results!