Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Sweet Little Treats

These red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies bring together the perfect balance of rich cocoa and vibrant red hues. Soft centers with cracked, sugary exteriors offer an irresistible texture contrast. With simple ingredients and a brief chilling period, they're easy to prepare for holidays and celebrations. For added decadence, consider folding in chocolate chips or pairing with cream cheese frosting to elevate the experience.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:28:00 GMT
Close-up view of perfect, crinkled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted in powdered sugar. Save
Close-up view of perfect, crinkled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted in powdered sugar. | blipbite.com

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

I first made these for a festive holiday gathering and they quickly vanished from the cookie tray. Their vibrant color and irresistible chocolatey cracks make them a showstopper every time.

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: 1/2 cup (115 g), softened
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g) for dough, 1/4 cup (30 g) for rolling
  • Eggs: 2 large, room temperature
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • White vinegar: 1 teaspoon
  • Red food coloring: 1 tablespoon, liquid or gel
  • Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60 g) for rolling

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Incorporate eggs and flavorings:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until fully combined.
Combine wet and dry mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Chill dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle.
Prepare oven and baking sheets:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape and roll cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar to coat.
Bake:
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until puffed and cracked but centers are still soft.
Cool:
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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My kids love rolling the dough balls in the sugar and watching them bake into pretty cracked cookies that always get plenty of compliments from our guests.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter). May contain traces of nuts if processed in facilities handling nuts. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie contains approximately 110 calories, 4 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.

Freshly baked Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a crackled surface; a delicious dessert treat. Save
Freshly baked Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a crackled surface; a delicious dessert treat. | blipbite.com

Enjoy these cookies as a festive sweet treat and make them a special part of your celebrations or cozy gatherings.

Kitchen Guide

What gives the cookies their red color?

The vibrant red hue comes from red food coloring, which can be either liquid or gel-based for a more intense color.

How do I achieve the crinkled surface?

Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates the signature cracked and crinkled appearance as the cookies expand in the oven.

Can I add chocolate chips to these treats?

Yes, folding in chocolate chips before chilling the dough adds extra chocolate flavor and texture variation.

How long should the dough be chilled?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to roll and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

What is the ideal baking temperature and time?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11-13 minutes until the cookies puff up and develop cracked surfaces but remain soft inside.

How should these treats be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Chewy red velvet chocolate crinkle treats with rich cocoa and vibrant color for festive moments.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
12 min
Complete duration
32 min
Created by Megan Lewis


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Nutrition Guidelines 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 1/2 cup powdered sugar
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Method

Phase 01

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

Phase 02

Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Phase 03

Incorporate eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring, mixing until fully combined.

Phase 04

Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 07

Shape dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll into balls.

Phase 08

Coat dough balls: Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar to evenly coat.

Phase 09

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

Phase 10

Bake cookies: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until cookies puff and surfaces crack but centers remain soft.

Phase 11

Cool: Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools needed

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter).
  • May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities.
  • Verify ingredient labels if sensitivities exist.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 1 g