Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Warm Cookies & Cakes

These chewy red velvet chocolate crinkles combine the smooth, rich flavor of cocoa with a festive red hue. The dough is chilled before baking to achieve soft centers with delightfully cracked surfaces. Rolled in sugars for a sweet crust, they offer a balance of tender crumb and a slight crunch. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these treats bring a classic holiday touch with every bite.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:46:00 GMT
Warm, crackled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted in powdered sugar, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Warm, crackled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted in powdered sugar, ready to eat. | flourhollow.com

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

I remember the first time I baked these cookies with my kids and how much fun they had rolling dough balls in powdered sugar. It quickly became a holiday tradition in our house.

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) + 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:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs & Flavor:
Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until combined.
Combine & Chill:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Cover dough and refrigerate at least 30 minutes until firm.
Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape & Coat Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar.
Bake:
Place coated balls on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes until puffed and cracked but soft centers.
Cool:
Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
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Sharing these cookies during winter nights with my family always brings laughter and warmth to our kitchen table.

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. 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.

A close-up of soft, chewy Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a perfect dessert for any occasion. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of soft, chewy Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a perfect dessert for any occasion. | flourhollow.com

Let your cookies cool fully before storing for best texture and taste. Enjoy every chewy bite of these festive delights!

Recipe FAQs

What gives the cookies their red color?

A tablespoon of red food coloring is used to create the vibrant red hue characteristic of these cookies.

Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

How do I achieve the crackled surface?

Rolling dough balls in granulated and powdered sugar before baking promotes the signature cracked texture on top.

Can I add extra chocolate to these?

Yes, folding in chocolate chips before chilling enhances the chocolate flavor and adds texture.

How should these cookies be stored?

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

Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Chewy red velvet chocolate crinkles with cracked tops and rich cocoa notes, ideal for special occasions.

Prep Duration
20 mins
Cook Duration
12 mins
Overall Time
32 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 24 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined without overmixing.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Coat Dough Balls with Sugars: Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously coat with powdered sugar.

Step 09

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

Step 10

Bake Cookies: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the cookies are puffed, cracked on the surface, and centers remain soft.

Step 11

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter). May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 110
  • Fat content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Protein Amount: 1 g