Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Sweet & Savory Treats

Experience the vibrant flavors of red velvet paired with the rich chewiness of chocolate crinkles. This easy-to-make treat requires chilling the dough for an hour, creating perfectly cracked, soft-centered delights. Rolled in granulated and powdered sugar, these cookies offer a balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for festive gatherings or everyday indulgence. Adding chocolate chips or pairing with cream cheese frosting enhances their appeal.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:59:00 GMT
Close-up of vibrant red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies, coated in powdered sugar, ready to eat. Save
Close-up of vibrant red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies, coated in powdered sugar, ready to eat. | nibbromeals.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 cookies for a holiday cookie swap and they quickly became everyone's favorite. The deep red color always brings cheer to any gathering, and the crinkled sugar coating never fails to impress.

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:
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.
Add eggs and flavorings:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring; mix until fully combined.
Combine dry and wet 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 to bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape and coat:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar to coat.
Bake cookies:
Place coated dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and the surface is cracked, but centers are still soft.
Cool down:
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Warm, gooey red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies fresh from the oven, with a cracked, sugary top. Save
Warm, gooey red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies fresh from the oven, with a cracked, sugary top. | nibbromeals.com

Every December, my family gathers in the kitchen to roll dough balls and dust them with sugars. Making these cookies together is now a cherished tradition that fills our home with laughter and the smell of chocolate.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls are essential for separating dry and wet ingredients. Use an electric mixer or whisk to cream your butter and sugar, and measure everything precisely for perfect results.

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

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

Stacked plate of homemade red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies, a classic dessert with a delightful texture. Save
Stacked plate of homemade red velvet chocolate crinkle cookies, a classic dessert with a delightful texture. | nibbromeals.com

Enjoy these cookies with a cup of milk or coffee. They're festive, chewy, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Common recipe questions

What gives the cookies their red velvet color?

Liquid or gel red food coloring is added to the dough, giving the cookies their signature red velvet hue.

Why is the dough chilled before baking?

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

How do I achieve the cracked surface on the cookies?

Rolling the dough balls in granulated and then powdered sugar creates the characteristic cracked texture on the surface as they bake.

Can I enhance the chocolate flavor in these treats?

Yes, folding in chocolate chips before chilling adds extra chocolate intensity and texture.

What is the best way to store these baked cookies?

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

Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

A delightful blend of rich red velvet and chocolate crinkles, perfect for special occasions or holiday treats.

Time to prep
20 minutes
Time to cook
12 minutes
Overall time
32 minutes
Creator Ethan Cole


Level of difficulty Easy

Cuisine type American

Serves 24 Number of servings

Nutrition info Meatless

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

Cooking steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Arrange Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Step 10

Bake Cookies: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until edges are set, surfaces crackled, and centers remain soft.

Step 11

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

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. Unsure? Talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter)
  • May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities

Nutrition details per serving

Details are shared for reference only. Reach out to your doctor with any health questions.
  • Energy (calories): 110
  • Total fat: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 17 grams
  • Protein content: 1 grams