Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Sweet & Toasty Treats

This dessert combines the rich flavor of classic red velvet with the chewy texture of chocolate crinkles. Made from a blend of cocoa, flour, and vibrant red coloring, the dough is chilled before shaped into balls and rolled in sugars for a crackled, sweet coating. Baking until soft-centered and puffed, these treats deliver a festive and indulgent bite perfect for holidays or any gathering. Options like adding chocolate chips or pairing with cream cheese frosting enhance the flavor profile, while easy preparation and baking times make them accessible for cooks of all levels.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:12:00 GMT
Warm, crackled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to eat. Save
Warm, crackled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to eat. | toastytongs.com

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

Every time I bake these cookies, they disappear from the plate within minutes. They've become a family favorite during the winter holidays, and I love seeing the kids marvel at their vibrant red hue and crinkled tops.

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) 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 (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. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Blend Wet Ingredients:
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring; mix until fully combined.
Combine Wet & Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Chill Dough:
Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle.
Prep Oven & Sheets:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape & Coat:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough, roll into balls, then roll in granulated sugar, followed by powdered sugar to coat.
Bake:
Place balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until cookies are puffed and cracked but centers are still soft.
Cool:
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
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My grandmother always requested these cookies for our annual holiday tea. Baking them together has become a special tradition in our family, reminding us of warmth and togetherness.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups & 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 labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie: 110 calories, 4 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein

Chewy Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with vibrant red color, perfect for a holiday treat or celebration. Save
Chewy Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with vibrant red color, perfect for a holiday treat or celebration. | toastytongs.com

Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven with a cup of milk or tea. Their gorgeous color and rich flavor will brighten any celebration.

Recipe FAQ

What gives the cookies their red color?

A tablespoon of red food coloring, either liquid or gel, is used to create the vibrant red hue characteristic of these treats.

How do you achieve the crackled sugar coating?

The dough balls are rolled first in granulated sugar, then generously coated in powdered sugar before baking, producing the signature cracked surface.

Why is chilling the dough important?

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

Can I add other ingredients to increase chocolate flavor?

Yes, folding in half a cup of chocolate chips before chilling adds a richer chocolate taste and texture.

What is the best way to store these treats?

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

Are these treats suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, they contain no meat products and are classified as vegetarian.

Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Chewy red velvet chocolate crinkles with rich cocoa and a festive red hue, great for sharing.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
12 min
Complete duration
32 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Dietary 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 1/2 cup powdered sugar
02 1/4 cup granulated 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: Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll into balls. First roll each ball in granulated sugar, then coat generously with powdered sugar.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Bake: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until cookies have puffed and cracked on the surface but remain soft in the center.

Phase 10

Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring 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 each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter). May contain nut traces due to shared processing facilities. Verify ingredient labels for allergy concerns.

Nutritional information (per portion)

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