Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Sweet Comfort Bakes

Experience a delightful combination of classic red velvet and rich cocoa in these soft, chewy chocolate crinkles. The dough is chilled to enhance texture, then rolled in sugar for a cracked, sweet exterior. Perfectly baked to retain soft centers with a slightly crisp surface, these treats offer a festive touch ideal for holidays or special moments. Optional chocolate chips enrich the flavor further, while suggestions like cream cheese frosting add indulgent layers.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:07:00 GMT
Soft, crackled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Soft, crackled Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to eat. | lovelyserena.com

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

I remember making these cookies for a family holiday party, and they were the first to disappear from the dessert table. Their vibrant color and rich flavor always spark excitement and requests for the recipe among friends and relatives.

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

Instructions

Prepare the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the 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 wet and dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Chill the dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle.
Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
Portion and roll dough:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar to coat.
Bake the cookies:
Place coated dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until cookies are puffed and cracked but centers are still soft.
Cool cookies:
Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save to Pinterest
| lovelyserena.com

These cookies have become a cherished tradition in my family, especially during winter holidays when everyone gathers to decorate and share sweet treats.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter). May contain traces of nuts due to processing conditions. Always verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

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

Warm, freshly baked Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with their distinct red color and fudgy centers. Save to Pinterest
Warm, freshly baked Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with their distinct red color and fudgy centers. | lovelyserena.com

Enjoy these cookies fresh with a glass of milk or bring them to your next celebration for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ask About This Recipe

How does chilling the dough affect the texture?

Chilling firms the dough, helping the cookies maintain their shape and develop a tender, chewy interior with a cracked surface.

Can I add chocolate chips to enhance flavor?

Yes, folding in chocolate chips before chilling adds bursts of rich chocolate, complementing the red velvet base beautifully.

What gives these treats their distinctive red color?

Red food coloring, preferably gel for vibrancy, provides the iconic rich red hue associated with this classic flavor.

Why roll the dough balls in powdered and granulated sugar?

This coating creates a sweet, crackled exterior that contrasts with the soft, moist interior after baking.

What’s the best way to store these baked treats?

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

Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Soft, chewy treats infused with red velvet and rich chocolate flavors for delightful indulgence.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
12 minutes
Overall Time
32 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat

What You Need

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

How To Make It

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: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy using a mixer or whisk.

Step 03

Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each; then add vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring, blending until homogeneous.

Step 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Chill the 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 dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll each into a ball.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Step 10

Bake cookies: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until puffed with cracked surfaces but soft centers.

Step 11

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter).
  • May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities.
  • Verify ingredient labels carefully if allergic.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 110
  • Lipids: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 1 g