Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Sweet Whispers

These red velvet chocolate crinkles offer a perfect balance of moist red velvet cake flavors and a chewy, crackled cocoa surface. The dough is chilled before baking to develop rich texture and intensified taste. Rolling in granulated and powdered sugar creates a delicate crust with a soft interior. Ideal for holidays or anytime sweet cravings arise, they deliver a festive, colorful treat with an easy preparation and baking process. Optional additions like chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting add depth and luxury to this classic dessert.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:57:00 GMT
Warm, cracked Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted in powdered sugar, ready to eat. Save
Warm, cracked Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted in powdered sugar, ready to eat. | butterhollow.com

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

I baked these cookies last year for our holiday get-together and they disappeared in minutes (even faster than the brownies). Everyone loved the chewy centers and the striking crinkle top.

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 flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs & Flavorings:
Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until well blended.
Combine Wet & Dry:
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture gradually, mixing just until a dough forms.
Chill Dough:
Cover bowl and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes, until firm.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
Roll in Sugar:
Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar until well coated.
Bake:
Arrange dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until tops are cracked and centers are still soft.
Cool:
Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
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| butterhollow.com

My kids always get so excited helping roll these cookies in sugar and watching them crackle in the oven. It's become our favorite kitchen tradition every December.

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

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

Calories: 110, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 1 g

A close-up shot of soft, ruby-red Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with crinkled tops. Save
A close-up shot of soft, ruby-red Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with crinkled tops. | butterhollow.com

Bake a batch of these cookies for your next celebration. The beautiful red color and melt-in-your-mouth center make them a showstopper treat!

Kitchen Tips & Answers

What gives these crinkles their red velvet flavor?

A combination of red food coloring, cocoa powder, and classic ingredients like vinegar and vanilla extract create the signature red velvet taste.

Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, allowing for easier handling and better texture that prevents spreading during baking.

How does rolling in sugar affect the cookies?

Rolling first in granulated then powdered sugar forms a crackled crust that contrasts the chewy interior.

Can I add extra chocolate to these cookies?

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

What is the best way to store these cookies?

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

Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this version contains no meat products and is vegetarian friendly.

Red Velvet Chocolate Crinkle

Chewy red velvet chocolate crinkles with a rich cocoa taste, perfect for festive occasions and sweet indulgence.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat duration
12 min
Complete duration
32 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll 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

Method

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: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Phase 03

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until fully combined.

Phase 04

Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until just mixed.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place coated dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.

Phase 10

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

Phase 11

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

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients 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.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 1 g