Red velvet is more fine and rich compared to chocolate cake, typically.
Red velvet cake calls for vinegar and buttermilk
Buttermilk is what gives red velvet it’s tangy taste.
Vinegar helps to give the super tender crumb we all love!
Ingredients needed
All-Purpose Flour: Use the spoon and level method to measure the flour properly. 1 cup is ~125 grams if using a scale.
Cake flour: Cake flour is a lot softer, lighter, and finer than All-Purpose flour. It has less protein than All-Purpose flour, so your red velvet cookies will be softer and more delicate. 3/4 cup is about 94 grams.
Buttermilk Powder: This is an optional ingredient in these cookies but I did test this recipe with it. If you can get your hands on it, try it out! If not, no biggie. Buttermilk is what gives red velvet it’s tangy taste.
Cocoa powder, unsweetened: The cocoa powder helps gives that acidic kick while reacting with buttermilk, and gives the cookies their deep brown maroon color.
Butter: Unsalted, cold butter
Too cold of butter (frozen butter) = won’t cream properly.
Too soft of butter = dough will be heavy and greasy.
Cold butter = perfect temperature for thick cookies that won’t spread too much. 💯
I have tested my cookies with softened butter and it works well too but most of the time I forget to take the butter out 1 hour before baking. That’s why you’ll see my recipes use cold butter, and they cookies turn out great.
If you do want to use softened butter, don’t let it sit out on the counter longer than 1 hour. To check if it’s softened and at room temperature, when you press it, your finger will make an indent. Your finger won’t sink down into the butter.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Using a combination of both gives a good structure and enough moisture.
Eggs: Eggs help to create structure and stability in the cookie dough. Use room temperature eggs to create a lighter, fluffier crinkle cookie.
Pure Vanilla extract: The vanilla extract acts as another rich base note of flavor to the cookie, and it can help highlight the chocolate flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a touch, you won’t taste it! It’s normal to use in red velvet desserts. You can also use distilled white vinegar. It also helps to react with the baking soda.
Milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate or semi sweet)
Confectioners’ sugar (for rolling): The confectioners’ sugar is the final touch to this cookie! It adds a beautiful look to the resulting crinkle cookie and makes it a perfect holiday cookie.
Step by Step Directions
Mix together dry ingredients: Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Cream the butter and sugars together: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to thoroughly cream the butters and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Shape dough balls into ~7, 5 oz. large cookies. (You can make smaller if you’d like).
Roll each cookie dough ball generously in the confectioners’ sugar.
Place cookies on an un-greased cookie sheet or baking sheet and gently press cookies down just a little to flatten them.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes at 400°F
Let cool, transfer to cooling rack or parchment paper and enjoy!
Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Yes. Making the cookie dough in advance also helps develop the flavors. Make sure to keep the dough chilled in the fridge before baking. Can be stored for up to 4 days prior to baking. Allow to come to room temperature, roll dough in confectioners sugar and bake.
Can I freeze red velvet cookies?
Yes, these red velvet crinkle cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze them once they have cooled in a Ziplock baggie, Stasher bag, or freezer friendly container.
They will freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw, I like to leave them out on the counter for 30-60 minutes. Or to speed things up you can pop them in the microwave for ~30 seconds.
If you’re looking for more cookie recipes you might enjoy these:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Place the cold, cubed butter, white sugar and brown sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer and secure the paddle attachment. Cream until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes.
Then add in the egg, egg yolk, red food coloring, vinegar and vanilla extract. (I like to turn the mixture off so the red food coloring doesn't splatter everywhere). Blend until mixed.
Gradually add in the dry ingredients followed by the chocolate chips until incorporated.
Measure out ~7 large cookies. (If sticky, use a little flour on hands to roll). Roll each cookie dough ball generously in the confectioners’ sugar. Place the cookies on an un-greased cookie sheet and gently press cookies down just a little to flatten them.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Let cookies rest on the cookie sheet for 15 minutes and then using a spatula transfer them to a cooling rack. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Buttermilk powder: This is an optional ingredient in these cookies but I did test this recipe with it. If you can get your hands on it, try it out! If not, no biggie. Buttermilk is what gives red velvet it’s tangy taste. Butter:
I have tested my cookies with softened butter and it works fine too.
If you do want to use softened butter, don’t let it sit out on the counter longer than 1 hour. To check if it’s softened and at room temperature, when you press it, your finger will make an indent. Your finger won’t sink down into the butter.
Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.
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We are huge fans of crinkle cookies and these are next on the list to bake! deliciousness!
I love red velvet cupcakes so know I will definitely enjoy these cookies too.
I love red velvet cupcakes so know I will definitely enjoy these cookies.
Combining the two flours really does yield a better texture cookie. Going to use this trick in other recipes. too. Delicious!
Looks so delicious. I’m sure my family will love this one!
Love how thick these cookies are! So delicious and pretty!