If you are a fan of that irresistible combination of rich cream cheese and vibrant red velvet, you are in for a true delight with this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies have it all—the perfect chewy texture, the classic cocoa-infused red velvet flavor, and a luscious cream cheese filling that oozes with every bite. The crinkled powdered sugar exterior adds a delicate sweetness and that charming look we all love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite to share with loved ones or enjoy as your own little indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to achieving that iconic red velvet taste and the perfect gooey cream cheese center. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from the tangy cream cheese filling to the rich cocoa powder that deepens the flavor and the red food coloring that brings that signature hue to life.
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened): The creamy base for the luscious filling that balances sweetness with tang.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just right.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds moisture and slight tang to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the flavor complexity of the filling.
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender structure of the cookie.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Imparts that classic chocolatey depth essential to red velvet.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with acidic ingredients for lightness.
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough perfectly.
- ¼ cup butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 tablespoon low fat buttermilk: Provides tenderness and a slight tang.
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (if desired): Creates that eye-catching vibrant red.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth to the dough’s overall flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating hands): Coats the cookies for the classic crinkle look and prevents sticking when shaping.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy. Using a mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, sour cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this should take about a minute. Then, dollop the cream cheese filling by tablespoonfuls onto the lined sheet; you should have 12 generous scoops. Pop these into the freezer for at least 2 hours until firm and ready to be surrounded by cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
While the filling chills, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in one bowl. In a separate large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and eggs until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—don’t overmix to keep your cookies tender. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle when assembling.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Heat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Pour powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and dust your hands generously to prevent sticking. Now comes the fun part: scoop generous tablespoons of dough, flatten slightly, and place a frozen cream cheese dollop in the center. Take another generous tablespoon of dough to top it off, carefully encasing the cream cheese and shaping it into a ball. Roll the cookie ball in powdered sugar and place it on your baking sheet with about 2 inches between cookies. Repeat until all dough and filling are used, replenishing powdered sugar on your hands as needed.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cookies have spread out, the edges are set, and the powdered sugar crinkles have formed that signature cracked look. Halfway through, rotate your baking sheets for even baking. Once done, allow cookies to cool on the sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully.
Step 5: Store Properly
After your cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep that cream cheese filling fresh and the cookie texture perfect.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress these up a notch, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving adds an elegant snowy look. Fresh raspberries or a mint leaf on the side can introduce a lovely contrast and pop of color to these rich treats.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a perfect snack or dessert combo. These pairings complement the rich cream cheese and cocoa flavors beautifully and bring out the red velvet’s indulgent nature.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange these cookies on a festive platter layered with decorative parchment or nestle them in pretty gift boxes tied with ribbon. You could even sandwich a little extra cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create a decadent red velvet cookie sandwich that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chill keeps the cream cheese filling deliciously fresh and the cookie texture soft and chewy.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies like freshly baked, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, gooey texture and intensifies the cream cheese filling’s decadence.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
While full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest, richest filling, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option. Just note that the texture might be slightly less smooth and the flavor less indulgent.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can absolutely make this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe without red food coloring; the cocoa powder still delivers that delicious flavor. The cookies will be more of a deep chocolatey color rather than a vibrant red, but just as tasty.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! The cookie dough benefits from chilling, so you can prepare it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble. This actually helps with shaping the cookies and maintaining their texture after baking.
Why is the powdered sugar coating important?
Rolling the assembled cookies in powdered sugar not only prevents sticking during handling but also creates the iconic crinkled look that makes these cookies visually appealing and adds a touch of extra sweetness.
How can I tell when these cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and cookies that have spread slightly, with a dry, cracked powdered sugar surface. The center may still look a touch soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is genuinely one of those treats that brings joy with every bite. The way the creamy, tangy filling contrasts with the cocoa-spiced cookie outside is nothing short of magic. Whether for a holiday, a special gift, or simply a satisfying indulgence, I encourage you to dive into baking these delightful cookies—you might just find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and luscious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies filled with a creamy cream cheese center. These cookies combine the classic red velvet flavor with a surprise tangy cheese filling and a crackled powdered sugar coating, making them perfect for festive occasions or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cookies
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon low fat buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating hands)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, sour cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Spoon the filling onto the lined baking sheet in 12 one-tablespoon dollops. Freeze for 2 hours or until solid.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In a separate large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, red food coloring (if using), vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. With powdered sugar on your hands, scoop 1 generous tablespoon of dough and flatten into a circle. Place one frozen cream cheese dollop in the center, top with another tablespoon of dough, and carefully enclose the filling by shaping into a ball. Roll the ball in powdered sugar and place on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cookies spread and edges are set. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the Cookies: Once fully cooled, store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for smooth filling.
- Keep hands coated in powdered sugar to prevent dough from sticking while assembling.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain shape and prevents cookies from spreading too much.
- Red food coloring is optional but enhances the classic red velvet color.
- Cookies can be frozen before or after baking for longer storage.
