How to Make Black and Red Crinkle Cookies

If you’re looking to brighten up your baking routine with something colorful, festive, and downright delicious, Black and Red Crinkle Cookies are your new best friend. These cookies combine a perfect chewy texture with vibrant hues that pop in every bite and on every plate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy red velvet flavors, all wrapped in a delicate powdered sugar coating that creates that signature crinkled effect. Ready to make a batch that will impress family, friends, and even yourself? Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to baking the best Black and Red Crinkle Cookies you’ve ever tasted!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Colorful and Festive: The striking black and red colors make these cookies perfect for holidays and celebrations.
• Chewy Texture: You’ll love the soft, tender crumb with slightly crisp edges that give every bite delightful contrast.
• Easy to Customize: The base recipe is versatile and welcomes a variety of mix-ins or flavor tweaks.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with just a few special touches for vibrant results.
• Great for Sharing: These bites are visually stunning and taste even better when shared with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To craft these irresistible Black and Red Crinkle Cookies, you’ll want simple ingredients that each bring a unique flavor or texture. From cocoa powder that delivers a rich, dark chocolate foundation to the classic red velvet mix for that beautiful pop of color, these ingredients combine effortlessly to create magic in your oven.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the cookie dough to hold up the delightful texture.
• Cocoa powder: Adds rich, deep chocolate flavor essential for the black cookie portion.
• Red food coloring or red velvet mix: Brings vibrancy and that classic red velvet flavor profile.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and develop their tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while creating a slight caramelized edge.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and richness contributing to the chewy texture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Powdered sugar: For rolling the dough balls to create the iconic crinkled surface.

Variations for Black and Red Crinkle Cookies

One of the best things about this Black and Red Crinkle Cookies recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to accommodate dietary restrictions or just experiment with flavors, a few tweaks can give you an entirely new experience with just a couple of changes.

• Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute plant-based butter and use a flax egg to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to add warmth and a subtle kick.
• Chocolate Chip Boost: Fold in dark or white chocolate chips for extra gooey bursts.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup.

How to Make Black and Red Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Next, divide the dough evenly into two bowls—this will be the base for your black and red cookie doughs.

Step 2: Mix the Black Cookie Dough

To one bowl, sift in cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and baking powder and gently fold everything together until you have a smooth, glossy chocolate dough. The cocoa powder gives it that deep black color and rich flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Red Cookie Dough

In the second bowl, sift in the flour and baking powder, then add the red food coloring or red velvet mix. Carefully mix until fully combined and vibrant red. This dough should feel just as smooth and a little stickier than the black dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap both dough portions in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step firm ups the dough and makes it much easier to handle and shape into balls later.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Once chilled, scoop out small portions from each dough and roll them into balls. You can make them all black, all red, or get creative by gently pressing a black dough ball and a red dough ball together to form swirled marbled cookies.

Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Coat each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, which will create the signature crinkle effect as the cookies bake and spread in the oven. This added sweetness balances the richness perfectly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains soft. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Making Black and Red Crinkle Cookies

• Properly Chill the Dough: Cold dough prevents excessive spreading and keeps colors vivid and distinct.
• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make cookies tough; fold gently for tender results.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Especially baking powder and cocoa powder for the best rise and flavor intensity.
• Generous Powdered Sugar Coating: The thicker the coat, the more dramatic the crinkle texture.
• Watch the Baking Time: Slightly underbaking yields a softer, chewier cookie, so keep an eye near the end.

How to Serve Black and Red Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top before serving or add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant touch that complements both colors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a rich cup of coffee, or a festive hot chocolate to elevate the cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Black and Red Crinkle Cookies on a tiered dessert stand or platter for parties, or place them in a colorful gift box lined with tissue paper as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough balls tightly wrapped on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

Warm stored cookies briefly in a low oven (about 300°F) or microwave for a few seconds to revive that freshly baked softness and flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Black and Red Crinkle Cookies without food coloring?

Yes! You can rely on a red velvet cake mix for color or use natural ingredients like beet juice powder for a more natural red hue.

How do I get the perfect crinkle texture?

The key is rolling the chilled dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking and not overbaking, so they crack beautifully.

Can I use chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! Stirring in chocolate chips or chunks adds a lovely melty texture and amplifies the chocolate flavor.

Are these cookies vegan-friendly?

With simple ingredient substitutions like vegan butter and flax eggs, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan without losing flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend measured cup for cup for great results.

Final Thoughts

Making Black and Red Crinkle Cookies is such a rewarding experience that not only fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas but also adds a splash of joy to your dessert table. The vibrant colors, chewy crumb, and buttery richness blend together perfectly to create something special every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and share the delight of Black and Red Crinkle Cookies with everyone you love!

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