Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

It's Day 9 of "12 Days of Vegan Christmas Cookies!" These Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies take everything you love about red velvet cake and mash it into a glorious cookie. Soft, sweet, tangy and delicious, these cookies will make a great addition to your holiday festivities!

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Ingredients in Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Wet Ingredients

• Vegan Butter (½ cup): Serves as the fat component in the recipe, providing moisture and richness to the cookies. Vegan butter is used as a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy butter.
• Light Brown Sugar (⅔ cup) and Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cookies, and the combination of both sugars contributes to a chewy texture. The molasses content in brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the cookies, adding a sweet and aromatic profile. It complements the other ingredients, providing a well-rounded taste.
• Vegan Red Food Coloring: Adds the iconic red color characteristic of red velvet desserts. Ensure the food coloring is vegan to maintain the recipe's plant-based nature.

Dry Ingredients

• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Acts as a thickening agent and contributes to the soft and tender texture of the cookies. It helps create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Provides leavening to the cookies, making them light and fluffy. It contributes to the crinkled appearance by creating pockets of air in the dough.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor profile by balancing sweetness and intensifying the chocolate flavor. It also helps to bring out the richness of the cocoa powder.
• Cocoa Powder (⅓ cup): Gives the cookies their chocolatey flavor and contributes to the deep red color when combined with the red food coloring. Use a high-quality cocoa powder for a rich taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the structure of the cookies and provides the necessary gluten for texture. Be careful not to overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup) and Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Used for coating the cookie dough balls before baking, creating the distinctive crinkle effect. The granulated sugar helps with the initial spreading of the cookies, while the powdered sugar absorbs moisture during baking, leading to the crinkled appearance.

Steps for Making Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (with pictures!)

1. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl cream together the vegan butter, brown sugar, sugar and vanilla with an electric hand mixer until mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about a minute. Add in the red food coloring*, cornstarch, baking powder and salt and beat again until ingredients are evenly distributed. Add in the cocoa powder and flour and beat until just combined. Do not over-mix.
2. Chill: Cover the bowl of cookie dough with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Cookie dough can keep like this for up to 48 hours.
3. Coat: Remove cookie dough from the fridge and allow it to sit out for 15 minutes. Taking 2 tablespoon scoops of cookie dough at a time, roll the dough between your hands to form a tight ball. You may need to compress the dough between your hands if it feels crumbly. Roll the ball in granulated sugar before rolling it in powdered sugar. Place balls of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart. Press down gently on each ball to flatten the top slightly. Return unused dough to the fridge.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Place cookies on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Repeat for additional batches. Dust cookies with additional powdered sugar just before serving.

Tips for Making Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Vegan Ingredients: Choose high-quality vegan butter, red food coloring, and cocoa powder. The quality of these ingredients will significantly impact the taste and appearance of your cookies.
2. Cream the Vegan Butter and Sugars Well: Creaming the vegan butter and sugars together until light and fluffy is crucial. This step incorporates air into the dough, contributing to a softer and more tender cookie.
3. Be Careful with the Food Coloring: The amount of food coloring you'll need will depend completely on the type of vegan food coloring you have on hand. This can be anywhere from 1 teaspoon to a full tablespoon. Start small and work your way up.
4. Don't Over-mix the Dough: Over-mixing the dough can lead to tougher cookies. Mix until just combined after adding the dry ingredients to avoid overdeveloping the gluten in the flour.
5. Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough before shaping and baking helps solidify the fats in the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also enhances the flavor and texture. Chill as directed in recipe below.
6. Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Size: For even baking and consistent results, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough. This ensures that all the cookies are of similar size and will bake uniformly.
7. Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Consistent temperature is crucial for achieving the desired texture and appearance of the cookies.
8. Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can result in a dry texture. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the vegan red velvet crinkle cookies gluten-free?

To make the cookies gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes a binder like xanthan gum or use a gluten-free baking powder.

Is it necessary to use vegan red food coloring, or can I omit it?

The red food coloring is essential for the classic red velvet color. However, if you prefer to omit it, you'll have chocolate crinkle cookies instead of red velvet. The flavor will still be delicious!

Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet cookie?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie. Keep in mind that sugar plays a role in the texture and moisture of the cookies, so make moderate adjustments.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don't have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute. These ingredients serve as thickeners and contribute to the cookie's soft texture.

FAQ's Continued

My vegan red velvet crinkle cookies spread too much. How can I prevent this?

Ensure the cookie dough is properly chilled before baking. If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread excessively. Also, check the consistency of your vegan butter; it should be solid at room temperature.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use natural cocoa powder, but keep in mind that it may result in a lighter color. Dutch-processed cocoa typically provides a deeper color and milder taste. The substitution won't significantly affect the overall recipe.

How do I achieve a more intense chocolate flavor?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a small amount of coffee (about 1-2 teaspoons) to the cocoa powder. Coffee complements chocolate and intensifies its flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.

How to Serve Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Serving vegan red velvet crinkle cookies can be a delightful experience, and there are several ways to present and enjoy them. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. With Vegan Ice Cream: Create a decadent dessert by serving vegan red velvet crinkle cookies alongside a scoop of your favorite vegan red velvet or vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is a classic treat.
2. Dipped in Vegan Hot Chocolate: Serve the cookies with a side of vegan hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting experience. Dunking the crinkle cookies into the warm beverage adds an extra layer of indulgence.
3. As a Gift or Party Favor: Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags and give them as gifts during holidays or special occasions. They also make delightful party favors for birthdays, weddings, or other celebrations.
4. Alongside Vegan Whipped Cream: Serve the cookies with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for added richness. You can also sprinkle some cocoa powder or grated vegan chocolate on top for an extra touch of decadence.
5. In a Cookie Jar: Keep a batch of vegan red velvet crinkle cookies in a cute cookie jar on your kitchen counter. This allows for easy access whenever you or your guests crave a sweet treat.
6. With Fresh Berries: Pair the cookies with a selection of fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a well-balanced dessert.
7. In a Sundae: Create a vegan red velvet crinkle cookie sundae by layering crushed cookies with vegan ice cream, chocolate sauce, and perhaps some chopped nuts. It's a delightful and also customizable dessert.

How to Store Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and quality of your vegan red velvet crinkle cookies. Here's how to store them:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which could make the cookies soggy.
2. Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them from drying out and to maintain their texture. If you don't have an airtight container, a resealable plastic bag can also work well.
3. Avoid Mixing Flavors: When storing multiple types of cookies, be sure to keep strong-flavored cookies, like those with mint or spices, separate from the vegan red velvet crinkle cookies to maintain their distinct flavors.
4. Room Temperature or Refrigerator: These cookies are best stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, you may choose to store them in the refrigerator. However, this might make the cookies firmer, so allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
5. Freezing: If you want to store the cookies for an extended period, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
6. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store the container away from direct sunlight, as exposure to light can affect the color and flavor of the cookies.
7. Separate Strongly Scented Foods: If storing cookies in the refrigerator, make sure to keep them away from strongly scented foods as cookies can absorb odors.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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