There’s something truly enchanting about the sight of vibrant red velvet crinkle cookie sandwiches emerging from the oven, their crinkly tops hinting at the chewy goodness within. As they cool on the rack, the sweet aroma of vanilla and cream cheese wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful treat that’s ideal for any special occasion. I first made these cookies during a festive potluck, and the way they vanished within minutes left me grinning from ear to ear. These pretty little cookies, with their crisp edges and soft centers, are not just easy to bake; they also offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will impress family and friends alike.
With each bite, you’ll experience the decadent chocolate notes of the dough, beautifully complemented by the creamy richness of the cream cheese filling. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weekend treat, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches are sure to bring a touch of celebration to your table. Let’s dive into how to make this colorful indulgence that captures the essence of festive joy!
Why are Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavors: The combination of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese creates a heavenly taste that’s hard to resist.
Visual wow-factor: Their striking red hue and crinkly surface make these cookies as appealing to the eyes as they are to the palate.
Easy preparation: This recipe is user-friendly, perfect for bakers of any skill level. Plus, the dough refrigerates well, making it a flexible treat to whip up at a moment’s notice.
Versatile servings: Ideal for festive occasions or simply to brighten up your day, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed with friends or family.
Make-ahead magic: The frosting can be prepared in advance, allowing you to assemble these beauties just before serving for ultimate freshness.
So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create these delightful treats that everyone will adore!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and aids in cookie structure; ensure it’s fully combined with the other wet ingredients.
- Butter (Salted) – Adds richness and moisture; use melted for easier mixing.
- Heavy Cream – Contributes to the cookie’s tenderness; can substitute with milk for a lighter version.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Reacts with baking soda to create lift; this step is crucial for the texture of the cookies.
- Red Food Coloring – Gives the cookies their signature color; can use natural alternatives for coloring.
- All-Purpose Flour – Main structure-building ingredient; ensure it’s measured correctly to avoid dense cookies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides a hint of chocolate flavor; optional for adjusting chocolate intensity.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents for proper rising; both are required for appropriate texture.
For the Filling
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Used for coating the dough and in frosting; contributes to sweetness without grittiness in the filling.
- Cream Cheese – Core ingredient for the frosting that adds tanginess and richness; ensure it is softened for easy mixing.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor profile; pure vanilla is recommended for the best flavor.
Make these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches for an irresistible treat that you and your loved ones will cherish!
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a glass bowl, combine granulated sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, apple cider vinegar, red food coloring, and eggs; mix until smooth and well incorporated.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gently fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 45 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle when shaping the cookies.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into small balls, then coat each ball generously in confectioners’ sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, until they are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Allow to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
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Prepare the Filling: For the filling, mix together confectioners’ sugar, softened cream cheese, salted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling on one cookie and top it with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
Optional: Serve these cookies with a glass of milk for a delightful pairing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Variations
Explore the world of flavors and textures as you personalize your red velvet crinkle cookies!
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Cream Cheese Alternative: Swap the cream cheese with Swiss meringue buttercream for a lighter, fluffier filling.
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Flavor Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut to create a unique flavor profile that’ll surprise your taste buds.
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Gluten-Free Twist: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version that everyone’s sure to love.
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Choco-Mint Delight: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive chocolate-mint treat that will make your taste buds dance.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for delightful crunch and flavor.
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Cocoa Swirl: For extra chocolate flavor, mix in chocolate chips or chunks into the dough, creating a rich and indulgent surprise.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor, perfect for colder seasons.
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Soft Bundles: Instead of sandwiches, roll them flat for a cookie resembling whoopie pies, creating thicker, fluffy layers of filling in between!
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by refrigerating it; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. The filling can also be made ahead—up to 3 days—and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and roll the chilled dough into balls, coat in confectioners’ sugar, and bake as directed. The cookies will be just as delightful and fresh, giving you delightful treats with minimal effort, ready to impress family and friends!
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches
Room Temperature: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, keep the cookie sandwiches in the fridge for up to a week. This will keep them moist but may slightly harden the cookies; allow them to sit at room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unassembled cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape the cookies, freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Frosting Storage: You can prepare the cream cheese filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches
- Perfect Consistency: Ensure your dough is chilled long enough; this helps create the ideal texture for rolling and prevents stickiness.
- Watch the Bake: Remove cookies while they’re slightly soft in the center to maintain chewiness; overbaking can lead to a dry cookie.
- Color Boost: If your batter isn’t as vibrant as desired, slowly add more red food coloring until you achieve your preferred hue.
- Smooth Filling: Use room-temperature cream cheese for the frosting to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy consistency.
- Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls in confectioners’ sugar quickly to avoid them becoming too sticky before baking; this creates that beautiful crinkle effect.
What to Serve with Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling?
These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing and make every occasion feel special.
- Chilled Milk: The classic pairing that enhances the cookies’ rich flavors and complements their sweetness wonderfully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fresh, tart element that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso: A rich brew brings out the chocolatey notes, making for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for coffee lovers.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Elevate the dessert experience with these sweet and decadent treats, echoing the cookie’s festive vibe.
Each pairing offers a charming accent to the rich taste of the cookies, making your dessert table a feast for the senses!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches Recipe FAQs
What type of red food coloring is best for the cookies?
I recommend using gel food coloring for the best results, as it provides a vibrant color without adding too much liquid to the batter. Liquid dyes can work too, but they often require more product and can change the consistency of the dough.
How should I store the assembled cookie sandwiches?
Store your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For added freshness, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookie dough, shape the dough into balls, place them individually on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, it might be due to the dough being too warm or the butter being too soft. Make sure to chill the dough for the full 45 minutes before baking. If your cookies continue to spread, try adding a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, to help hold their shape.
Are there any allergy concerns with this recipe?
Yes, this recipe contains gluten (in the all-purpose flour), dairy (in the butter, cream, and cream cheese), and egg. If anyone has specific allergies, substitutions can be made, such as using gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, but be aware that it may affect the final flavor and texture.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches are done when the edges are set and slightly firm, while the centers remain soft. They may look a little underbaked, but they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool on the wire rack. If they crack but still feel soft to the touch, it’s the perfect time to take them out!
Decadent Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a glass bowl, combine granulated sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, apple cider vinegar, red food coloring, and eggs; mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gently fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Refrigerate the dough for 45 minutes to firm it up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into small balls, then coat each ball generously in confectioners' sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, until set around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
- For the filling, mix together confectioners' sugar, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese filling on one cookie and top it with another cookie, pressing gently.