The Savory
About This Recipe
Red Velvet Crinkle Kisses are a holiday classic with a twist — chewy red velvet cookies with crackled tops, stuffed with a creamy white chocolate kiss for a surprise center. Perfect for cookie swaps, Valentine's Day, or anytime you crave a rich, cocoa-kissed treat.
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (25g) cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 24 white chocolate kisses, unwrapped
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Prep the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add wet ingredients
Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The batter will be a vibrant red.
Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Chill the dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Wrap the kisses
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, place a white chocolate kiss in the center, and wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. Roll into a smooth ball.
Roll in powdered sugar
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until completely coated. Place on the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
Bake and cool
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will crackle as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5 Gourmet Variations
- Red Velvet Crinkle Kisses Deluxe — Elevate this recipe with premium ingredients and a gourmet presentation twist.
- Red Velvet Crinkle Kisses Fusion — Combine with international flavors for a unique cross-cultural culinary experience.
- Red Velvet Crinkle Kisses Healthy — A lighter version using wholesome substitutions without compromising on taste.
- Red Velvet Crinkle Kisses Quick — Streamlined preparation for busy weeknights while keeping all the flavor.
- Red Velvet Crinkle Kisses Seasonal — Adapted with fresh seasonal ingredients for the best flavor and nutrition.
Tips & Tricks
- Chewy yet fudgy: Cornstarch in the dough ensures tenderness.
- Tart-sweet balance: Cocoa + buttermilk + cream cheese kiss.
- Dramatic look: Snowy powdered sugar against deep red.
- Red velvet tradition (think: mini cake-like cookies).
- Playful surprise (melty kiss hidden inside).