Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Although the weather is not very winter like, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. Along with all the other things that make the holiday season the most wonderful time of the year, holiday baking is in full swing. My goal is to bring 12 holiday baking recipes to the blog before Christmas Eve. So, here is the first one, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. These cookies are fudgy, rich, and the perfect color to add to your Christmas cookie platter. 

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons dark dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• a pinch of salt
• 6 tablespoons butter softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare 2 cookie sheets with parchment or silpat. 

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). 

Using the paddle attachment of a stand mixer cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg, vanilla, and red food coloring. Gradually add the dry ingredients and beat until just combined.  

Spoon out dough a teaspoon at a time, roll dough into a ball, and dredge in powdered sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on a prepared cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes  Then move to a wire rack to cool.