STEP 1: PREPARE THE OVEN AND COOKIE SHEET

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to help them bake evenly.

STEP 2: COMBINE THE DRY INGREDIENTS

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are well mixed and that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside.

STEP 3: CREAM TOGETHER THE BUTTER AND CREAM CHEESE

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture to the cookies, making them soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

STEP 4: ADD SUGAR, EGGS, AND FOOD COLORING

Add the granulated sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture and beat until it’s fully combined and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the red food coloring and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough is a uniform red color. The amount of food coloring can be adjusted to achieve the intensity of red you desire.

STEP 5: COMBINE THE DRY AND WET INGREDIENTS

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky. If it’s too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up before proceeding.

STEP 6: ROLL THE DOUGH INTO BALLS

Once the dough has chilled (if necessary), scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until it’s generously coated. This powdered sugar coating is what gives the cookies their signature crinkle effect when they bake.

STEP 7: BAKE

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for the cookies to spread while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies should remain soft and chewy in the middle.

STEP 8: COOL AND SERVE

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set and prevents them from breaking apart while still warm. Once they have cooled completely, they’re ready to enjoy!