Red Velvet Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic red velvet cake, with a rich red color, a soft texture, and a subtle cocoa flavor. These cookies are perfect for any special occasion, especially around the holidays or for a festive treat!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 tbsp buttermilk (or regular milk as a substitute)
- ½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips (optional for added sweetness)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour for dough
Yield: About 18 cookies
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and buttermilk, mixing until smooth and well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips (if using). - Chill the Dough:
• Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. • Chilling the dough also enhances the texture. - Scoop and Bake:
• After chilling, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
• While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
• Once the cookies have cooled, pipe or spread a small amount of cream cheese frosting onto each cookie. - Serve and Enjoy:
• Once the frosting has set, your Red Velvet Cookies are ready to be served! Enjoy the perfect balance of soft cookie texture, rich flavor, and sweet frosting.
Tips for Success
- Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is preferred for a more vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency. Liquid food coloring works fine but may require more to achieve the desired red hue.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is important to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Perfectly Soft Cookies: Be careful not to over-bake the cookies. Red Velvet Cookies should be soft and chewy, so remove them from the oven when the edges are just set.
Fun Twists
- Chocolate Chunks: For extra indulgence, fold in some dark or milk chocolate chunks to add more chocolate flavor and texture.
- Mini Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Add a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies to make a delightful red velvet sandwich.
- Festive Touches: For special occasions, sprinkle red and white sprinkles on top of the frosting for a festive touch!
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Cookies are a fun and delicious twist on the beloved red velvet cake, bringing vibrant color and rich flavor in every bite. With a soft and chewy texture, they’re perfect for any celebration or just as a special treat for yourself. Whether you top them with cream cheese frosting or enjoy them plain, they’re sure to impress everyone who tries them!
Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Cookies, a sweet treat with a vibrant twist! 🍪