Red Velvet Cookies

Red velvet cookies are a delightful spin on the classic red velvet cake, capturing the same vibrant color and unique cocoa flavor in a soft, chewy cookie form. These cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you crave a sweet treat with a pop of color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Rich Cocoa Flavor: Just the right amount of cocoa to give the classic red velvet taste.
• Festive and Fun: The vibrant red color makes these cookies stand out, ideal for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it great for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• White chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in white chocolate chips if using.
7. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your scoops.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Cream Cheese Filling: Turn these into stuffed cookies by adding a dollop of cream cheese filling to the center of each cookie before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of white.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or the baked cookies. For unbaked dough, scoop portions and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
• Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

How do I get the perfect red color for red velvet cookies?

Use a high-quality gel or liquid food coloring to achieve a vibrant red hue. Gel food coloring is more concentrated and will give you better results without affecting the texture.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring if desired. The cookies will still have a delicious cocoa flavor, but they won’t have the classic red velvet look.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you find that your cookies are spreading too much. Also, check that your butter isn’t too warm when mixing.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even omit the chocolate chips altogether for a simpler cookie.

What makes red velvet cookies different from regular chocolate cookies?

Red velvet cookies have a hint of cocoa flavor, but they also include a slightly tangy taste from the addition of buttermilk (in some recipes) or vinegar, giving them a unique flavor profile compared to regular chocolate cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for edges that are set, but the center of the cookie should still be soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make a larger batch of cookies. Just make sure you have enough space to bake them in batches or use multiple baking sheets.

How can I make my cookies thicker?

Chilling the dough before baking and using a higher ratio of flour to butter will help create thicker, chewier cookies.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes! Feel free to customize these cookies with other mix-ins like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even crushed candy canes for a holiday twist.

Conclusion

Red velvet cookies are a delicious and festive treat that combine the best of red velvet cake and classic cookies. With their vibrant color and soft, chewy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Plus, this recipe is versatile, allowing for various mix-ins and customizations to suit your taste. Give them a try and enjoy a batch of cookies that are sure to impress!

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