Description
Red Velvet Cookies offer a visually stunning and delicious treat that combines rich cocoa undertones, vibrant red color, and a perfectly soft yet slightly chewy texture. These cookies bring the classic appeal of red velvet cake into a fun, handheld form, ideal for snacks, festive gatherings, or sweet gifts. Made with simple pantry staples and customizable with mix-ins like cream cheese or white chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for every cookie lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (can substitute gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
- Cocoa powder: 2 tablespoons
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
- Sugar (granulated and/or brown): 3/4 cup
- Eggs: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Red food coloring: 2 tablespoons (gel-based recommended)
- Buttermilk or sour cream: 1/4 cup
Optional Mix-Ins
- White chocolate chips or chunks: 1/2 cup
- Cream cheese filling (for stuffing)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1/3 cup
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all dry ingredients — flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt — into a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy to build texture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk (or sour cream), and red food coloring to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Blend well until the color is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: Fold in any extras such as white chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits according to your preference.
- Shape and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies 1 to 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the tray before transferring.
Notes
- Use good quality cocoa powder to enhance flavor depth and richness.
- Do not skip buttermilk as its acidity tenderizes and adds classic red velvet tang.
- Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to reduce spreading and intensify flavors.
- Avoid overbaking; cookies should have set edges and soft centers.
- Adjust red food coloring quantity to achieve desired vibrant color without altering taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Red Velvet, Cookies, Dessert, Baking, Cocoa, Cream Cheese Filling, White Chocolate, Vegan Option, Gluten-Free Option
