Classic Red Velvet Cookies: A Festive Twist on the Beloved Cake
Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth treats dotted with creamy chocolate chips and a sweet sugar crunch.
Classic Red Velvet Cookies Recipe Guide
The beloved red velvet flavor takes center stage in this charming cookie recipe, merging the creamy cocoa tang of red velvet cake with the convenience and fun of easy-to-bake cookies. With festive red coloring, a distinct buttery softness, and pockets of melted chocolate chips, these cookies are made to impress at holidays, gift exchanges, or simple family nights. Below, discover everything needed for batch success—from ingredients and preparation steps to pro baking advice and frequently asked questions.
Ingredients Overview
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup—for sweetness and structure.
- Salted butter: 1 stick, softened—for flavor and tender texture.
- Egg: 1 large, at room temperature—provides richness and helps bind ingredients.
- Buttermilk: 1 tbsp, room temperature—for tang and moisture.
- Red liquid food coloring: 1 tbsp—for classic red velvet color.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp—for aroma and depth.
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups—the foundation of structure.
- Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp—for mild chocolatey notes.
- Baking powder: 3/4 tsp—for lift and softness.
- Kosher salt: 1/2 tsp—to balance flavor.
- White chocolate chips: 1/2 cup—creamy pockets.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: 1/2 cup—classic chocolate bites.
- Sparkling sugar: 2 tbsp—for decorative, sweet crunch.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2 to 3 baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie bottoms.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a stand mixer bowl, beat granulated sugar and softened butter on medium speed until mixture becomes light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Reduce speed to low and mix in the egg, followed by buttermilk, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Scrape sides as needed for thorough blending.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Combine Mixtures: With the mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to the wet base in two batches. Scrape the bowl, mix again until well combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently incorporate both white and semisweet chocolate chips for bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a 2 tablespoon scoop, portion dough onto prepared baking sheets, keeping cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten: Lightly grease the bottom of a glass and press each cookie mound until about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sparkling sugar.
- Bake: Bake cookies until puffy and set on the edges—but centers remain soft (about 10 minutes).
- Finish: While warm, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon sparkling sugar for added glimmer and crunch.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool for 2 minutes on pans, then transfer to racks to finish cooling completely for best texture.
Expert Cookie Baking Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and buttermilk are at room temp for smooth mixing and fluffier results.
- Proper mixing: Cream butter and sugar well, but avoid overmixing once dry ingredients are added for tender cookies.
- Chilling options: If your oven can’t fit all trays at once, scoop dough balls and hold at room temperature; dough remains stable until baking.
- Portion control: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
- Sparkling sugar: Not only decorative but provides a sweet crunch to balance the velvety softness.
| Ingredient | Role in Recipe | Substitution Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk | Acidity and Moisture | Mix 1 tbsp milk with ½ tsp vinegar or lemon juice |
| Red food coloring | Signature Color | Gel coloring for vibrant hue, natural beet juice for mild tint |
| Chocolate chips | Soft Pockets of Chocolate | Substitute with chopped chocolate or other flavored chips |
| Sparkling sugar | Decorative Crunch | Regular sugar, coarse sugar, or colored sprinkles |
Serving Ideas & Variations
- Festive platters: Display cookies on a white plate for vivid contrast, ideal for holidays or themed parties.
- Sandwich cookies: For an extra treat, sandwich two cookies around classic cream cheese frosting—mirroring the red velvet cake experience.
- Nuts & mix-ins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chunks.
- Decorative finishes: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or pipe cream cheese glaze for elegant finish.
Baker’s Biography: Torie Cox
Torie Cox is a talented food stylist and recipe developer, merging her baking passion with creative presentation. She is also an avid sports traveler and enjoys scenic walks with her senior dog, Lacey.
Handling Leftover Dough and Making Ahead
- Dough storage: Scooped dough can hold at room temperature until baking; for overnight storage, refrigerate and let warm up slightly before baking.
- Baked cookie storage: Once cool, store cookies in an airtight container for up to five days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing: Dough balls freeze well for up to six weeks—bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.
Red Velvet Cookies FAQ
What makes these cookies ‘red velvet’?
The cookies blend mild cocoa with red coloring and tangy buttermilk, mirroring classic red velvet cake flavor.
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes—gel coloring imparts a more intense hue with less liquid. Adjust for desired vibrancy.
What others are reading
How do I ensure soft, chewy cookies?
Careful mixing, precise bake time, and cooling on the rack give chewy centers and soft edges.
Is sparkling sugar essential?
No—but it adds visual appeal and subtle crunch. Substitute with coarse sugar, sprinkles, or leave plain.
Can I make the cookies ahead for gifting?
Cookies remain fresh for several days and can be frozen for longer storage. Let cookies cool fully before packaging to prevent condensation.
Red Velvet Cookies: History & Traditions
Rooted in the southern United States, red velvet cake bloomed in popularity thanks to its vivid color, subtle cocoa taste, and creamy frosting. Transforming the concept into cookies harnesses the cake’s signature elements while introducing portability and convenient portion control. These cookies shine in holiday feasts, Valentine’s Day celebrations, and birthday spreads, often serving as a playful, nostalgic twist on tradition.
Nutritional Considerations
- Calories per cookie: Approximate range is 100–130, depending on chip quantity and sugar topping.
- Allergy notes: Contains wheat, dairy, egg, and chocolate.
- Customization: Swap butter for vegan margarine, or use gluten-free flour blends for dietary modifications; results may vary.
Recommended Pairings
- Drinks: Serve cookies with cold milk, hot cocoa, or strong coffee to enhance flavor contrast.
- Accompaniments: Pair with cream cheese frosting dips or plain yogurt as fresh sides.
- Gift baskets: Add alongside shortbread, thumbprint, or sandwich cookies for variety.
Other Red Velvet Cookie Variations
- Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Two cookies filled with sweet cream cheese frosting, rolled in white nonpareils for decorative crunch.
- Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies: Red velvet-based thumbprint cookies filled with piped cream cheese centers, offering contrast of color and tang.
- Bite-size versions: Make smaller cookies for snacking or party size.
Baking Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
A: Chill dough before baking, especially in warm kitchens, to control spread.
Q: Why do I need buttermilk in red velvet recipes?
A: Buttermilk provides tanginess and helps activate baking powder for lift, remaining faithful to classic red velvet proportions.
Q: How can I tell if my cookies are perfectly baked?
A: Edges should be set and slightly crisp, centers appear soft but not wet. Allow cookies to finish setting while cooling on racks.
Q: Can I use all chocolate chips or just one kind?
A: Use all semisweet or all white chocolate chips for flavor variation, or substitute with chopped milk chocolate.
Q: Can this recipe be doubled?
A: Yes, double all ingredients for a larger batch—split dough across several trays for even baking.
Final Thoughts & Celebration Tips
With their brilliant crimson hue, gooey chocolate inclusions, and gentle crunch of sparkling sugar, red velvet cookies deliver visual delight and memorable taste in every bite. Use them as centerpiece treats for seasonal tables, edible gifts, or casual snacking—always promising joy and nostalgia for bakers and tasters alike.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34145278/red-velvet-sandwich-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62667225/red-velvet-thumbprint-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a41532009/red-velvet-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR9zEDwxbzM
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