If you are searching for a cookie that captures both the festive charm and irresistible flavor, this Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These delicate, buttery cookies boast a beautiful deep red color with a hint of cocoa, perfectly marrying classic red velvet charm with the fun, pressed shapes of spritz cookies. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle richness that makes them a standout at any holiday party or cozy afternoon snack. Get ready to fall in love as you whip up this delightful treat that combines simplicity and elegance in one delicious recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating truly memorable Red Velvet Spritz Cookies. Each component plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature red velvet hue.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the buttery notes.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aroma.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Creates that iconic red velvet color, turning these cookies into an eye-catching treat.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure and gives the cookies their classic spritz texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle cocoa undertone, staying true to red velvet tradition.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
How to Make Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot for baking by the time your dough is ready. Grab your cookie press and prepare your ungreased baking sheets. This sets you up for a smooth assembly process.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, creating that tender texture we all love.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Food Coloring
Next, mix in your egg, vanilla extract, and the red food coloring. Stir well until the color is vibrant and the ingredients are fully combined, which ensures each cookie will have that signature red velvet glow and lovely flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt together. This guarantees even distribution of the cocoa and salt, helping your cookies bake evenly and taste balanced.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft, pliable dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Fill your cookie press with the dough, then press delightful shapes directly onto your ungreased baking sheets. This part is where the fun really begins — choose your favorite spritz shapes to make these cookies uniquely yours.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye so they set without browning. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely — patience here will pay off in perfect texture.
How to Serve Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkling coarse sugar on top before baking. These little additions add sparkle and a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Serve these charming Red Velvet Spritz Cookies alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate or a creamy latte. Their buttery sweetness beautifully complements warm beverages, making your snack time cozy and memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your spritz cookies on a festive platter with seasonal decorations like holly leaves or edible glitter. You could also stack them into a cookie tower or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for gifting — presentation can elevate these cookies from simple treats to charming gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Red Velvet Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, maintaining their tender texture and vibrant color.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare these cookies in advance, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When stored properly, they freeze well for up to two months without losing their delightful flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies after thawing, simply let them come to room temperature. If you prefer a warm treat, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh their buttery softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring is a great alternative if you want a brighter, more intense red color without adding extra liquid to your dough.
Do I need to grease the baking sheets before pressing the cookies?
No need to grease the sheets. The recipe works best with ungreased baking sheets because the cookies hold their shape better and bake up crispier around the edges.
Can I substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate?
Cocoa powder is preferred here for its concentrated chocolate flavor without added moisture. Using melted chocolate could alter the dough’s consistency, so it’s best to stick with cocoa powder.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly before baking. While the shapes won’t be the same, the flavor will still be fantastic!
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe contains no meat products and is perfect for vegetarian diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking and sharing a batch of these Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe with friends and family. Their bright color, tender crumb, and delightful flavor make them a staple during holidays or any time you crave a sweet treat with a bit of panache. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these cookies as much as I do — they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and a touch of sweetness to your day!
Print
Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Red Velvet Spritz Cookies, a festive and buttery treat perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, colorful snack. These cookies combine the rich flavors of red velvet with the charming shapes created by a cookie press, resulting in a visually stunning and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, giving the dough its signature red velvet color.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry components.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms, ready to be pressed into shapes.
- Shape Cookies: Fill a cookie press with the prepared dough and press the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, forming your desired classic shapes.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are set but not browned, to maintain their delicate texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up properly.
Notes
- For added flair, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for extra texture and sweetness.
- Using gel food coloring instead of liquid can provide a more vibrant red color that holds better through baking.
