If you have a craving for something delectably soft, moist, and oh-so-beautifully red, you’re going to adore this Red Velvet Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the timeless charm of classic red velvet cake but in a perfectly portable, bite-sized form. With a subtle hint of cocoa and that signature red color, each cookie bakes up tender and slightly chewy, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that combines simplicity with stunning results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Red Velvet Cookies Recipe is a breeze. Each component plays a vital role in delivering that rich flavor, chewy texture, and stunning color that makes these cookies so special.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb every cookie needs.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender texture.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cookies delightfully moist.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Offers a touch of deep chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the cookie’s soft chew.
- Buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang and helps keep the cookies tender and moist.
- Red food coloring: Creates that iconic red velvet look, making these cookies as pretty as they are tasty.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This simple step sets the stage for perfect cookies with just the right texture and finish.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which will help give your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
Next, mix in the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and that all-important red food coloring. Combine everything until it’s smooth and uniform. The vibrant red hue starts to come alive here, making this step quite exciting!
Step 4: Incorporate the dry ingredients
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Then gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. This ensures your cookies stay tender and don’t become tough.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the center remains soft. Let the cookies cool completely before enjoying—they’ll firm up as they rest, giving you that perfect chew.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or add a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top for a classic red velvet experience. Crushed white chocolate or chopped nuts can add delightful texture and visual appeal as well.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a festive touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the cookies’ rich flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching the cookies with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting for an irresistible cookie sandwich. Arrange them on a decorative plate with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers to impress guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Red Velvet Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their moist texture and rich flavor beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-friendly container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you need a sweet fix, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies and bring back that soft, just-baked warmth, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. This makes every bite just as delightful as the first time you baked them.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s tangy effect. This helps maintain the tender texture and slight tang that buttermilk provides in the Red Velvet Cookies Recipe.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can try natural alternatives like beet juice or powdered freeze-dried strawberries, but keep in mind the color might be less vibrant. The iconic red color is a hallmark of this recipe, so food coloring really does the best job.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually enhance the flavors and help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
Are Red Velvet Cookies suitable for freezing raw dough?
They sure are. You can freeze spoonfuls of raw dough on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed container. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I make the cookies more moist?
Make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the middle when you take them out. Using full-fat butter and buttermilk also helps keep them tender and moist.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Red Velvet Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those magical recipes that never fails to bring smiles. The balance of rich cocoa, vibrant color, and soft, chewy texture makes these cookies a delight every single time. Whip up a batch for your next craving or celebration and watch them disappear before your eyes!
Print
Red Velvet Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Cookies are soft, moist, and packed with the distinctive rich flavor and vibrant color of classic red velvet cake in a convenient cookie form. Perfectly balanced with a hint of cocoa and a touch of buttermilk, these treats make for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter-sugar mixture until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth and vibrant red.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and pinch of salt. This ensures that the cocoa and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow spreading during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set properly and prevents them from breaking.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by removing them when edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color with less liquid added to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Adding 1/2 teaspoon baking soda or baking powder can give the cookies a lighter texture if desired.
