Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

These Red Velvet Cookies Recipe are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining the soft and chewy texture you love with rich, fudgy flavors. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. With their vibrant color and delicious taste, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making them a perfect last-minute treat.
• Chewy Texture: Enjoy the soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.
• Vibrant Color: The striking red hue makes these cookies visually appealing for any event or celebration.
• Versatile Flavor: Perfectly flavored with cocoa and vanilla, these cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with ice cream.
• Fun to Make: Get creative by rolling the cookies in red sanding sugar for an extra festive touch.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious red velvet cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills or mess.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your mixture, ensuring a light and fluffy cookie.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface to bake your cookies evenly while preventing them from sticking.

Ingredients

These red velvet cookies have all the delicious flavor of your favorite red velvet cake but are much faster to make. With their soft and chewy texture and rich, fudgy flavor, it’s love at first bite!

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (110 g) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 ½ teaspoons red gel food coloring
• 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted (I use Dutch-process or Hershey’s Special Dark)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup red sanding sugar for rolling
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated or coarse sugar
• dollop of red gel food coloring (do not use liquid food coloring)

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to beat them together until creamy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Flavorings

Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring into the mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Form Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll each ball in red sanding sugar before placing it back on the sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked Red Velvet Cookies Recipe, perfect for sharing or indulging in yourself!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

These red velvet cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they also make a delightful treat at any gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their rich flavor.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Create a cookie sandwich by adding a layer of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

At Parties

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter at parties. Their vibrant color will catch everyone’s eye and make them a standout dessert.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve alongside your favorite coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

Gift Them

• Package the cookies in a decorative box or tin as homemade gifts. They are sure to impress friends and family alike.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

To ensure your red velvet cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps all components blend together smoothly for better texture.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting the flour and cocoa powder adds air and prevents clumping, resulting in lighter cookies.

• Measure accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to achieve consistent results.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Chill the dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading and enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

Red velvet cookies can be complemented by a variety of delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A rich and tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the sweet flavor of red velvet cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies, balancing out sweetness.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and coldness that enhances the cookie experience.

4. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over your cookie for an extra touch of indulgence.

5. Coffee Cake: Serve slices of moist coffee cake alongside cookies to create a delightful dessert spread.

6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies for added sweetness and richness that elevates their flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making red velvet cookies can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some to watch out for:

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
• Using liquid food coloring: Stick to gel food coloring for vibrant color without adding extra liquid to your dough.
• Skipping chilling the dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge helps flavors meld and improves texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Dough can also be frozen; scoop into balls and freeze before baking.

Reheating Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to soft red velvet cookies?

To achieve soft red velvet cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them. Removing them from the oven when they’re slightly underdone will help maintain their chewiness.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?

Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and color of your red velvet cookies.

How do I make my red velvet cookies more fudgy?

For fudgier cookies, increase the butter slightly or reduce the flour by a tablespoon or two. This will enhance the texture.

Can I customize my red velvet cookies recipe?

Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. You could also try different types of sugar for varied sweetness.

Final Thoughts

These red velvet cookies are not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. Their soft, chewy texture combined with rich flavors makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!