There’s a certain thrill in the air when the oven timer goes off, and you’re met with the rich scent of freshly baked Red Velvet Cookies. These delightful treats, with their velvety deep red hue, never fail to make a grand impression, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or an afternoon tea with friends. I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe one rainy afternoon, craving something sweet that wouldn’t take all day to whip up.
What I love most about these cookies is their perfect balance of flavors—subtle cocoa notes mingling with a hint of vanilla, all complemented by white chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. Plus, they come together in just 40 minutes, meaning you won’t be tied to the kitchen for long. The added cream cheese frosting? Pure decadence!
So, if you’re ready to break free from the fast food cycle and indulge in something homemade that looks as good as it tastes, let’s dive into this simple yet impressive Red Velvet Cookie recipe!
Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Cookies
- These Red Velvet Cookies are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also boast a unique flavor that perfectly balances chocolate and vanilla.
- You’ll love how versatile this recipe is, allowing you to customize it with or without the delightful white chocolate chips.
- The vibrant red color makes these cookies a visual showstopper, perfect for any occasion or celebration.
- Plus, in just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can have these irresistible treats ready to impress your friends and family.
Red Velvet Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready for a delicious treat!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – essential for that chewy texture.
- Cocoa powder – adds a subtle chocolate depth.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise perfectly.
- Salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter – ensures the cookies are rich and creamy.
- Granulated sugar – contributes to the cookie’s sweetness.
- Brown sugar – adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture.
- Large egg – binds all the ingredients together nicely.
- Red food coloring – gives those iconic Red Velvet Cookies their striking color.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile.
- White chocolate chips (optional) – for a delightful creamy burst in every bite.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese – provides a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
- Unsalted butter – makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- Vanilla extract – adds depth to the frosting flavor.
- Milk – helps achieve a silky-smooth consistency.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re just minutes away from enjoying delightful Red Velvet Cookies that will charm anyone who has the pleasure of tasting them!
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
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Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Setting this mixture aside allows the dry ingredients to blend well and activates the baking soda.
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Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This creaming process is crucial for incorporating air, resulting in softer cookies.
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Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined. Watch as the batter transforms into a vibrant red hue, infusing your kitchen with delightful energy!
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Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could lead to tougher cookies.
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Fold in the white chocolate chips if desired, creating delicious pockets of sweetness throughout your cookies.
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Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This space will allow the cookies to spread properly while baking.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. You want a slightly undercooked center for that perfect chewy texture.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents them from becoming too soft.
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Make the frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when it spreads easily but retains a lovely thickness.
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Frost the cooled cookies as desired, whether spreading or piping the creamy topping atop your delectable treats.
Optional: Garnish with colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients (steps 1-6), then wrapping the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For the best quality, you can bake the cookies straight from the fridge. If you prefer, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy the cookies, simply bake from frozen for an additional minute or two and frost them after cooling. You’ll have delicious, homemade treats with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
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Fridge: If you’d like to keep them longer, place the cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.
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Reheating: Warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their soft texture before serving.
What to Serve with Red Velvet Cookies?
Imagine the delight of a sweet spread that balances the richness of your homemade cookies, making any gathering feel special.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, soft cookies. The simplicity of vanilla complements the sweet flavors beautifully.
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Milk Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzle this luscious sauce over your cookies for an indulgent treat. The pairing heightens the chocolate notes, creating a dessert experience that’s beyond delightful.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries bring a refreshing tartness to the table, creating a vibrant contrast that enhances the cookie’s sweetness. Serve them on the side for added color and flavor.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee create a sophisticated match with the cookies, enhancing their rich taste. A warm cup brings out the chocolatey richness, making it perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread more of that luscious frosting on top of each cookie for a decadent finishing touch. The creamy texture balances the chewy cookie, creating a heavenly bite.
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Chocolate Milkshake: Treat yourself by pairing the cookies with a thick chocolate milkshake. The silky texture and chocolatey flavor make for a delightful dessert that excites every sweet tooth.
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Pecan Pie Bars: For those who enjoy variety, these sweet bars offer a nutty flavor and gooey texture that contrast with the soft, chewy cookies. A true delight for dessert lovers!
Make your next gathering unforgettable with these irresistible pairings that elevate your Red Velvet Cookies to star status!
Red Velvet Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make the recipe truly yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a deliciously chewy outcome everyone can enjoy.
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and almond milk for the frosting, ensuring this sweet treat is friendly for lactose-free diets.
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Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for an additional crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the frosting.
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor that brings out the cocoa in the cookies.
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Minty Fresh: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract in place of vanilla to give your Red Velvet Cookies a refreshing twist, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients for a surprising heat that plays well against the sweetness.
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Citrus Zing: Zest one orange or lemon into the batter for a bright, zesty note that elevates the flavor profile while pairing nicely with the cream cheese frosting.
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Cream Cheese Swirl: Instead of frosting, swirl in softened cream cheese into the batter before baking for a marbled effect that enhances richness and flavor.
With these variations, your Red Velvet Cookies will always feel new and exciting!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture in your Red Velvet Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature so it creams well without lumps.
- Remember not to overbeat the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- When baking, keep an eye on the cookies a minute or two before the time is up to catch them at that perfect chewy center.
- Lastly, cooling the cookies on the baking sheet before transferring them helps maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming too soft.
Red Velvet Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of food coloring should I use for Red Velvet Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, use a high-quality liquid or gel red food coloring. Gel food coloring tends to provide a more vibrant hue without adding extra liquid to the dough, helping maintain the cookie’s structure.
How should I store leftover Red Velvet Cookies?
To keep your delicious Red Velvet Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Red Velvet Cookies?
Very! To freeze your cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour. This step ensures they keep their shape. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, or warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
Sometimes the dough can be a bit dry depending on how you measure your flour. If you find your dough is crumbly and won’t hold together, add a touch of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. It’s important not to add too much all at once to avoid making the dough too wet.
Can I make these cookies nut-free or allergy-friendly?
Absolutely! For nut-free options, be sure to check that all of your ingredients, like the food coloring and baking soda, are free from cross-contamination with allergens. If you or someone you know has a dairy allergy, you can substitute with vegan alternatives such as plant-based butter and cream cheese.
Is it necessary to frost the cookies?
Not at all! While the cream cheese frosting adds a deliciously creamy touch, the Red Velvet Cookies stand beautifully on their own. If you’re looking for a lighter option or prefer them plain, skip the frosting and enjoy the rich cocoa and vanilla flavors!
Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup White chocolate chips optional
- 8 ounces Cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Milk
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips if desired.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cooled cookies as desired.
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