Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful and fun treat that people of all ages love. They have a beautiful red color and a rich flavor thanks to the cocoa powder and butter. Combining a soft, chewy texture with chunks of white chocolate, these cookies are a perfect dessert for any occasion. They are especially popular during holidays and special events, where they can brighten up any dessert table. Making these cookies is simple, and they are quick to bake. You will find joy in creating these sweet treats from scratch.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Red Velvet Cookies recipe because it is easy to follow, and the results are delicious. The vibrant red color is eye-catching, making the cookies perfect for celebrations or gatherings. Each bite gives a soft and chewy texture with a hint of chocolate and sweetness from the white chocolate chunks. Plus, making them at home allows you to enjoy fresh cookies straight from the oven! This recipe will bring smiles to your friends and family and is likely to become a favorite in your home. Additionally, these cookies are perfect for sharing and make for a lovely homemade gift.
HOW TO MAKE Red Velvet Cookies
Making Red Velvet Cookies is a simple and enjoyable process. You only need a few ingredients and a little bit of time. Let’s break it down step by step so you can create these delightful cookies with ease.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Red Velvet Cookies, you will need some basic kitchen equipment, which includes:
- Two baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (one large and one small)
- An electric mixer or a whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- A cookie scoop or tablespoon
- A cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups + 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 to 1 1/2 tsp red gel food coloring
- 3/4 cup chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly.
- Prepare baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened salted butter together with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix this for about two minutes until it is fluffy and well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix these together on medium speed for another two minutes until everything is fluffy and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture you prepared earlier. Stir until everything is combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in white chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips into the cookie dough. This will add a sweet and creamy touch to the cookies.
- Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into about 18 balls. Place them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. They should look set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Cool the cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After this time, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add extra white chocolate (optional): If you want, you can press extra white chocolate chunks on top of the cookies while they are still warm.
- Store leftover cookies: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
HOW TO SERVE Red Velvet Cookies
Red Velvet Cookies are perfect to serve as they are, but there are fun ways to enjoy them further. You can pair them with a glass of cold milk, which complements the rich flavor of the cookies perfectly. They can also be served as dessert at a party or gathering. If you want to get creative, consider stacking two cookies with cream cheese frosting in the middle for a sandwich cookie treat. This will add a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Red Velvet Cookies
Storing Red Velvet Cookies is simple. Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, they will stay fresh and moist for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze the cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until frozen solid.
- Transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
You can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature or heat them for a few seconds in the microwave.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
When it comes to serving Red Velvet Cookies, creativity adds a fun touch. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Present them on a colorful platter surrounded by fresh fruits for a sweet treat at a gathering.
- Use them as part of a dessert table display for a birthday party or holiday celebration.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to mix things up with your Red Velvet Cookies! Here are some fun variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Instead of white chocolate, you can use dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese filling for a swirl effect inside the cookies for extra creaminess.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Sprinkles: Top cookies with sprinkles for a festive look, especially useful for celebrations.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the cookie dough to balance the flavors.
2. What is the best way to store cookies? Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh.
3. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking? The cookies should look set but still soft in the center. They will continue cooking slightly after you take them out of the oven.
4. Is it necessary to use gel food coloring? Gel food coloring is recommended because it gives a vibrant red color without adding extra liquid. Liquid food coloring can make the dough too runny.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Red Velvet Cookies
You can prepare the dough ahead of time to save time later. Here are some tips:
- Make the dough: Follow the steps up to where you scoop the dough into balls.
- Chill the dough: Wrap each ball in plastic wrap or place them in a container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze the dough: If you want to prepare even earlier, you can freeze the dough balls as mentioned earlier. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh Red Velvet Cookies whenever you want!
With this simple guide, you are now ready to bake your very own Red Velvet Cookies. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture until combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped white chocolate or chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough into 18 balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, spaced two inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until set but slightly soft in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Serve cookies with a glass of cold milk or stack with cream cheese frosting as a sandwich.