Red velvet cookies – they sound fancy, right? Like something you’d only find in a high-end bakery. But guess what? With this Red Velvet Cookie Recipe, you can whip up a batch of these crimson beauties right in your own kitchen. And trust me, they’re easier than you think! These cookies offer a delightful balance of subtle chocolate flavor, tangy cream cheese frosting, and that signature red hue that makes them so visually appealing. Are you ready to bake up a storm of deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
Similar to other classic red velvet cookies recipes, this recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients for the Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Recipe
This red velvet cookie recipe calls for a few key ingredients. Don’t worry, they’re probably already in your pantry!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid) – yes, that’s the secret to the vibrant red!
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Baking the Red Velvet Cookies
Now for the fun part! Here’s how to bring your red velvet cookie recipe to life:
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie. Ever wonder why your grandma’s cookies are always so soft? It’s all in the creaming!
- Egg-cellent Addition: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Red Alert: Gradually add the red food coloring, mixing until the desired shade of red is achieved. A little goes a long way, especially with gel food coloring.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill Out: Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
Red Velvet Cookie Dough Chilling in Refrigerator
Baking Time for Your Red Velvet Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Remember to leave some space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Finishing Touch
What’s a red velvet cookie without its creamy, tangy counterpart? A recipe for red velvet cookies wouldn’t be complete without the perfect cream cheese frosting! This simple frosting elevates the cookies to another level of deliciousness.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Frosting Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Tips and Tricks for the Best Red Velvet Cookies
Want to take your red velvet cookies from great to extraordinary? Here are a few tips from a seasoned baker:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs are key to a smooth, well-combined dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents spreading and helps the cookies maintain their shape. Think of it as a little time-out for the dough before its big debut in the oven!
- Use Quality Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red than liquid food coloring. Looking for ideas for other cookie recipes? Check out our recipes for red velvet cookies page for more inspiration.
Baked Red Velvet Cookies Cooling on a Wire Rack
Why This Red Velvet Cookie Recipe is a Winner
This red velvet cookie recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, soft and chewy. The vibrant red color makes them a showstopper, and the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, decadent touch. They are perfect for holidays, parties, or simply a sweet treat on a Tuesday afternoon. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! You might also enjoy our recipe for cake mix cookies for a quick and easy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: While cream cheese frosting is the classic pairing, you can certainly get creative! Try a buttercream frosting or even a chocolate ganache.
Q: How do I store leftover cookies?
A: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This red velvet cookies recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. Share your baking adventures with us – we’d love to see your beautiful red velvet creations!
