Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining the rich, slightly tangy flavor with the convenience of a cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and feature a beautiful deep red color, making them perfect for special occasions or just a fun baking project. The addition of white chocolate chips adds a creamy sweetness that complements the cocoa flavor perfectly. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make these delicious cookies, ensuring a tender texture and vibrant color every time.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookies
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel-based for best color)
Mix-ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the cocoa powder evenly and ensures the baking soda is mixed thoroughly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The mixture should be light and well-combined, with no lumps of sugar remaining.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Next, add the red food coloring. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed to achieve the desired vibrant red color. Gel food coloring is recommended for its intensity without adding too much liquid.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Fold in the White Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips using a spatula. Ensure that the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent flavor and texture in every cookie.
7. Scoop and Bake the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies room to spread as they bake.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The centers will look soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
8. Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set and prevents them from breaking apart.
- Once cooled, enjoy these delicious Red Velvet Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
About the Main Ingredients
Flour
All-purpose flour is the base of these cookies, providing structure and chewiness. It is important to measure the flour accurately to avoid making the cookies too dense. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the most precise measurement.
Cocoa Powder
The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate flavor that is characteristic of red velvet desserts. While only a small amount is used, it balances the sweetness of the cookies and complements the red color. Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
Butter and Sugars
Butter provides richness and a tender texture, while a combination of brown and granulated sugars adds sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies moist.
Red Food Coloring
Red food coloring is essential for achieving the classic red velvet appearance. Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides vibrant color without adding extra liquid to the dough. If using liquid food coloring, you may need to use more to achieve the same intensity.
White Chocolate Chips
White chocolate chips add a creamy, sweet contrast to the cocoa flavor of the cookies. They also create a lovely visual contrast against the red dough. Feel free to substitute with milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor combination.
Baking Soda and Salt
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become tender. Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.
Egg, Milk, and Vanilla
The egg and milk contribute to the cookies’ structure and moisture. Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet aroma and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful and colorful treat that are perfect for any occasion. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the rich flavor of cocoa and the sweetness of white chocolate, make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Follow this recipe for a perfect batch every time, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Red Velvet Cookies!
