Red velvet lovers, rejoice! These Red Velvet Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with that signature cocoa flavor. With a gorgeous red color and a hint of cream cheese frosting or white chocolate, these cookies are perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want a decadent treat.
If you love red velvet cake, you’ll adore these cookies! They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Notes
These red velvet cookies use simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar (enhances the red color and adds a slight tang)
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or cream cheese chunks)
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies
Follow these easy steps to make soft and chewy Red Velvet Cookies:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips (or cream cheese chunks).
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cookies
Red velvet cookies are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate flavor and a hint of tanginess, making them a favorite treat for many. Whether you’re a fan of red velvet cake or just love soft, chewy cookies, these cookies are sure to impress. Here’s why you’ll love them:
1. Perfect Texture
These cookies strike the ideal balance between chewy and slightly crisp on the edges. The inside remains soft and moist, giving you a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
2. Rich Chocolate Flavor with a Tangy Twist
Unlike traditional chocolate cookies, red velvet cookies have a unique flavor profile. The combination of cocoa powder, vanilla, and a touch of buttermilk creates a distinct taste that’s both chocolaty and slightly tangy.
3. Vibrant and Eye-Catching
The signature red color of these cookies makes them stand out on any dessert table. Whether for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or just an everyday treat, these cookies are visually stunning.
4. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these cookies. With pantry staples like flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and eggs, you can whip up a batch in no time.
5. Pairs Well with Various Fillings
Red velvet cookies can be made even more exciting with different add-ins. White chocolate chips, cream cheese filling, or even a drizzle of chocolate glaze can elevate them to the next level.
6. Great for Any Occasion
These cookies are a hit at parties, bake sales, and holiday gatherings. Their festive color and rich taste make them a favorite choice for special occasions.
7. Customizable
You can tweak the recipe to match your preferences. Whether you want them extra chewy, stuffed with cream cheese, or even gluten-free, red velvet cookies are versatile and adaptable.
Storage Options
Keep your Red Velvet Cookies fresh and delicious with these storage tips:
Room Temperature
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them extra soft.
Refrigerator Storage
- If using cream cheese chunks, store cookies in the fridge in a sealed container.
- They stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing for Later
- Freeze baked cookies in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
- For unbaked dough, freeze individual scoops and bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Variations and Substitutions
Get creative with these fun variations:
Flavor Twists
✔ Stuffed Cookies – Add a cream cheese or Nutella filling for extra indulgence.
✔ Chocolate Lover’s Red Velvet Cookies – Swap white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate.
✔ Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies – Add ½ tsp peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
Dietary Alternatives
✔ Gluten-Free – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
✔ Dairy-Free – Replace butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
✔ Egg-Free – Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with:
- A Glass of Cold Milk – Classic pairing for the ultimate comfort treat.
- Drizzled with White Chocolate – Melt extra white chocolate for a pretty finish.
- Sandwiched with Cream Cheese Frosting – Turn them into red velvet cookie sandwiches!
- As a Dessert Platter Addition – Pair with chocolate chip cookies or brownies for variety.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cookies are a must-try dessert for anyone who loves the richness of red velvet cake in cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Give them a try today, and enjoy every bite of this velvety goodness!