There’s something magical about baking cookies, and these vibrant red velvet sugar cookies are no exception. As the sweet aroma fills your kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat that’s both visually stunning and delicious. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a delightful afternoon snack, these cookies will wow anyone who takes a bite. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.
What sets these cookies apart is their rich flavor and soft, chewy texture, thanks to the combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring. The contrast of the deep red hue with a dusting of powdered sugar makes them ideal for festive occasions or simply to brighten someone’s day.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- Beautiful color makes them a showstopper at events.
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Great for sharing with friends and family.
- Versatile enough for any occasion.
"The color and taste are simply delightful—everyone loved them!"
Step-by-step overview
Making these red velvet sugar cookies is straightforward. You’ll start by preparing a simple dough with flour, cocoa powder, and wet ingredients, then chill briefly before baking. Expect deliciously soft cookies that are ready in just about 20 minutes, plus cooling time.
Ingredient list for red velvet sugar cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Ingredient notes & swaps
- All-purpose flour: Can be replaced with a gluten-free blend.
- Cocoa powder: For a richer flavor, opt for dark cocoa powder.
- Unsalted butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Red food coloring: Consider a natural dye if you prefer.
Directions to follow
To create your delicious red velvet sugar cookies, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the sugar and softened butter together until fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tip: Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They can seem soft when you take them out but will firm up as they cool.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your butter is soft for easier mixing—this prevents lumps and produces a smoother dough.
- For a softer cookie, you can chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking; this helps the flavor meld.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniformity in size, ensuring all cookies bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking, as ovens can vary.
Best ways to enjoy it
These cookies taste great on their own, but they can also be paired with a glass of milk for a classic treat. For a fun presentation, stack them and sprinkle more powdered sugar on top for a festive display. They also make a stunning addition to a dessert platter alongside other treats during parties or holiday gatherings.
How to store & freeze
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Place the cookies in a sealed freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they can last for up to three months.
How to fix common issues
- Dry Cookies: If the dough looked crumbly, you might have over-measured the flour. Next time, weigh it for accuracy.
- Flat Cookies: Check the freshness of your baking soda and baking powder—expired leavening agents can result in flatter cookies.
- Bland Flavor: Ensure you use enough sugar and vanilla; they enhance the overall taste.
Creative twists
You can customize these cookies in various ways:
- Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to the dough before baking for extra sweetness.
- Replace part of the all-purpose flour with ground nuts for a nutty flavor.
- Swirl in some cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat—just spoon on after cooling.
Your questions answered
Can I make these cookies without red food coloring?
Absolutely! You can skip the coloring for a chocolate cookie instead. The red coloring is primarily for visual appeal, not flavor.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of flour. However, your cookies will lose their flavor and chocolatey essence.
How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough ahead, scoop it into balls, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, just place them straight from the freezer onto the baking sheet and add a minute or two to the baking time.
Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
By substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, these cookies can be suitable for those avoiding gluten. Just make sure your cocoa powder is likewise gluten-free.
How do I ensure my cookies come out soft?
Avoid overbaking. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up while cooling on the sheet.
With these steps and tips, you’ll find that baking red velvet sugar cookies is not just easy, but incredibly rewarding. Their rich flavor and striking appearance will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your guests. Happy baking!
Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the sugar and softened butter together until fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.