Red velvet sugar cookies combine the best of two worlds: the vibrant, velvety allure of red velvet cake and the soft, buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want to impress with a unique and tasty treat.
What Makes Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Special?
Red velvet sugar cookies are different from your regular sugar cookies because they have that distinctive red color and a hint of cocoa. They also often incorporate cream cheese, either as a frosting or in the dough itself, which adds a slight tang and creaminess.
Not only are they visually stunning, but these cookies have a rich depth of flavor, making them stand out from other cookies. Plus, they’re easy to make, meaning you don’t have to be a professional baker to whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasers.
Red velvet as a flavor has become a favorite over the years for its balance between sweet vanilla and a hint of chocolate, which is further elevated by the addition of cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
The ingredients for red velvet sugar cookies are similar to most cookie recipes, but with a few additions that give them their signature flavor and appearance:
- 2 1/2 cups of flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (optional, for extra softness)
- Cream cheese frosting (optional for decorating)
These cookies can be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free with a few ingredient swaps, making them versatile for any dietary preference.
For those looking for other creative cookie ideas, check out this guide on cake mix cookies for some easy and delicious variations.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to creating these stunning and delicious cookies.
1. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly helps to evenly distribute the cocoa powder, ensuring that your cookies have a uniform red velvet taste.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and consistent cookie dough. If your butter isn’t softened, your cookies may turn out too dense.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix well until the dough is vibrant and evenly colored. If you want a more intense red color, feel free to add a little extra food coloring.
If you’re after a particularly soft cookie, consider adding buttermilk at this stage.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Once the dough is mixed, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
5. Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the dough has chilled, roll it into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Once your cookies are fully cooled, the fun part begins: decorating! The most popular choice for topping red velvet sugar cookies is a cream cheese frosting. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for it:
Simple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy. Use a piping bag or a spatula to frost your cooled cookies.
For more decorating inspiration, visit The Spruce Eats’ guide on royal icing.
Creative Variations on Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Red velvet sugar cookies are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few fun ideas to customize them for different occasions:
- Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies: Add a touch of peppermint extract to the dough for a festive holiday twist.
- Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create a decadent sandwich cookie.
- Valentine’s Day Heart Shapes: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters and decorate with pink and red sprinkles for a Valentine’s Day treat.
For additional tips on how to bake perfect cookies, check out this ultimate guide on cookie baking.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant color compared to liquid food coloring, which can dilute the dough.
- Chill the Dough: This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving you thick, chewy cookies every time.
- Do Not Overbake: Red velvet cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone in just a minute. Keep a close eye on them and take them out when the edges are set, but the center is still soft.
- Add Cream Cheese Directly to Dough: For an extra burst of cream cheese flavor, try mixing cream cheese directly into the dough before baking.
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Red velvet sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve added frosting, be sure to keep them in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Simply roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag.
For more detailed tips on cookie storage, check out this guide on how to properly store cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make red velvet sugar cookies without food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the food coloring if you prefer, though the cookies will lose their signature red hue. The flavor, however, will remain the same. Alternatively, you can use natural food coloring derived from beets or pomegranate for a natural red color.
Why are my red velvet sugar cookies dry?
Dry cookies can result from overbaking or not enough fat in the dough. Ensure that you bake them just until the edges are set and add enough butter or cream cheese to maintain moisture.
What’s the best way to get the red velvet flavor?
The red velvet flavor comes from a combination of cocoa powder, vanilla, and a slight tang from buttermilk or cream cheese. Be sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Can I freeze red velvet sugar cookies?
Yes! Both the dough and the baked cookies can be frozen. If freezing the dough, roll it into balls before freezing so they are ready to bake when needed.
Is there a gluten-free version of red velvet sugar cookies?
Absolutely. You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement and contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
These red velvet sugar cookies are a delightful, eye-catching treat that balances soft texture with rich flavor. Whether you’re making them for a holiday or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with different shapes, decorations, and flavors to make the recipe your own.