Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake. These cookies bring the rich color and unique flavor of red velvet into a chewy, sweet treat. People love these cookies for their vibrant appearance and soft texture. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring at home. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and the ability to create stunning cookies that impress everyone. Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a craving for something sweet, these cookies will shine on any dessert table.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is easy and beginner-friendly, which makes it accessible for everyone. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these delicious cookies. They are homemade and taste better than store-bought varieties, giving you that warm, fresh-baked flavor. This treat is family-friendly too; kids will love helping out in the kitchen. Plus, making cookies at home is often more budget-friendly than buying treats from the store.
What makes Red Velvet Sugar Cookies special
What really makes these cookies stand out is their unique taste and beautiful color. The combination of rich cocoa and buttery sweetness creates a delightful flavor profile. The texture is soft, with a slight chewy bite that makes each cookie utterly irresistible. Moreover, red velvet cookies hold a beloved spot in American baking culture, often associated with celebrations and special moments. This recipe brings that homemade charm to your kitchen.
Is Red Velvet Sugar Cookies healthy
While these cookies are a treat, they do offer some homemade benefits. You control the ingredients, so you know exactly what goes into your cookies. They’re made with simple, natural ingredients that you can easily find. Just remember that these cookies are still a dessert. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.
How to make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Making these cookies is a fun and straightforward process. You start with simple steps that are perfect for even the most novice bakers. The time and effort required are minimal for the reward of delicious cookies. You’ll be mixing wet and dry ingredients, chilling the dough, and then shaping the cookies before baking. With just a bit of patience, you’ll have a batch of mouth-watering Red Velvet Sugar Cookies.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop the dough and roll into balls, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to serve Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Pair them with a glass of milk for a classic snack or serve them with coffee for a sophisticated treat during brunch. They make a colorful addition to any dessert platter, especially for special occasions like birthdays or holidays. You can also present them with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert sundae.
Best occasions to make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
These cookies are perfect for various occasions. They shine at family gatherings, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations. You can also enjoy them during cozy weeknight meals or as an afternoon snack. They’re also an ideal treat for meal prep; bake a batch to keep on hand for quick dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
How to store Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to store them for longer, consider placing them in the refrigerator. For even longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Can you make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies ahead of time
Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to two days. After baking, store them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for several days. If you want to reheat them, a few seconds in the microwave will warm them just right.
Print
Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful red velvet sugar cookies that are chewy, sweet, and perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop the dough and roll into balls, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best texture, do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients and ensure to chill well before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Tips to make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies: Discover the Secret to Baking Irresistible Treats!
For the best texture, be sure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Chill the dough well before baking to enhance the flavor and improve the texture. If you want a more intense red color, add a bit more food coloring. Lastly, rolling the cookies in powdered sugar adds a fun visual element and a sweet finish.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with this recipe. You could add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for extra flavor. If you want a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts. For a different flavor, try swapping the almond extract with orange or lemon extract. Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for those with dietary restrictions.
FAQs
Can I store Red Velvet Sugar Cookies in the fridge?
Yes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
What can I use instead of red food coloring?
You can use beet juice or any other food coloring, though the color may vary slightly.
How do I avoid spreading?
Make sure the dough is well-chilled before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
