If you’re a fan of soft, tender cookies with a pop of vibrant color and a hint of cocoa flavor, then these Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Not only are they visually stunning, but they’re also deliciously addictive, thanks to their subtle cream cheese tang and delightful sweetness. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday, special event, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress both in taste and appearance.
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What Makes Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Special?
Red velvet is a beloved flavor that combines the richness of cocoa with a slight tang, traditionally achieved with buttermilk or cream cheese. These cookies take that classic red velvet essence and turn it into a soft, buttery, sugar cookie that melts in your mouth. The vibrant red color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any festive occasion. The slight cream cheese flavor in the dough adds an extra layer of indulgence, making these cookies stand out from standard sugar cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks): This forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it a rich, buttery flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (half a brick): Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
- 1 egg yolk, large: Contributes to the tenderness of the cookies.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid): Provides the iconic red velvet hue.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookie dough.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Helps create a tender texture.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their signature hint of chocolate.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
How to Make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Making these cookies is simpler than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best results:
- Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy. This step usually takes about a minute.
- Add the Wet Ingredients Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and the dough takes on a vibrant red color.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula. Add the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt to the wet mixture. Beat on medium-low speed until a stiff dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it comes together into a smooth ball.
- Roll Out the Dough Roll the dough to a thickness of 3/16-inch between two sheets of parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures an even thickness for all your cookies.
- Cut Out Shapes Using a 3-inch cookie cutter (a heart shape works beautifully for Valentine’s Day), cut out shapes from the dough. Carefully peel away the shapes from the parchment and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake to Perfection Bake the cookies for 12 to 16 minutes, or until they’re set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. This ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cool and Decorate Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can enjoy them as-is or add a simple cream cheese glaze or royal icing for an extra touch of sweetness and flair.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Food Coloring: To achieve the perfect red hue, opt for a high-quality liquid or gel food coloring.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can result in a dry texture, while slightly underbaking ensures they remain soft.
- Even Thickness: Use rolling pin rings or a similar tool to ensure your dough is rolled out evenly. This helps the cookies bake uniformly.
- Experiment with Shapes: While hearts are a classic choice, feel free to use any shape of cookie cutter that suits the occasion.
Serving and Storing
These cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them at parties, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough or baked cookies for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
Each 3-inch cookie contains approximately 183 calories, making them a sweet treat to enjoy in moderation. Here’s the full breakdown per cookie:
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Potassium: 39mg
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 310IU
- Calcium: 11mg
- Iron: 0.9mg
Why You Should Try Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. The combination of buttery richness, cocoa flavor, and cream cheese tang creates a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to delight.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let these vibrant, tender cookies bring a smile to your face and joy to those around you. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of red velvet, and your taste buds will thank you!