Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these red velvet cookies! They’re like little bites of heaven—soft, chewy, and oh-so-decadent. The vibrant red color is enough to make anyone smile, and when you take a bite, the buttery richness combined with the sweetness of white chocolate chips just dances on your taste buds. Trust me, I can’t resist grabbing one (or maybe two!) right off the baking sheet! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself after a long day. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which is always a win in my book. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making the best red velvet cookies ever!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy creaming
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to sweeten things up
- 1 cup brown sugar, for that lovely caramel flavor
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature for better mixing
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring, to achieve that signature red velvet hue
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for a warm, comforting flavor
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, the base of our cookie dough
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, to help them rise perfectly
- 1 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, just a hint for that subtle chocolatey undertone
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, because who can resist that creamy sweetness?
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cookies
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Wet Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cookies to bake perfectly! While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar. I usually mix these for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy—this is where the magic happens! Next, beat in 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it all until it’s beautifully combined and vibrant in color. You’ll be amazed at how pretty it looks!
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder. Make sure everything is evenly mixed, as this helps the cookies rise and gives them that lovely texture. I like to sift the dry ingredients to avoid any clumps, but if you don’t have a sifter, just whisk vigorously. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. You don’t want to overmix—just enough to bring it all together!
Final Dough Preparation
Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips. I just use a spatula for this, being gentle to keep those chips intact. Once that’s done, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to give them some space, about 2 inches apart, so they have room to spread while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And voilà! You’ve got yourself some scrumptious red velvet cookies!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly for that perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix: Once you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want soft and chewy!
- Chill the dough: If you have time, let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and gives you thicker cookies.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look set around the edges but still soft in the center—this ensures they stay chewy!
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional values of these delightful red velvet cookies. Keep in mind that these figures are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Each cookie has about:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
So, while these cookies are definitely a treat, they can also fit into your day without too much guilt. Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be just fine!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips in these red velvet cookies, you can totally mix it up. Dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips would add a rich contrast to the sweetness of the cookie. You could even try milk chocolate for a more classic cookie flavor. The key is to choose a chocolate you enjoy since it will really shine through!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep those delightful red velvet cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about 3-4 days. If you want them to last even longer, you can pop them in the fridge, but just know they might lose a bit of that lovely texture. If you’re like me and can’t resist, they probably won’t last that long anyway!
Can I freeze red velvet cookie dough?
You bet! Freezing the dough is a fantastic way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever you crave them. Just scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just take out however many you want and bake them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time. Easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These red velvet cookies are irresistibly soft and chewy, making every bite a delight!
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
- Vibrant Color: The stunning red hue adds a festive touch, making them perfect for holidays or special occasions.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for parties, potlucks, or just sharing with friends and family—everyone will love them!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the mix-ins or frosting to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Pair Well with Drinks: Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for an extra special treat!
Variations
Getting creative with your red velvet cookies can be so much fun! Here are a few ideas to switch things up and make them your own:
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the soft cookie perfectly.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to give your cookies a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Yum!
- Chocolate Swirl: For an extra chocolatey experience, swirl in some melted chocolate into your dough before baking. It’ll look stunning and taste incredible!
- Mint Chocolate: If you’re a mint lover, try adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough and using mint chocolate chips. It’s a refreshing twist!
- Frost it Up: Top your baked cookies with a luscious cream cheese frosting for that classic red velvet cake experience. Just whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla!
- Sprinkles Galore: For a festive touch, toss in some colorful sprinkles or even edible glitter. They’ll be perfect for celebrations!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to find your favorite flavor combinations. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these delightful red velvet cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate your cookie experience! Trust me, pairing them with the right beverage can take your enjoyment to a whole new level. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of cold milk! The creamy richness complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making for an unbeatable duo.
- Coffee: If you’re a coffee lover like me, a warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the cookies beautifully. The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast.
- Hot Chocolate: For those cozy days, indulge in a mug of hot chocolate! The warmth and chocolaty goodness will make every bite of your cookie feel like a warm hug.
- Tea: A nice cup of herbal or chai tea pairs wonderfully with these cookies. The aromatic spices in the tea can complement the flavors, adding a soothing element to your treat time.
- Ice Cream: Feeling adventurous? Serve your red velvet cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream. The cold creaminess against the warm cookie is simply divine!
Whichever you choose, these serving suggestions will definitely enhance your red velvet cookie experience. So grab your favorite drink, take a bite, and savor the moment!
Print
Red velvet cookies: 5 blissful bites of delight
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cookies with a soft and chewy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a cream cheese frosting, mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Adjust baking time for softer or crunchier cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: red velvet cookies, cookies, dessert