Red Velvet Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red Velvet Cookies are a decadent twist on the classic cake, offering the same rich cocoa flavor and striking red color in a soft, chewy cookie form. With hints of vanilla and a slight tang, these cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you crave a bakery-style treat at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
unsweetened cocoa powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
light brown sugar
eggs
red food coloring
vanilla extract
white vinegar
white chocolate chips or chunks (optional for extra sweetness)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using.

Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add cream cheese chips instead of white chocolate for a classic red velvet pairing.
Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty balance.
Make them into sandwich cookies with a cream cheese frosting filling.
Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for festive occasions.

storage/reheating

Store Red Velvet Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
To enjoy warm, reheat in a microwave for 5-10 seconds.

FAQs

What makes Red Velvet Cookies red?
The signature red color comes from red food coloring added to the dough.

Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, but the cookies won’t have the classic red hue.

Why is vinegar used in Red Velvet Cookies?
A bit of vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cookies stay tender and slightly tangy.

Can I use cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! Spread some on top or sandwich it between two cookies.

What chocolate chips work best?
White chocolate chips or chunks pair wonderfully with red velvet flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chill the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger batches.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cookies are a gorgeous, delicious treat that brings the iconic cake flavor into a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for gifting, parties, or simply indulging, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation.

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