– **Title**: Red Velvet Cookies
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp cocoa powder
– 2 tbsp red food coloring
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting for topping (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the red food coloring and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If using, fold in the white chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring to leave some space between each cookie.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. If desired, top each cooled cookie with a small dollop of cream cheese frosting for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cookies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is essential for the cookie structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend; just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cookies their rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer a deeper taste, you might go for Dutch-processed cocoa, which offers a milder flavor and darker color.
Red Food Coloring: For that iconic red velvet look, use gel food coloring instead of liquid, as it provides more vibrant color with less moisture for the dough. If you want a natural alternative, consider beet juice but note this can change the taste.
White Chocolate Chips: These add a nice sweetness. You can swap them out for dark chocolate chips if you like a stronger chocolate flavor. If you want it dairy-free, look for dairy-free white chocolate or even coconut flakes!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Have the Right Texture?
The key to perfect cookies lies in the mixing and baking time. Creaming the butter and sugars well creates air pockets, giving you that fluffy texture. Don’t overmix after adding the flour, as it can make the cookies tough.
- Start with softened butter; it should easily hold an indent when pressed.
- Mix the wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to crumbly cookies.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time; underbaking slightly will result in soft, chewy centers.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 10-12 minutes of baking. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying your Red Velvet Cookies in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for an easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Once done, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix them until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This will give your cookies a nice texture.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is what gives your cookies their beautiful red color!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix it just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! You want your dough to be nice and soft.
6. Add the White Chocolate Chips:
Next, gently fold in the white chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you like, reserve a few to sprinkle on top before baking!
7. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows them to spread out while baking without sticking together.
8. Add Extra Chocolate Chips:
If you’d like, you can top each dough ball with a few extra white chocolate chips to make them look extra special.
9. Bake Your Cookies:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still be a bit soft so that they stay chewy.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious, bakery-style Red Velvet Cookies!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Margarine?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with margarine in this recipe. Just ensure that the margarine is softened similarly to butter for the best texture. Keep in mind that margarine may change the flavor slightly, so choose a good quality brand for a better result.
What Can I Use Instead of Red Food Coloring?
If you prefer not to use red food coloring, you can try using beet powder as a natural alternative. Start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust according to the desired color. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious cookies!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher longer, you can freeze them by placing layers of cookies in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Red Velvet Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help maintain the cookie’s texture. Just be sure to measure it correctly and avoid any flours that absorb more liquid than regular flour.
