Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Servings: 18–20 cookies
These cookies are soft, chewy, and have all the rich, chocolatey flavor of a classic red velvet cake, with a touch of cream cheese goodness.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for mix-in or garnish)
For the Cream Cheese Filling (optional but amazing):
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
This stage involves mixing the base ingredients for the red velvet cookies.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
| Sift dry ingredients | Sifter, mixing bowl | Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together to avoid lumps. |
| Cream butter and sugars | Mixer or whisk, large bowl | Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). |
| Add wet ingredients | Spatula or mixer | Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until fully incorporated. |
| Combine dry and wet ingredients | Mixer or spatula | Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. |
Tip: Avoid overmixing at this stage to keep your cookies soft and tender.
2. Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
Fold in white chocolate chips for a pop of sweetness and contrast.
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
| Fold in mix-ins | Spatula | Gently fold in white chocolate chips to distribute evenly. |
Tip: Reserve a few chips to press into the tops of the cookies before baking for a polished look.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
| Chill the dough | Plastic wrap or bowl | Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. |
Tip: Chilling also enhances the flavor, making the cookies richer.
4. Prepare and Bake the Cookies
Shape and bake your cookies to perfection.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
| Preheat oven and prep pans | Oven, parchment paper, baking sheet | Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. |
| Shape cookies | Cookie scoop or hands | Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Flatten slightly if using cream cheese filling. |
| Bake the cookies | Oven, timer | Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are soft. |
Tip: Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.
5. Optional Cream Cheese Filling
For an extra decadent touch, you can stuff the cookies with a cream cheese filling.
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
| Make the filling | Small bowl, whisk | Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. |
| Stuff the cookies | Hands or spoon | Flatten a ball of dough, add a small dollop of filling, and seal edges around it. |
Tip: Make sure the dough fully seals the filling to prevent leaks during baking.
6. Cool and Decorate
After baking, let your cookies cool slightly before adding any decorations.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
| Cool cookies | Cooling rack | Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. |
| Add finishing touches | Drizzle tool, melted chocolate | Drizzle with white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar. |
Tip: For a festive Valentine’s touch, sprinkle heart-shaped decorations or edible glitter on top.
Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red hue without thinning the dough.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For Crispier Edges: Bake a minute or two longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Substitutions: If you’re out of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar works just as well.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cookies are the perfect treat to brighten up Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. With their rich red color, soft texture, and optional cream cheese filling, they’re a delightful twist on the classic red velvet flavor. Whether you serve them plain or decorate them with love, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.