Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

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Introduction

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are a stunning and irresistible twist on the classic sugar cookie. These cookies bring together the soft, buttery texture of a traditional sugar cookie with the deep, rich color and subtle flavor of red velvet. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit, whether you’re preparing them for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just a delightful treat for yourself. With their vibrant red hue and delicate sweetness, Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a festive and visually appealing dessert.

Perfect for:

• Holiday gatherings
• Valentine’s Day
• Birthday parties
• Gift-giving
• Special events
• Red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are bound to become your favorite go-to dessert for several reasons:

• Unique Flavor: The combination of cocoa and vanilla creates a deliciously mild, slightly chocolatey taste that makes these cookies stand out from your regular sugar cookies.
• Vibrant Color: The deep red hue of these cookies adds a festive touch to any occasion, making them perfect for celebrations.
• Soft, Chewy Texture: These cookies have a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making each bite an indulgent experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, these cookies are incredibly easy to whip up and bake in no time.
• Customizable: You can decorate them with sprinkles, frosting, or even a drizzle of white chocolate to personalize them to your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Red Velvet Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and lemon juice)
• ¼ cup white sugar, for rolling the cookies

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Food Coloring: This ingredient gives the cookies their signature red velvet color. Be sure to use a high-quality food coloring to get that deep, rich hue.
• Cocoa Powder: A small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder adds just a touch of chocolate flavor, balancing out the sweetness of the cookie.
• Buttermilk: The buttermilk helps create a tender crumb and gives the cookies a slight tang, which is characteristic of red velvet desserts.
• Butter and Sugar: These two ingredients work together to create a rich, soft base for the cookie dough, contributing to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla and Almond Extract: The combination of vanilla and almond extract adds depth to the flavor of the cookies.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Red Velvet Sugar Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cookie removal after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and red food coloring. Make sure the food coloring is fully incorporated for an even red hue.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly to avoid flour spillage. Add the buttermilk a little at a time and continue mixing until everything is well combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Chill the Dough: Place the dough in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to firm it up. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

7. Roll the Dough into Balls: Once the dough has chilled, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls. Roll each ball between your hands to form smooth balls, then roll them in the remaining white sugar to coat them evenly.
8. Place on Baking Sheets: Place the coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the tops appear slightly cracked. The center may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
10. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Decoration:

If you’d like to add extra flair to your Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, you can decorate them with a drizzle of white chocolate, sprinkles, or frosting once they’ve cooled. For a festive touch, consider adding heart-shaped sprinkles for a Valentine’s Day treat or gold dust for a holiday celebration.

How to Serve Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments:

• With Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy, indulgent treat.
• With Hot Beverages: These cookies are delicious with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa, making them perfect for an afternoon snack.
• For Parties: Arrange them on a dessert platter with other colorful cookies and treats for a fun, festive display.
• As a Gift: Pack a few Red Velvet Sugar Cookies in a gift box or jar, tied with a ribbon, for a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Here are some helpful tips to make your Red Velvet Sugar Cookies even better:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: For the most vibrant color, gel food coloring is preferable to liquid food coloring.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring a thicker, chewier texture.
• Check for Doneness: Be sure not to overbake the cookies. The cookies should still be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a hint of cinnamon for a unique twist.

Recipe Variations of Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking to experiment and try some variations on the classic Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, here are 10 ideas to inspire you:

• Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for an extra creamy bite.
• Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
• Red Velvet Nut Cookies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for a crunchy texture.
• Red Velvet Shortbread Cookies: For a more buttery, crisp texture, replace the sugar with powdered sugar to make a shortbread-style cookie.
• Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Make two soft Red Velvet Sugar Cookies and sandwich them together with cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert.
• Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches: Fill the cookies with flavored buttercream, such as vanilla or chocolate, for a sweet surprise inside.
• Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies with Jam: Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between two cookies for a fruity twist.
• Spiced Red Velvet Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version of red velvet.
• Red Velvet with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the cookie dough before baking for a festive look.
• Mini Red Velvet Cookies: Reduce the size of the dough balls to make mini-sized cookies that are perfect for party favors or snack-sized portions.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

• Freezing: You can freeze Red Velvet Sugar Cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag once solid. To serve, thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them as described above.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

To make your Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Baking Sheets: Use two baking sheets to bake the cookies in batches.
• Electric Mixer: While optional, an electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar much quicker and easier.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps ensure even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
• Silicone Spatula: A spatula is essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in any remaining flour.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheets with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the cookies once they’re baked.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack allows the cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.

FAQ Section about Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
   Yes, but gel food coloring provides a more vibrant and concentrated color, resulting in a more intense red hue.
2. Can I make these cookies without buttermilk?
   Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
3. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk in place of buttermilk.
4. Can I add more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor?
   You can, but be cautious not to add too much as it may alter the texture and balance of the cookie dough.
5. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   Make sure to chill the dough before baking, which helps prevent excessive spreading and keeps the cookies thick.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are a perfect treat for any celebration or just as a special indulgence on a quiet afternoon. Their vibrant color, soft texture, and mild chocolate flavor make them a standout choice among other cookies. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, as a gift, or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’ll become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!