If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat, these Red Velvet Cookies are a must-bake. They’re soft, chewy, and have that classic hint of cocoa with a rich red color that makes them extra festive. Whether you’re making them for your sweetheart, a Galentine’s party, or just to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to spread some love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture: These cookies stay perfectly moist in the center.
- Classic red velvet flavor: A touch of cocoa with a hint of vanilla gives them that signature taste.
- Perfect for gifting: Wrap them up in a cute box for the sweetest homemade Valentine’s gift.
- Easy to make: No fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Butter
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- White chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting for topping
Full list of ingredients is below.
Directions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Red Coloring
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and prevent spreading.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle with melted white chocolate or top with cream cheese frosting if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skip chilling the dough: This helps keep the cookies thick and chewy.
- Use gel food coloring: It gives a deeper red hue without thinning the dough.
- Underbake slightly: The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Chocolate lovers: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
- Stuffed cookies: Place a small piece of cream cheese in the center before baking for a surprise filling.
- Nutty twist: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but even better with:
- A glass of cold milk
- A cup of hot cocoa or coffee
- A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months, then bake straight from frozen.
- Reheat: Warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds to make them extra soft.
4 FAQs
- Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes! Beet powder or natural red food coloring works, but the color may be less vibrant. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. - Why do my cookies spread too much?
Make sure to chill the dough and measure your ingredients accurately. Too much butter or sugar can cause spreading. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich, chocolatey flavor. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging in yourself. Bake a batch and enjoy a little extra love in every bite!
PrintValentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Full of Love
Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the convenience of a cookie. Soft, chewy, and adorned with white chocolate chips or a cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging yourself.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the Egg and Red Coloring:
- Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If using, fold in the white chocolate chips.
-
Chill the Dough:
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
-
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set.
-
Cool and Decorate:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate or top with cream cheese frosting if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain the cookies’ thickness and chewy texture.
- Food Coloring: Using gel food coloring provides a vibrant red hue without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Underbaking: Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures they remain soft and chewy as they cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg