Name: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies That Will Delight Your Taste Buds!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Introduction to Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to baking. That’s why I adore these Red Velvet Sugar Cookies! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to brighten up any day. Imagine soft, chewy cookies that burst with flavor and a stunning red hue. Perfect for a quick dessert or to impress your loved ones at gatherings, these cookies are a sweet solution for any occasion. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up even on the busiest of days. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are a dream come true for busy lives. They come together in just 27 minutes, making them a quick and easy treat. The soft, chewy texture paired with a hint of vanilla and almond makes every bite a delight. Plus, the vibrant color adds a festive touch, perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how they impress family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Red Velvet Sugar Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, making the cookies tender.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies their delightful sweetness and helps with texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding moisture.
Red food coloring: The star of the show! It gives these cookies their signature vibrant hue.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth.
Almond extract: This optional ingredient adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
White chocolate chips: Also optional, these add a creamy sweetness and a delightful texture contrast.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delightful Red Velvet Sugar Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for creating a uniform cookie base. Whisking helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking soda and salt. It’s like giving your cookies a little pep talk before they hit the oven!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming is vital because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that soft, chewy texture we all love. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The red food coloring is what makes these cookies pop with color, so don’t be shy! This is where the magic happens, transforming your mixture into a vibrant delight.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. This is a crucial step! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that. You want to see a few flour streaks; it’s perfectly fine. The dough will come together beautifully!

Step 6: Add White Chocolate Chips

If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in the white chocolate chips at this stage. They’re optional but add a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the red velvet flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate in their cookies?

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. If you want perfectly round cookies, you can roll the dough into balls in your hands before placing them on the sheet.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This step is important for achieving the right texture. After a few minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps them maintain their soft, chewy goodness!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a better texture.
Don’t skip the whisking step; it helps create a light cookie base.
For a deeper red color, feel free to add a bit more food coloring.
Keep an eye on your cookies while baking to avoid overbaking.
Let the cookies cool completely for the best texture before storing.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is best for creaming.
Whisk: A hand whisk works great, but an electric mixer saves time.
Baking sheet: A standard sheet pan is perfect; line it with parchment paper.
Cookie scoop or tablespoon: For evenly sized cookies, a scoop is handy.
Wire rack: Essential for cooling cookies evenly; a plate can work in a pinch.

Variations of Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter for a plant-based version.
Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a richer chocolate flavor, creating a red velvet chocolate cookie.
Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
Frosted Delight: Top with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat that takes these cookies to the next level.

Serving Suggestions for Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
For a festive touch, arrange cookies on a decorative platter with fresh berries.
Drizzle with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs about Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

As you embark on your baking journey with these delightful Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Absolutely! While red food coloring gives these cookies their signature look, you can experiment with other colors. Just keep in mind that the flavor might slightly change depending on the type of coloring used.

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your Red Velvet Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking, so it’s easier to scoop.

What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?

If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, feel free to swap in semi-sweet chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chunks. They’ll add a different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the red velvet base.

Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor of your Red Velvet Sugar Cookies. Just fold them in during the mixing process for a delightful twist!

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of joy and creativity in the kitchen. Each bite is a reminder that baking can be a delightful escape from our busy lives. The vibrant color and soft texture bring smiles to faces, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to create sweet memories. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let the magic of baking fill your home with warmth and happiness!

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies That Will Delight Your Taste Buds!

Author: Maria
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously soft and chewy red velvet sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
If using, fold in the white chocolate chips.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.