Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Christmas Red Velvet Cookies! They’re like little festive clouds of joy, and every bite feels like a celebration. I still remember the first time I made them; the kitchen was filled with the most delightful aroma of cocoa and vanilla, and the bright red color just screams Christmas cheer! These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or just cozy nights at home with loved ones. Not only do they taste amazing with that rich cream cheese frosting, but they also make for a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked and likely to make them a holiday tradition in your home too! They’re simply irresistible, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients for Christmas Red Velvet Cookies
To whip up these delightful Christmas Red Velvet Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (this gives the cookies a subtle chocolate flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (for that perfect rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (this adds just the right amount of sweetness)
- 1 large egg (room temperature works best)
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel works great for a vibrant hue)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that comforting aroma)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (so it blends smoothly with the sugar)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (this makes the frosting sweet and fluffy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting (a little extra flavor never hurts!)
How to Prepare Christmas Red Velvet Cookies
Alright, let’s get those festive vibes going and make these scrumptious Christmas Red Velvet Cookies together! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly and perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab a bowl and mix your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. It’s like creating a cozy little dry mixture!
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Now, add in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. Next, gradually add your dry mixture to the wet one, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this isn’t a race!
Now it’s time to drop spoonfuls of that vibrant dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential if you want to avoid any gooey mess when you frost them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly rich flavor with a delightful hint of cocoa
- Festively vibrant red color that brightens up any holiday table
- Easy-to-follow steps make baking a breeze, even for beginners
- Frosted with creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting that’s simply divine
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends or gifting during the holidays
- They look stunning, making them a showstopper at any gathering
Tips for Success with Christmas Red Velvet Cookies
To make sure your Christmas Red Velvet Cookies turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if your dough feels sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this makes it so much easier to handle. When it comes to frosting, I recommend using a piping bag for a beautiful swirl on top; it’s a game changer! If you want to switch things up, consider adding a touch of almond extract to the cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist. And remember, for the best color, gel food coloring really packs a punch compared to liquid—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Red Velvet Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy! If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds—nothing beats that fresh-baked feeling!
FAQ About Christmas Red Velvet Cookies
Got questions about these festive treats? I’ve got answers! One common query is how to achieve that stunning red color. I recommend using gel food coloring instead of liquid—it gives you a richer hue and ensures your cookies look as festive as they taste!
Now, if you’re looking for alternative frosting ideas, you can absolutely switch it up! A simple vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache would be fabulous. And for those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and if you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream for the frosting; it adds a lovely flavor!
Lastly, if you want to make these cookies a bit healthier, you can reduce the sugar slightly or swap in some applesauce for part of the butter. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Red Velvet Cookies
These delightful Christmas Red Velvet Cookies are not just a treat for the eyes but also for your taste buds! Each cookie is approximately 150 calories, with about 12 grams of sugar and 7 grams of fat. They also contain 30 milligrams of cholesterol and 80 milligrams of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy these festive cookies in moderation while celebrating the season!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think of these Christmas Red Velvet Cookies! If you give them a try, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you. Did you add any special touches or variations? Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Sharing your baking experiences makes this journey even more fun, so let’s spread that holiday cheer together!
For more festive recipes, check out this collection of Christmas cookies or learn about the science of baking cookies!
Print
Christmas Red Velvet Cookies: 7 Sweet Holiday Delights
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas Red Velvet Cookies with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, food coloring, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost cooled cookies.
- Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color.
- Chill dough for easier handling if sticky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Red Velvet Cookies