Name: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

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Have You Ever Wondered Why Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Are So Irresistibly Good?

Millions of cookie enthusiasts are captivated by the rich, luxurious flavor and stunning visual appeal of red velvet sugar cookies, but what makes them so beloved? Is it simply the vibrant color that catches the eye, or is there a deeper, delectable reason behind their popularity? As we dive into the world of these scrumptious cookies, you will discover why red velvet sugar cookies should be your next baking adventure, imbued with flavors that celebrate indulgence and sophistication.

Ingredients List

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any good cookie, all-purpose flour gives structure while still allowing for a tender crumb. For a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Cocoa Powder: This ingredient not only contributes to the rich, chocolatey flavor but also enhances the deep red color. Unsweetened cocoa powder works best, although you can substitute with carob powder for a caffeine-free version.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Granulated sugar creates firmness and a delightful crunch around the edges. You can adjust sweetness with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor, though this may alter the texture slightly.
Brown Sugar: The addition of brown sugar introduces moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enriching the overall taste. Light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.
Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps achieve that essential melt-in-your-mouth quality. Use unsalted butter for control over salt content, or margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
Eggs: Binding the ingredients together, eggs provide moisture and stability. For vegan options, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce.
Vanilla Extract: This aromatic extract brings depth to the sweetness and layers of flavor. A splash of almond extract can also work wonders if you’re looking to experiment.
Red Food Coloring: The star of our cookies! Gel food coloring provides a vibrant hue without altering the dough’s consistency as liquid coloring might.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents create fluffiness and help the cookies rise, making them delightfully airy.

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Baking can often feel like an all-day affair, but this red velvet sugar cookie recipe keeps it efficient without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly combined. This step ensures that your leavening agents are distributed, which prevents uneven rising.

Step 3: Cream Together the Sugars and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, making your cookies tender.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully incorporated. The batter will enhance in texture and flavor at this stage.

Step 5: Add the Food Coloring

Next, add about 1-2 tablespoons of red food coloring, adjusting the amount to achieve your desired richness in color. Mix until the color is uniform throughout the dough.

Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain an airy texture.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for expansion. If desired, roll the dough into vibrant balls to enhance the look of your cookies.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Value / Health Benefits

Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
This calorie count can vary, depending on ingredients used, but it’s vital to keep portions moderation-friendly.
Carbohydrates: About 20 grams
Carbs provide the energy needed for your day, but remember to balance them with fiber-rich foods.
Protein: Around 2 grams
The inclusion of eggs contributes beneficial protein, promoting muscle repair and growth.
Fats: Roughly 7 grams
While these cookies do contain fats from butter, they are primarily from saturated fat sources. Moderation is key.
Iron: 1% of daily recommended value
Cocoa powder and brown sugar contribute minor amounts; it’s fair to pair these cookies with iron-rich foods throughout your day.

Healthier Alternatives

Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half your all-purpose flour for whole wheat for added fiber and nutrients. This will give your cookies a slightly nuttier flavor and denser texture.
Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free option, replace butter with melted coconut oil. This change will alter the flavor slightly but adds a unique tropical twist.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Instead of granulated sugar, using these natural sweeteners can enhance the flavor profile, albeit at the expense of consistency.
Greek Yogurt: Incorporating Greek yogurt instead of some fat can add proteins and moisture while reducing overall calories.

Serving Suggestions

Frost it: Top with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for a decadent finish.
Sandwich Style: Create delightful sandwich cookies by pairing two cookies with frosting or ice cream in between.
Pairing with Beverages: Serve warm with milk, coffee, or a scoop of ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
Decorate: Dust with powdered sugar for an attractive presentation, or use festive sprinkles for special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Too Much Flour: Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to dry cookies. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level with a knife.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Using an oven thermometer can ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature, resulting in uniform baking.
Not Cooling Before Decorating: Allow cookies to completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful finish.

Storing Tips

Airtight Containers: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cookies in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reviving Soft Cookies: If cookies lose their moisture, place them in a toaster oven for a few seconds to regain that baked-fresh taste.

Conclusion

Red velvet sugar cookies are a delightful treat that marries stunning visuals with irresistible flavors. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a batch that impresses friends and family alike. So why not give this recipe a try? Share your results, leave a comment, or subscribe for more tasty updates!

FAQs

A: Q: Can I make these cookies vegan?: A: Yes! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly option.

B: Q: Why is my cookie dough too sticky?: A: Sticky dough might be due to excess moisture or insufficient flour. If sticky, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help firm it up.

C: Q: What can I add to these cookies for extra flavor?: A: Consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor. You can also incorporate orange zest for a fragrant twist.

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Author: lilie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavor and stunning appearance of red velvet sugar cookies, perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly combined.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the red food coloring, mixing until the color is uniform throughout the dough.
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
Scoop and shape the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, allowing space for expansion.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Cookies can be topped with cream cheese frosting or served with milk for a delightful treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: red velvet, cookies, dessert, baking, holiday treats