Red Velvet Sugar Cookies: Top 5 Easy Recipes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Indulge in Irresistible Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
- Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Recipes
- Essential Ingredients for Perfect Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
- Top 5 Easy Recipes: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Step-by-Step
- Recipe 1: Classic Red Velvet Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Recipe 2: Chewy Red Velvet Sugar Cookies (No Frosting Needed!)
- Recipe 3: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Recipe 4: Gluten-Free Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
- Recipe 5: Vegan Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
- Pro Tips for Baking the Best Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
- Serving Suggestions & Decoration Ideas
- Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- F.A.Q
Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating mouth-watering Red Velvet Sugar Cookies: Top 5 Easy Recipes! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these recipes will help you craft beautiful, festive cookies perfect for any occasion.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful treats. We’ll explore various twists on the classic, ensuring there’s a red velvet sugar cookie for everyone.
Introduction: Indulge in Irresistible Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
There’s something magical about red velvet. Its vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor, often paired with tangy cream cheese, make it an instant favorite. Now, imagine all that goodness packed into a soft, chewy sugar cookie!
These recipes bring the charm of red velvet to the beloved sugar cookie. They are surprisingly simple to make, making them perfect for last-minute celebrations or a cozy baking day.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Recipes
You’ll quickly fall in love with these recipes for several reasons. They are incredibly versatile, offering options for classic indulgence, healthier alternatives, and dietary needs.
Each recipe focuses on ease and deliciousness, ensuring a successful baking experience every time. Plus, who can resist a cookie that looks as good as it tastes?
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Creating perfect red velvet sugar cookies starts with the right ingredients. While specific quantities will vary by recipe, here are the staples you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Red food coloring (liquid or gel for vibrant results)
- Baking soda & baking powder
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Buttermilk (or a homemade substitute)
- Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk for frosting (if applicable)
Always use good quality ingredients for the best flavor. For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s website.
Top 5 Easy Recipes: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Step-by-Step
Here are our top five easy recipes for crafting incredible red velvet sugar cookies. Each offers a unique twist while maintaining that classic flavor profile you love.
Recipe 1: Classic Red Velvet Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe delivers the quintessential red velvet experience. Soft, chewy cookies topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel for best results)
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until desired consistency is reached. Frost cooled cookies.
Recipe 2: Chewy Red Velvet Sugar Cookies (No Frosting Needed!)
For those who love a cookie that stands on its own, these chewy red velvet sugar cookies are perfect. They retain all the flavor without the need for additional frosting.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons red food coloring
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned and centers are still soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Recipe 3: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These festive cookies feature a beautiful cracked surface dusted with powdered sugar, making them visually stunning and delicious. They are a delightful variation of red velvet cookies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons red food coloring
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions:
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until a soft dough forms. Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Recipe 4: Gluten-Free Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Enjoy the classic flavor without the gluten! These cookies are just as moist and flavorful as their traditional counterparts.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk alternative
Instructions:
- Follow the same mixing steps as Recipe 1, substituting gluten-free flour.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes, or until set.
Recipe 5: Vegan Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
These plant-based red velvet sugar cookies are incredibly soft and rich, proving that delicious treats can be enjoyed by everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (egg substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (ensure vegan-friendly)
- 1-2 tablespoons plant-based milk
Instructions:
- Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, cream vegan butter and sugar.
- Mix in applesauce, vanilla, apple cider vinegar, red food coloring, and plant-based milk.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Pro Tips for Baking the Best Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Achieving perfect red velvet sugar cookies takes a little know-how. Here are some pro tips to elevate your baking game:
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a much more vibrant red with less liquid, which won’t thin out your dough as much as liquid coloring.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Your Dough: Chilling helps the flavors meld, prevents spreading, and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese (for frosting) are at room temperature for a smooth, cohesive batter and frosting.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook slightly after coming out of the oven. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Serving Suggestions & Decoration Ideas
These red velvet sugar cookies are beautiful on their own, but a little extra flair never hurts! Consider these ideas:
- Garnish with Sprinkles: White or gold sprinkles can add a festive touch.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting creates an elegant look, especially for crinkle cookies.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melted white or dark chocolate drizzled over frosted or plain cookies adds another layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Use two plain red velvet sugar cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting in between.
- Gift Them: Stack them in decorative tins for a lovely homemade gift.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead makes baking even more enjoyable. Here’s how to store your red velvet sugar cookies and prepare them in advance:
- Storing Baked Cookies: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Frosted cookies should be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freezing Dough: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Need more cookie ideas? Read our in-depth guide here.
F.A.Q
What gives red velvet its unique flavor?
The unique flavor of red velvet comes from a combination of cocoa powder, a touch of vinegar or buttermilk (which reacts with the baking soda to create a reddish hue in older recipes), and usually a cream cheese frosting balancing the slight tanginess.
Can I make red velvet sugar cookies without food coloring?
Yes, you can! Many people prefer to skip the artificial coloring. Your cookies will have a beautiful light brown, subtle chocolate color, but they will still taste like red velvet with the cocoa and buttermilk/vinegar components.
Why did my red velvet cookies lose their vibrant color during baking?
Several factors can cause your cookies to lose color. Using too little food coloring, especially liquid instead of gel, or overbaking can dull the color. Also, some ovens run hotter than others, which can affect color retention.