12 Days of Cookies Day 1: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
These red velvet sugar cookies are going to be your new holiday favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
- 1 - 2 tsp red gel food coloring
Optional
- ⅓ cup sugar, for rolling
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
4. Fold in dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Scoop dough, roll into balls, and coat in sugar if desired.
7. Bake at 350°F for 12 - 13 minutes, until edges are set and centers look soft.
8. Cool 5 minutes on the sheet and then remove to continue cooling and Enjoy!
Red velvet sugar cookies are a fantastic holiday treat that combines the rich flavor of cocoa powder with the iconic red color that makes Christmas baking special. The use of unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe adds a subtle chocolate undertone that enhances the sugary sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile. Adding distilled white vinegar might seem unusual, but it helps to react with the baking soda to give the cookies their tender crumb and slightly tangy flavor, mimicking the classic red velvet cake. When preparing these cookies, be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent spreading during baking, resulting in a thicker, softer cookie that holds its shape well. Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a delightful crunchy texture and an extra layer of sweetness on the outside. These cookies bake quickly at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 13 minutes. Watch closely to ensure the edges are just set but the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture. Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring helps them firm up and makes handling easier. For an eye-catching presentation, consider using vibrant red gel food coloring, which provides a more intense color without altering the dough's texture. This makes these cookies not only delicious but visually appealing, ideal for holiday cookie exchanges or gift boxes. For those who love customization, this cookie base is versatile. You can add white chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting to echo traditional red velvet flavors, or sandwich two cookies together for a festive treat. Whether baked for family, friends, or holiday parties, these red velvet sugar cookies are sure to become a new favorite, adding both joy and sweet flavor to your holiday celebrations.
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