Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of anything red velvet, you’re going to absolutely love this Red Velvet Cookies Recipe. It’s one of those treats that feels indulgent yet approachable — perfect when you want something a little fancy but don’t want to pull out the big cake pans. I first stumbled on this recipe when craving that classic red velvet flavor in a portable, fun-to-bite form. The combination of rich cocoa, a hint of vinegar, and that vibrant red color really makes these cookies stand out.

What I adore most about this Red Velvet Cookies Recipe is how moist and tender the cookies turn out, thanks to the little twist of olive oil alongside butter. You’ll find these cookies work beautifully for cozy afternoons with a cup of tea or as a special treat at holiday gatherings. Plus, dusting them with powdered sugar gives them a snowy finish that makes everyone go “Wow, did you make these yourself?”—spoiler: you totally can.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create the signature red velvet cookie flavor and texture you crave. I always recommend using good quality cocoa powder and fresh ingredients to really bring out the richness.

• Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps with that slight crisp edge.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams easily for that fluffy base.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds an unexpected moisture and tender crumb to the cookies.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and gives structure.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Red food coloring: You can’t have red velvet without that gorgeous ruby hue!
• Vinegar (any kind except balsamic): This small splash adds just the right tang to activate the baking soda and deepen flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: A must-have for warm, aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds it all together; measure carefully for best results.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides subtle chocolate flavor without overpowering.
• Baking soda: Leavens the dough for soft, fluffy cookies.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting and adding that delicate finish after baking.

Variations

I love how versatile this Red Velvet Cookies Recipe is—after playing around with it a bit, I found some simple tweaks to make it my own. Feel free to customize the cookie dough by switching up mix-ins or adjusting sweetness to suit your taste buds.

• Add mix-ins: I’ve tossed in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans before, adding delightful texture and sweetness without stealing the spotlight.
• Use natural food coloring: If you prefer to avoid artificial dyes, beet powder works as a subtle alternative, though the cookies won’t be quite as vibrant.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax egg instead of the real egg, and you’re golden.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso enhances the cocoa’s depth—an adult-friendly twist I adore.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together the Base Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large bowl (or your stand mixer bowl if you’re fancy like me), cream the granulated sugar, room temperature butter, olive oil, egg, and kosher salt together. You’ll want to beat this mix until it turns light, fluffy, and pale yellow—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This process traps air, helping the cookies rise just right and gives them that delicate crumb. Make sure your butter isn’t too cold or too melted for best results.

Step 2: Add Color, Tang, and Flavor

Next, stir in the red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. The vinegar might sound odd in a cookie, but trust me—it activates the baking soda and adds that subtle tang that’s so characteristic of red velvet desserts. Mix until everything’s combined and beautifully red.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients Gently

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda until evenly combined. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing here because it can lead to dense, tough cookies—soft and tender is the goal.

Step 4: Chill and Coat Your Cookies

I love this trick: use a medium ice cream scoop to portion out about 8 cookie dough balls and place them on a plate. Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes—this step makes rolling easier and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Once chilled, roll each ball with your hands and generously toss them in powdered sugar. This coating creates a beautiful contrast and a slight crisp outer layer once baked.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Arrange the coated dough balls evenly spaced on a half sheet pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft to the touch. Let them cool on the pan to firm up slightly before transferring them to a container or, let’s be honest, diving in right away. Freshly baked, these cookies practically melt in your mouth.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a dusting of powdered sugar right after baking—it adds a lovely snowy finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Sometimes I jot a few edible silver pearls on top for a festive touch, especially around the holidays. A tiny drip of cream cheese frosting works wonders too if you want to make them extra decadent.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, I like serving them with fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness. They also make a charming addition to any dessert platter featuring brownies, blondies, or classic chocolate chip cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve stacked these cookies on pretty cake stands or arranged them inside glass jars tied with festive ribbons—it’s the perfect grab-and-go dessert station. Another fun idea: sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff for irresistible red velvet cookie sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay deliciously soft for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, make sure the container is completely sealed to avoid drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well, which is a lifesaver on busy days. I freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, just pull a few out and thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for that fresh-baked feeling.

Reheating

Reheating is easy—pop the cookie in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave it for 10 seconds if you’re in a hurry. This revives the softness and brings back that just-baked aroma you know and love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s easy, reliable, and seriously delicious every time. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to treat yourself, these cookies bring that cozy, nostalgic feeling with every bite. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why my kitchen smells irresistible whenever I whip up a batch. And trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy forever.

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