Name: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks); 4 ounces cream cheese (half a brick); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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There’s something absolutely magical about a cookie that combines the rich, velvety essence of red velvet cake with the soft, buttery sweetness of a classic sugar cookie. This Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly that delightful treat—a stunningly vibrant cookie that’s perfectly tender, gently cocoa-infused, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a fantastic twist for anyone who loves festive colors and feelings wrapped into one bite-sized goodie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little joy, these cookies will steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Multiple heart-shaped cookies are laid out on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a red-brown base layer with a smooth, single layer of icing on top. The icing colors are pastel pink, light orange, and light green, evenly covering each cookie without any decoration or texture besides smoothness. The cookies are arranged in a casual, slightly overlapping pattern filling the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To craft these irresistible cookies, you’ll want to have a handful of simple yet essential ingredients at your fingertips. Each item plays a unique role, from lending creaminess and structure to adding that classic red velvet hue and a touch of cocoa depth.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): Using unsalted butter lets you control your salt, while contributing a rich and creamy base to the dough.
Cream cheese (4 ounces, half a brick): This adds moisture and a slight tang that makes the cookie wonderfully soft and tender.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): The essential sweetener that balances the cocoa and tangy cream cheese perfectly.
Egg yolk (1 large): Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together with a luxuriously smooth texture.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor, helping everything sing in harmony.
Red food coloring (1 tablespoon, liquid): This is the secret to that unmistakable, vibrant red velvet color.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The structure builder for your cookie, giving it a perfect crumb without being too dense.
Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Adds tenderness by softening the flour’s gluten development, making cookies that melt in your mouth.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Just enough cocoa to give those subtle notes of chocolate without overpowering the sweetness.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors, making each bite more vibrant.

How to Make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze. Proper oven temperature is key for achieving that perfect, slightly crisp edge and a soft center.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together on medium-low speed until smooth, which takes about one minute. This creaming step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the dough a light texture that helps your cookies rise slightly without being cakey.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring on medium speed until everything is beautifully combined. The egg yolk enriches the dough, while the vanilla adds warmth, and that splash of red food coloring transforms the mixture into the signature red velvet color you’re seeking.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Scrape down the bowl with a silicone spatula to ensure nothing is left unmixed, then add the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Mix on medium-low speed until a stiff dough forms. You’ll notice the dough gathering into a ball and pulling away from the bowl’s sides cleanly—this is your sign it’s just right. If it feels sticky, add a little more flour gradually until it firms up.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Cut Shapes

Roll the dough out to about 3/16-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper. Using parchment here keeps things tidy and prevents sticking. Once rolled, remove the top parchment and cut cookie shapes with a 3-inch heart cookie cutter (or any favorite shape). Carefully peel the shapes from the bottom parchment before transferring them onto your prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12 to 16 minutes. You’ll want to see them set around the edges but still a little soft in the middle so they don’t over-dry. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet—you’ll find this helps them firm up just enough while staying wonderfully tender inside.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once cooled, top your beautiful cookies with royal icing if desired. This adds a lovely sweet finishing touch and makes them look gift-worthy for holidays, parties, or cozy cookie swaps.

How to Serve Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows stacks of heart-shaped cookies with three visible layers. Each cookie has a red base layer with a slightly rough texture, topped by a smooth, colorful icing layer in pastel shades of pink, yellow, and light green. The top cookie in the front stack has pink icing with a small bite taken from its right curve, revealing the red base underneath. The cookies are arranged on a white marbled surface with a pink and white striped cloth in the background. The lighting is soft and natural, emphasizing the bright colors and textures of the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate elevate these cookies effortlessly. You can also add edible glitter or tiny sugar pearls on the royal icing for a festive sparkle that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy drinks complement the cocoa notes and soften the sweetness, creating an indulgent experience with every bite and sip.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand interspersed with fresh berries or peppermint sticks. You might also package them in clear cello bags tied with a festive ribbon as charming gifts—everyone will love receiving a taste of this Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft by maintaining moisture balance—no one wants dry sugar cookies!

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough. For baked cookies, let them cool completely before layering them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months frozen. If freezing dough, shape and cut the cookies, then freeze the shapes on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag—bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To revive the softness, briefly warm the cookies in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This freshens them right up, almost like they’ve just come out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of royal icing?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the red velvet flavor and offers a tangy, creamy finish. Just be sure to refrigerate the frosted cookies if you’re not serving them right away.

Is there a substitute for red food coloring?

If you prefer to avoid artificial dyes, beet juice or powdered freeze-dried raspberry can add a natural red tint, but expect a more subtle color. The flavor might also shift slightly, giving a unique fruity note.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend is a solid option. Just check that your blend contains xanthan gum or add some yourself to help the cookies hold together well.

How thick should the dough be rolled?

For the perfect texture, roll the dough out to about 3/16-inch thick. This thickness lets the cookies bake evenly with a tender center and slightly crisp edge.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Of course! Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped pecans make excellent additions. Just fold them into the dough gently after adding the dry ingredients to keep the texture balanced.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of homemade cookies fresh from the oven, especially when they carry that captivating red velvet charm. This Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration in every bite, easy enough to make any day special but fancy enough to impress your loved ones. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with cozy, inviting aromas that make everyone smile.