Red Velvet Cookies Recipe
These Red Velvet Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich cocoa flavor, finished with creamy white chocolate chips and a beautiful deep red color. With their bakery-style texture and stunning appearance, they're perfect for holidays, Valentine's Day, birthdays, and special occasions.
If you love red velvet cake, you'll absolutely love these cookies.
The Origins of Red Velvet
Red Velvet desserts became popular in the United States during the early 1900s. Originally known for their subtle cocoa flavor and distinctive reddish color, red velvet cakes quickly became a Southern favorite.
Over time, bakers transformed those same flavors into cupcakes, brownies, cheesecakes, and eventually cookies.
Today, Red Velvet Cookies are one of the most popular bakery-style cookies thanks to their beautiful appearance and rich flavor.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
Soft and chewy texture
Beautiful red color
Rich cocoa flavor
Loaded with white chocolate chips
Perfect for holidays and gifts
Ingredients
For the Cookies
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Whisk together:
Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients.
Fold in white chocolate chips.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
The centers should remain soft.
Step 6: Cool
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional Cream Cheese Drizzle
Whisk together:
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Drizzle over cooled cookies.
What to Serve With Red Velvet Cookies
Cold milk
Coffee
Hot chocolate
Vanilla ice cream
Cream cheese frosting dip
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate if using cream cheese glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are red velvet cookies different from chocolate cookies?
Red velvet contains less cocoa and has a slightly tangy flavor profile with a distinctive red color.
Can I use gel food coloring?
Yes. Gel coloring often creates a deeper red color.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.
More Cookie Recipes You'll Love
Strawberry Cookies
Lemon Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Double Chocolate Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Snickerdoodles
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Birthday Cake Cookies
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Cookies combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the soft, chewy texture of a bakery-style cookie. They're beautiful, delicious, and perfect for sharing.