There’s something irresistibly seductive about the vibrant hue of red velvet cookies, especially when they’re packed with gooey white chocolate chips. As the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, it’s hard not to feel a wave of warmth reminding you of cozy gatherings and sweet moments shared with loved ones. After a long day, whipping up a batch of these indulgent New York-style treats is the perfect remedy to lift your spirits.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with slightly crispy edges, the rich cocoa flavor dancing intricately with the creamy white chocolate. In just over an hour, you can create these crowd-pleasers that are perfect for any occasion—be it a casual get-together or a special celebration. With each delectable morsel, you’ll discover the joy of baking that not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a touch of festivity to your table. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that combines elegance, flavor, and a whole lot of love!
Why are Red Velvet Cookies so irresistible?
Vibrant Color: The stunning red hue instantly adds a festive touch to any plate, making them perfect for celebrations.
Gooey Goodness: With luscious white chocolate chips melting into each chewy bite, these cookies offer a delightful texture that’s hard to resist.
Quick to Make: You can whip up a batch in just over an hour, making them a simple yet impressive treat for gatherings.
Crowd Favorites: Whether served at a party or enjoyed at home, they’re sure to please friends and family alike.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference, adding a fun twist each time you bake.
For even more cookie inspiration, check out our delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Red Velvet Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Batter
- Unsalted Butter (125g) – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Light Brown Sugar (100g) – Adds sweetness and moisture, creating a chewy texture; can substitute with all granulated sugar if needed.
- White Granulated Sugar (75g) – Sweetens the cookies, contributing to their crispy edges for that perfect contrast.
- Medium Egg (1) – Binds everything together and adds moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for best incorporation.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor depth, enriching the overall taste of the cookies.
- Red Food Coloring (1 tsp) – Essential for achieving the classic vibrant red hue; it’s best to use high-quality gel coloring for vivid results.
- Plain Flour (265g) – Provides structure; avoid self-raising flour as it’s not suitable for this recipe.
- Cocoa Powder (15g) – Adds a subtle chocolate flavor that beautifully complements the red velvet; a must-have in your mix!
- Baking Powder (1.5 tsp) – Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
- Bicarbonate of Soda (1/2 tsp) – Contributes to the texture and prevents excessive spreading while baking.
- Sea Salt (1/2 tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- White Chocolate Chips (300g) – Offers rich chocolate flavor and a pleasing textural contrast; feel free to swap for milk or dark chocolate based on your taste.
For a Delicious Topping
- Extra White Chocolate Chips (optional) – Add some on top before baking for a decorative and indulgent touch!
- Dusting of Cocoa Powder (optional) – Lightly dust before serving to enhance the presentation and chocolate flavor.
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to create these unforgettable red velvet cookies that will brighten up any celebration!
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and white granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the creamed mixture. Beat well until everything is smooth and evenly combined, about 1-2 minutes.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and sea salt. Mix until just combined and a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
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Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, providing sweet pockets in every bite.
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Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into 8 large balls, roughly 115-120g each. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (200°C conventional) and line a baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring the cookies have space to rise without touching.
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Bake Cookies: Place the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking tray, spaced apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up for the ideal chewy texture while keeping the centers gooey.
Optional: Top with extra white chocolate chips before baking for a decorative and indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Red Velvet Cookies Variations
Feel free to take these cookies to new heights with your own special ingredients and tweaks!
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Dark Chocolate Swap: Replace half of the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a rich, bittersweet taste. This variation transforms each bite into a delightful balance of flavors.
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Milk Chocolate Lovers: Opt for milk chocolate chips instead of white for a sweeter treat that pairs perfectly with the cocoa-rich cookie base. Each mouthful will be a nostalgic homage to classic chocolate chip cookies!
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten, but do note that the texture may be slightly different, resulting in a softer bite.
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Cream Cheese Chips: For an exciting twist, incorporate cream cheese chips for a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookie. With every chew, you’ll experience a delightful zing reminiscent of red velvet cake.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for an irresistible crunch. The nuts provide a satisfying textural contrast, making each cookie even more delicious.
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Spiced Delight: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile. This warm spice addition can evoke cozy vibes reminiscent of holiday baking.
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Extra Moisture: Toss in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dough for an ultra-moist cookie that’s sure to impress. The rich, creamy texture will turn heads and tantalize taste buds.
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Heat it Up: For those who love a little kick, mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder. The unexpected heat melds beautifully with the sweetness, creating a memorable bite that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Expert Tips for Red Velvet Cookies
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Quality Matters: Use high-quality red food coloring to achieve a vibrant hue; avoid regular liquid colorings for the best results.
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Temperature Control: Ensure all ingredients, especially the egg and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother dough.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix only until combined to prevent dense cookies; overmixing can lead to dryness and a cakey texture.
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Proper Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial; it prevents excessive spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy during baking.
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Check Doneness Carefully: Bake until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a perfect gooey texture.
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Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap out white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate, but adjust the sweetness to taste for your perfect red velvet cookies.
Storage Tips for Red Velvet Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days to maintain their chewy texture and delicious flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, place cookies in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Raw Dough: Freeze raw red velvet cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; when ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What to Serve with Red Velvet Cookies?
Imagine a table filled with sweet delights where each bite brings joy and comfort. The rich flavor of red velvet cookies pairs beautifully with various treats that elevate your dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream complements the rich cocoa flavor and soft texture of the cookies perfectly. Melting slightly onto the warm cookies creates a delicious contrast.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Enhance the red velvet experience with tangy cream cheese frosting for a classic pairing. A dollop on top of a warm cookie takes indulgence to new heights.
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Raspberry Sauce: The tartness of raspberry sauce cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing balance to these rich cookies. Drizzle it on top, and you have an instant gourmet touch.
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Coffee: A steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the flavors of the cookies and adds a delightful warmth. The bitterness of the coffee pairs harmoniously with the sweetness of red velvet.
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Milk: The timeless classic of cold milk never fails. Its creamy richness enhances the cookie’s flavors, making each bite feel nostalgic and comforting.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For a fruity twist, serve chocolate-covered strawberries alongside your red velvet cookies. The combination of chocolate and fruit provides an exciting flavor contrast.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over cookies gives them an extra layer of sweetness and gooeyness that’s hard to resist. Perfect for those who love rich flavors!
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream is an ideal topping, making your red velvet cookies feel even more indulgent. A light sprinkle of cocoa powder can create a showstopper!
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Hazelnut Hot Chocolate: The nutty flavors of hazelnut in a hot chocolate will create a comforting tasting theme that pairs wonderfully with the decadent cookies.
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Chocolate Mousse: For a truly decadent dessert, serve a small cup of rich chocolate mousse. The creamy texture offers a delightful balance to the soft, chewy cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe instructions up to the chilling step and store the dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re aiming for even longer storage, freeze the shaped dough balls for up to 3 months. On baking day, allow your frozen cookie dough to thaw in the fridge for a few hours before baking. When it’s time to enjoy, bake them as instructed, and you’ll have fresh, gooey cookies that taste just as delightful as if they were made from scratch on the spot!
Red Velvet Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I pick the right ingredients for Red Velvet Cookies?
Absolutely! Start with using room temperature unsalted butter, as it creates a creamy texture when mixed with sugars. For the red food coloring, high-quality gel coloring is recommended for vibrant results. When selecting chocolate chips, I often prefer white chocolate for that gooey finish, but feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate according to your taste!
How should I store my Red Velvet Cookies?
To keep them fresh, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4-5 days. If you prefer a chill, you can refrigerate them in the same way for up to a week. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before serving for that perfect chewy texture!
Can I freeze Red Velvet Cookie dough?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your raw cookie dough balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually for an hour. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, you can keep them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking tray while still frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies turn out too flat?
Very common! If your cookies spread too much, make sure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, check that you’re using the correct amounts of baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. Sometimes, using room temperature ingredients can also lead to less spreading. Next time, try adding a pinch more flour if they seem too soft.
Are these Red Velvet Cookies suitable for pets or people with allergies?
While these cookies are incredibly delicious for humans, they are not ideal for pets, especially because of the sugar and chocolate content. Always be cautious of allergies as these cookies contain gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, consider adjusting the recipe or providing alternatives that suit their needs.
Can I customize this Red Velvet Cookie recipe?
Yes, the more the merrier! You can easily swap out half the white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips, and for added variety, consider folding in cream cheese chips or even nuts. Just remember to balance the added sweetness to keep the cookies delicious!
Gooey Red Velvet Cookies with Decadent White Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and white granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the creamed mixture. Beat until smooth and evenly combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually sift in the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and sea salt. Mix until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Divide the dough into 8 large balls, roughly 115-120g each. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (200°C conventional) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking tray, spaced apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for at least 30 minutes.