Baking has a magical way of bringing people together, especially with delightful treats like Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s not only rich with chocolatey goodness but also catches the eye with its fabulous red hue and sugared sparkle. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends—and they taste just as wonderful as they look!
Recipe Guide:
What Is Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies?
Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake we all know and love. With their origins rooted in the American South, the red velvet flavor has captured hearts for generations. These cookies combine all the elements of the beloved cake—cocoa, a hint of vanilla, and that striking red color—into a fun, handheld treat. The addition of red sanding sugar gives them a shimmering finish, making them ideal for festive occasions or as a sweet surprise following dinner.
Why You’ll Love This
You’re going to adore these Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies for their easy preparation and delightful taste. With just a handful of ingredients that are often pantry staples, you won’t need to break the bank or spend hours in the kitchen. In less than an hour, you can whip up a batch of these stunning cookies to share—or keep all to yourself if you prefer!
Plus, the cookies are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat with a touch of elegance. Imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces when they see and taste your beautiful cookies—it’s an instant pick-me-up that is bound to become a favorite recipe in your household.
How to Make
Quick Overview
Making Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies is a piece of cake—er, cookie! You’ll need some basic tools like mixing bowls, a whisk, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. With just about 15 minutes of prep time and 12 to 14 minutes of baking, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
. 1½ cups packed light brown sugar
. 1 cup unsalted butter, melted, slightly cooled
. 2 large egg yolks
. 1½ tsp. vanilla extract
. ⅔ cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
. 1 tsp. baking soda
. 1 tsp. kosher salt
. 2 tsp. red gel food coloring
. 2 cups all-purpose flour
. ½ cup red sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and arrange the racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven.
- In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and melted butter together until the mixture lightens in color, about 30 seconds.
- Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Gradually incorporate the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt while whisking to combine.
- Stir in the red gel food coloring until the batter is fully blended.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Roll the dough into 16 equal balls and coat them in the red sanding sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart for even baking.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the cookies are puffed and their tops begin to crack.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
What to Serve with Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies
These delightful sparkly cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, which enhances their rich flavors and soft texture. For an elegant touch, consider serving them alongside a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a delightful dessert platter. You could also enjoy these dazzling cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm cup of tea, making them a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies
- Use Gel Food Coloring: It delivers a vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your flour properly for the best texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the flour, mix until just combined to keep your cookies light and tender.
- Rotate Your Pan: If your oven has hot spots, rotating the pans halfway through baking helps ensure even cooking.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding them to storage to avoid sogginess.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough seems too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes before forming balls.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for an extra touch of flavor and texture!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. To enjoy them after freezing, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and arrange the racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven.
- In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and melted butter together until the mixture lightens in color, about 30 seconds.
- Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Gradually incorporate the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt while whisking to combine.
- Stir in the red gel food coloring until the batter is fully blended.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Roll the dough into 16 equal balls and coat them in the red sanding sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart for even baking.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the cookies are puffed and their tops begin to crack.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
FAQs
What’s the difference between red velvet cookies and red velvet cake?
Red velvet cookies maintain the same delicious cocoa and vanilla flavors as the cake but are denser and have a chewy texture, making them a perfect handheld treat.
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
While you can, gel food coloring yields a more vibrant color without affecting the cookie’s consistency as much as liquid food coloring does.
What can I add to customize my red velvet cookies?
You can fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, or even cream cheese pieces for a delightful spin on the classic cookie!
More Resources
If you’re dreaming of more cookies that dazzle with flavor and flair, here are some delicious ideas and trusted baking tips to keep your oven humming:
- Hot Chocolate Cookies – Soft, Gooey & Loaded with Marshmallows – a winter favorite with cozy vibes and melted chocolate goodness.
- Triple Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies – Fudgy & Soft – rich, cocoa-packed cookies that feel like a chocolate hug.
- Classic Butter Cookies – Crisp Edges, Melt-in-Your-Mouth – elegant and timeless, perfect for any cookie tray.
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Gooey & Perfect – everyone’s favorite, with just the right balance of crisp and chewy.
- Cookies and Cream Bark – Easy No-Bake Dessert – a playful, no-fuss treat that’s as fun as it is tasty.
Trusted Sources Around the Web
- Bon Appétit – How to Bake with Natural Food Coloring (and Why It Matters) – learn how to keep your cookies vibrant without synthetic dyes.
- Healthline – Everything to Know About Red Food Coloring – helpful insights on the different types of red dye and safer alternatives.
Wrapping up, if you’re looking for a festive, fun, and flavorful treat, these Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies are a must-try! They bring a splash of color and joy to any occasion. So gather your ingredients and create something beautiful and delicious that will surely become a beloved recipe in your home. Happy baking!
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