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Sparkly red velvet cookies with a sugared finish on a plate

Sparkly Red Velvet Cookies

Soft, chewy cookies with rich chocolate flavor and a striking red hue, ideal for celebrations and holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base
  • 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted, slightly cooled
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp red gel food coloring For vibrant color
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup red sanding sugar For coating cookies

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and arrange the racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and melted butter together until the mixture lightens in color, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually incorporate the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt while whisking to combine.
  5. Stir in the red gel food coloring until the batter is fully blended.
  6. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Roll the dough into 16 equal balls and coat them in the red sanding sugar.
Baking
  1. Arrange the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart for even baking.
  2. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the cookies are puffed and their tops begin to crack.
  3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.