Description
These Heart Shaped Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful sweet treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Soft, rich, and vibrantly colored, they feature the classic flavors of red velvet with a hint of cocoa, and optionally, white chocolate chips for added sweetness. The cookies are easy to shape with a heart cutter, making them a fun and festive dessert to share with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Decoration or Mix-in
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the ingredients are fully combined and the dough takes on a vibrant red hue.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. If using, gently fold in the white chocolate chips at this stage.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, then place them spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers are just firm. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate and Serve: Optionally decorate the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain as a delicious treat.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a few drops of cream cheese or butter flavoring to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well both before and after baking, making them great for preparing in advance.
- They make perfect Valentine’s Day or anniversary gifts.
