Name: Decadent Red Velvet Christmas Cookies to Brighten Your Holiday
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 51 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (Softened); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Can use light brown sugar); 2 large Large Eggs (Room temperature); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Or almond extract for variation); 1 tbsp Super Red Food Coloring (Essential for red velvet); 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed preferred); 1 tsp Baking Soda (Check expiry); 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Prevents spreading); 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt (Omit if using salted butter); 1 1/2 cups Cake Flour; 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can use gluten-free alternatives); 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Can use milk or dark chocolate); 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (Cut regular marshmallows if unavailable); 1/2 cup Crushed Candy Canes (For topping); 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 2 tbsp Milk (Adjust for consistency); Creative Decorations (Such as edible cookie dough, sprinkles, etc.)

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As I sift through my holiday baking list, one delightful surprise consistently brings a smile—Santa’s Cookies, bursting with the vibrant cheer of red velvet! These Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are not just visually stunning; they deliver the perfect balance of soft, chewy bliss with a gooey center, making them an easy crowd-pleaser for any festive gathering. With semi-sweet chocolate chips and a festive flair from mini marshmallows, these whimsical treats become an exciting project for both kids and adults alike, perfect for indulging or decorating together. Ready to infuse your holiday celebrations with joy? Let’s get baking and create some merry memories!

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Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?

Festive Vibes: These Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are a vibrant addition to your holiday spread, instantly elevating your dessert table.

Irresistible Gooey Center: You’ll love the contrast of crispy edges and a gooey middle, offering a nostalgic texture reminiscent of your favorite cookies.

Family Fun: Get the kids involved! Decorating these cookies with icing and candy canes turns baking into a treasured family activity.

Flavor-packed Delight: The creamy semi-sweet chocolate chips blend beautifully with the red velvet base, while mini marshmallows add a playful chewy element.

Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect even for novice bakers. Plus, check out these delightful Homemade Samoas Cookies for another fun twist on holiday baking!

Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make for a lovely gift or treat to share with friends and family during the festive season. Let the spirit of Christmas fill your kitchen!

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter – Provides rich flavor and texture; use unsalted to control saltiness.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; light brown sugar can be substituted for a caramel flavor.
Large Eggs – Binds ingredients together; ensure they are at room temperature for best incorporation.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; almond extract can be used as an alternative for a seasonal twist.
Super Red Food Coloring – Gives the cookies depth of color; essential for achieving that classic red velvet look.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a rich chocolate flavor; use Dutch-processed for a smoother taste.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; check expiry for effectiveness.
Cornstarch – Helps maintain a chewy texture while preventing spread during baking.
Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; omit if using salted butter.
Cake Flour & All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and lightness in cookies; gluten-free alternatives can be used.

For the Add-ins

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and richness; milk or dark chocolate can be used for variation.
Mini Marshmallows – Contributes a chewy texture; cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces if mini are unavailable.
Crushed Candy Canes – Provides holiday flavor and crunch; crush in a sealed plastic bag to prevent mess.

For the Icing

Powdered Sugar & Milk – Forms the icing texture; prepared icing may be used for convenience.

For Toppings

Creative Decorations – Get creative with edible cookie dough, mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles for decorating.

These “Red Velvet Christmas Cookies” are sure to captivate hearts and taste buds alike!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 410°F (210°C). This temperature ensures that your Red Velvet Christmas Cookies will bake evenly, resulting in soft, chewy centers and crisp edges. As the oven warms up, gather your baking sheets and line them with silicone liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted sweet cream butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which will help your cookies rise beautifully. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor
Add large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract with the second egg for enhanced flavor. This not only helps to bind all ingredients together but also infuses the dough with a rich, inviting aroma that signals delightful Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are on the way.

Step 4: Add the Color
Mix in the super red food coloring until fully incorporated, ensuring that the vibrant hue spreads evenly throughout the dough. You should see the color deepen, transforming your mixture into that classic red velvet shade. This step is where the magic begins, setting the stage for these festive cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter blend on low speed, careful not to overmix. You want your Red Velvet Christmas Cookies to have a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Once the dry ingredients are combined, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon while keeping the mixer on low. This step ensures that the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough, providing delightful pockets of sweetness in every bite of your festive treats.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
Transfer the cookie dough to the refrigerator and let it chill uncovered for 20 minutes. Chilling is key to achieving the perfect cookie texture and helps maintain their shape during baking, allowing those scrumptious Red Velvet Christmas Cookies to bake evenly without spreading too much.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, scoop out roughly 3.5 oz of dough for each cookie and place them on the lined baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. Lightly flatten each dough ball to encourage even baking. This shaping step ensures that all your cookies achieve that ideal thickness for a perfect chewy center and crisp edges.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers will remain slightly gooey, which is just the texture you want for these Red Velvet Christmas Cookies. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!

Step 10: Cool Before Decorating
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling period ensures they firm up slightly while maintaining that beloved gooey center, making them easy to handle for decorating later on.

Step 11: Prepare the Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare your icing by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until you achieve a thick glaze. This icing will not only add sweetness but will also hold your fun decorations in place, enhancing the festive cheer of your Red Velvet Christmas Cookies.

Step 12: Decorate Delightfully
Finally, drizzle the prepared icing over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with your choice of toppings like crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles. Get creative with your decorations to make each cookie unique and festive, turning your kitchen into a delightful holiday wonderland filled with the joy of baking!

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Make Ahead Options

These delightful Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and then chilling it in the refrigerator. This not only helps the flavors meld but also ensures the cookies maintain their perfect chewy texture when baked. Simply scoop and shape the dough into balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate. On baking day, bake straight from the fridge for about 8-11 minutes as usual. This method is ideal for busy weeknights, allowing you to whip up fresh, festive cookies with minimal effort—just as delicious as when you make them fresh!

What to Serve with Santa’s Cookies

Indulging in the festive magic of red velvet just got sweeter as you pair these delightful cookies with the perfect accompaniments!

Glass of Cold Milk:
Classic and comforting, milk enhances the creamy chocolate flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Hot Cocoa:
Rich and velvety, hot cocoa with a sprinkle of marshmallows creates a cozy pairing, making your holiday moment even more special.
Fresh Berries:
A burst of tartness from strawberries or raspberries cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing contrast to your sweet treats.
Vanilla Ice Cream:
Creamy, dreamy vanilla ice cream topped with remnants of your cookie makes for a satisfying dessert experience that everyone will love.
Coffee or Espresso:
The robust flavors of coffee provide a delightful contrast, bringing out the richness of your red velvet cookies beautifully.
Festive Fruit Salad:
Bright, seasonal fruits add a pop of color and refreshing zest, creating a light and vibrant contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.
Gingerbread Cookies:
Pair these with traditional gingerbread for a delightful holiday cookie platter that showcases a variety of festive flavors and textures.
Decorated Cookie Platter:
Serve alongside a selection of decorated holiday cookies, including sugar cookies or peppermint bark, for a festive and colorful spread that invites sharing.
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate:
Top off your hot cocoa with crushed candy canes for a minty twist, enhancing the holiday spirit in every sip!

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 20 minutes helps maintain the shape of these Red Velvet Christmas Cookies and results in a chewier texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, leading to chewy rather than soft textures.
Perfect Bake Time: Keep an eye on them while baking! These cookies should bake for 8-11 minutes; the centers should look slightly gooey to achieve that irresistible texture.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using large eggs at room temperature allows for better incorporation into the batter, contributing to a fluffier cookie.
Creative Toppings: Feel free to customize! Try different toppings such as edible glitter or festive sprinkles to make your Red Velvet Christmas Cookies truly one-of-a-kind.

How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: If you’d like to extend their shelf life, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Make sure they’re well sealed to prevent moisture loss.

Freezer: These delightful Red Velvet Christmas Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer them in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper for easy access.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. Warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked taste!

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Variations

Embrace your creativity and make these festive cookies uniquely yours with these delightful twists!

Chocolate Swap: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil and a plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version of this festive treat.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with peppermint extract instead of vanilla for that classic holiday touch.
Texture Twist: Replace candy canes with crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty crunch that everyone will love.
Miniature Magic: Make mini cookies by scooping smaller dough balls, perfect for bite-sized treats for kids and guests alike.
Red Velvet Sandwiches: Fill two cookies with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent sandwich cookie that will impress!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the season.

Looking for even more scrumptious cookies? Check out these amazing Peanut Butter Cookies and Browned Butter Cookies for delightful variations! Let the festivities begin!

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Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, choose unsalted sweet cream butter that’s at room temperature. This allows it to cream perfectly with the sugar. When choosing eggs, ensure they are large and at room temperature, as this promotes better incorporation into the dough. For the red food coloring, opt for a high-quality super red food coloring to achieve that vibrant hue.

How should I store leftover cookies?
You can store your Red Velvet Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, which keeps them soft and chewy. To extend their freshness, place the cookies in the refrigerator where they can last up to 4 weeks. Just make sure they’re sealed well to keep moisture out.

Can I freeze these cookies, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze your cookies for up to 3 months! To do this, layer the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. For that freshly-baked taste, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

What are some common troubleshooting tips for baking these cookies?
Very good question! If your cookies spread too much while baking, it might be due to insufficient chilling time or too much mixing. Ensure to chill the dough for the full 20 minutes and mix the flour in just until combined. If your cookies come out hard, likely, they were overbaked; keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft and gooey.

Are there any dietary considerations for my pets or allergies?
Yes! It’s important to remember that chocolate, especially semi-sweet chocolate chips, is toxic to dogs. Keep your cookies away from pets and let others know not to share these treats with them. For those with allergies, be cautious with common allergens such as eggs and dairy in the ingredients. You can easily substitute with alternatives to accommodate specific dietary needs.