There's something undeniably romantic about red velvet. Maybe it's the rich, vibrant colour, or the sweet hint of cocoa. Whatever it is, red velvet spells love, and what better way to express this than through baking? Today, we're sharing a recipe for Red Velvet Cookies that's sure to add a touch of romance to any occasion.
The Magic of Red Velvet
Red velvet isn't just a flavour; it's an experience. The combination of cocoa with a subtle tang and a touch of vanilla is like a love letter to your taste buds. Our recipe enhances this classic by adding a modern twist, making these cookies perfect for sharing with someone special or treating yourself.
Ingredients Spotlight
- A generous amount of butter ensures each cookie is rich and tender.
- A mix of granulated and brown sugar creates the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
- Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess, complementing the cocoa flavour.
- White chocolate chips (optional) add a luxurious touch.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide: Indulgent Red Velvet Cookies
1. Preparing for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies come off easily after baking.
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 444 grams of all-purpose flour, 70 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This dry mix will give your cookies their signature red velvet flavour and texture.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 250 grams of softened unsalted butter with 234 grams each of granulated and brown sugar. Cream until the mixture is light and fluffy, which forms the base of your cookie dough.
4. Adding Wet Ingredients: To your creamy mixture, add 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 tablespoons of red food colouring, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix these in until they’re fully combined, giving your dough that gorgeous red velvet colour.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with about 180 millilitres of buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which should be moist but firm.
6. Optional White Chocolate Chips: If you’re using white chocolate chips, gently fold in about 350 grams into your dough now. This adds a delightful creamy sweetness to each bite.
7. Shaping the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Baking the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set but still soft in the centre. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
9. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it lets them set properly. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serving and Storing: Serve the cookies once they’ve cooled, or store them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh and delicious for several days.
Baking Tips
- This recipe conveniently uses a full 250g block of butter, meaning no need for cutting or measuring. Perfect for when you want a sizable batch of cookies! If you're after fewer cookies (though we can't imagine why!), feel free to halve the recipe. And if you're thinking of quartering it, well, you've got to ask yourself – why even bother with fewer cookies?
- For a natural alternative to traditional food colouring, consider using beetroot powder. It gives a beautiful, deep red hue without affecting the flavour. Start with a small amount and increase gradually until you achieve your desired colour.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the creamiest texture.
- Don't overmix the dough; stop as soon as it's combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies – they'll bake more uniformly.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
These red velvet cookies are stunning on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or, for an extra romantic touch, a glass of red wine.
Whether you're baking for a special someone, a group of friends, or just treating yourself, these red velvet cookies are a delightful way to spread love and warmth. They're not just cookies; they're little baked tokens of affection. So preheat your oven, tie on your apron, and let the magic of red velvet transform your baking day!