There’s something magical about red velvet. Its deep red hue, the subtle hint of cocoa, and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture—what’s not to love? Now, imagine all that charm wrapped up in a cute, bite-sized cookie that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. These red velvet sugar cookies are not just cookies; they’re little tokens of love, perfect for sharing with your special someone or treating yourself (because self-love counts, too!).
I first made these cookies for a friend’s birthday, thinking their elegant red color and delicate texture would be a sweet surprise. Little did I know they’d inspire such a reaction! “These are so good, I might just propose… to the baker!” they exclaimed after just one bite. And honestly, that’s the kind of compliment that stays with you.
These cookies are small-batch, super easy to whip up, and have a touch of playfulness that makes them the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. Whether you’re baking for a romantic dinner, a Galentine’s party, or just because it’s a Tuesday and you love cookies, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
1. Red velvet elegance, simplified: These cookies are as stunning as a red velvet cake but come together in a fraction of the time.
2. Perfectly portioned: The recipe makes just six cookies, which means no overindulging and no leftover guilt. It’s the ultimate dessert for two.
3. Versatile: Whether you top them with white chocolate peanut butter hearts or leave them plain, these cookies are as adaptable as your Valentine’s plans.
4. Easy and approachable: Even if you’re a beginner baker, this recipe is foolproof. With simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, success is practically guaranteed.
5. Deliciously indulgent: The cookies are soft, rich, and perfectly sweet, with just enough cocoa to give that classic red velvet flavor.
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Bake
Baking these cookies for Valentine’s Day feels like giving a warm, edible hug to your loved ones. The red hue symbolizes love and passion, and the effort you put into making them shows you care. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up even if you’re short on time but want to add a personal touch to your celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 🧈: Melted butter adds richness and creates a soft, tender cookie texture.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar 🍚: Sweetness in its purest form.
- 1 large egg yolk 🥚: Just the yolk keeps the dough rich and ensures the cookies don’t spread too much.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼: For that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring ❤️: Adds the signature red velvet color.
Dry Ingredients:
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 🌾: The backbone of your cookies.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫: For that subtle red velvet cocoa flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda 🥄: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a tender crumb.
- ⅛ teaspoon fine salt 🧂: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Optional Topping:
- 6 white chocolate peanut butter hearts 🍫: These add a festive and indulgent touch to your cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and develop those beautiful crackled tops. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Next, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the red color is evenly distributed. This step is where the magic of red velvet begins.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. The key here is not to overmix. Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender. You want just enough mixing to combine everything into a cohesive dough.
Shape the Cookies
Divide the dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball between your palms. For an extra touch, roll the dough balls lightly in granulated sugar. This creates a slightly crisp exterior and gives the cookies that classic crackled appearance when baked.
Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should spread slightly, develop crackled tops, and look set. Keep in mind that they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add the Optional Chocolate Hearts
Once the cookies have cooled for about 10 minutes, gently press a white chocolate peanut butter heart into the center of each one. To keep the chocolate from melting too much, pop the cookies into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for an extra dose of Valentine’s Day charm.
Tips for Cookie Success
- Cool butter slightly: If your melted butter is too hot, it can “cook” the egg yolk and affect the dough’s texture. Let it cool for a minute before mixing.
- Accurate measurements: Baking is a science, so use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Don’t skip the sugar coating: Rolling the dough balls in sugar creates that signature red velvet look with crackled tops.
- Chill if needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle.
- Adjust for altitude or oven quirks: Every oven is different, so check your cookies a minute or two early to avoid overbaking.
Variations to Suit Your Valentine
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for bursts of extra chocolate flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly version.
- Nut-Free: Skip the peanut butter hearts and opt for plain white chocolate hearts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
How to Serve These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
These cookies are a showstopper on their own, but you can make them even more special:
- Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert.
- Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy Valentine’s treat.
- Box them up with a handwritten note for a thoughtful gift.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to make them ahead, shape the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Celebrate Love with Red Velvet
Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love—whether it’s romantic, platonic, or self-love. And what better way to do that than with a batch of homemade cookies? These red velvet sugar cookies are a sweet, simple way to show you care. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let’s spread some love, one cookie at a time.
Don’t forget to snap a picture of your red velvet masterpieces and share them with the world. Tag me on social media—I’d love to see how they turn out! Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy baking! 🍪❤️
Print
Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe: Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These red velvet sugar cookies are soft, rich, and perfect for Valentine’s Day. With crackled tops and an optional white chocolate heart, they’re as easy to make as they are to love.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring
- ½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ⅛ tsp fine salt
- (Optional) 6 white chocolate peanut butter hearts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter and sugar. Add egg yolk, vanilla, and red food coloring. Stir until smooth.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently to form a soft dough.
- Divide into six balls, coat with sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Optional: Press a chocolate heart into each cookie once cooled and refrigerate to set.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the dough for soft cookies.
- Adjust red food coloring for desired vibrancy.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American