If you’re craving a cookie that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, the Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe is an absolute game changer. These cookies boast a beautiful, vibrant pink hue paired with a subtle cocoa flavor that’s perfectly balanced with buttery softness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these pink velvet delights offer a fun twist on your classic cookie that’s sure to dazzle both the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to bring this Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe to life. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the cocoa powder adding a hint of rich chocolate undertone to the red food coloring giving these cookies their iconic, irresistible pink shade.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides the perfect structure for soft, chewy cookies.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Adds a subtle chocolate depth without overpowering the pink theme.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough, creating that irresistible cookie flavor.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and bloom beautifully while baking.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (¾ cup): Creates a tender crumb and rich taste.
- Large eggs, room temperature (2): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the cookie.
- Red food coloring (1 tbsp): Gives these cookies their signature vibrant pink color.
- Cream cheese frosting (optional): For a luscious, tangy topping that pairs wonderfully with the cookie’s flavor.
How to Make Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and come off cleanly after baking—no stress, no mess.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend is your dry base, and it’s important to mix it well so every bite has an even flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate, large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating that soft cookie texture you love—don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which brings a cozy sweetness that plays beautifully with the cocoa and pink tones.
Step 5: Stir in Red Food Coloring
Pour in the red food coloring and mix until the dough reaches your desired pink shade. This is the fun part where your cookie dough transforms into a vibrant canvas.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no more flour.
Step 7: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop for even sizes. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft—a true sign of cookie perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Frosting
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before adding cream cheese frosting if you opt for that creamy, tangy topping. It’s a perfect pairing but by no means necessary for enjoyment.
How to Serve Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few of these lovely cookies with colorful sugar crystals or edible glitter for a festive touch. You can also pipe delicate swirls of cream cheese frosting on top for an extra indulgent bite.
Side Dishes
Pink Velvet Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a party, consider serving them alongside other pastel-colored desserts to create a charming spread that’s visually delightful and tasty.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies into a sweet little tower tied with a pastel ribbon for gifting or display. Or sandwich two together with a dollop of frosting for an elegant twist. These presentation ideas make your Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store your pink velvet cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for when you want a quick sweet treat.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them in the oven and add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or heat them briefly in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. The gentle warmth revives the soft, comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring is actually a great choice because it provides vivid color without adding extra liquid to the dough, keeping the texture just right.
What is the best way to get soft cookies?
To achieve that soft and chewy texture, make sure not to overbake your cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter adds richness and flavor that margarine or oil can’t fully replicate, but in a pinch, you can use margarine. Avoid liquid oils since they can affect the dough’s consistency and final texture.
Is cream cheese frosting necessary?
Not at all! The Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe is delicious on its own. The cream cheese frosting is just a wonderful optional addition if you want to add a creamy, tangy contrast.
How should I adjust baking time for larger cookies?
If you make larger cookies, increase the baking time by a few minutes, but watch closely to avoid overbaking. It’s better to check early and often than risk drying out your cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking and sharing the Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe—it’s a beautiful mix of color, flavor, and texture that feels a little festive every time. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again, whether for special occasions or just because you deserve a sweet little happy moment.
Print
Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pink Velvet Cookies are soft and tender cookies with a delicate cocoa flavor and vibrant pink color from red food coloring. Perfectly balanced with a light crumb and optional cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence, these cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional velvet treats, ideal for parties or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
Optional
- Cream cheese frosting for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for lighter cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, blending each thoroughly before adding the next. Then incorporate the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add Food Coloring: Stir in the red food coloring gradually until your desired vibrant pink shade is reached, ensuring the color is well distributed throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft, which ensures a chewy texture.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or wire rack before optionally topping with cream cheese frosting for added richness.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best creaming results.
- Room temperature eggs help in easier mixing and better texture.
- You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade.
- Do not overmix dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on oven; watch cookies carefully at the end.
- Cream cheese frosting adds moisture and tang; refrigerate frosted cookies.
