Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon Red liquid food coloring (or 1–2 tsp gel)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (for the glaze or dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder until thoroughly combined; set aside.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the mixture is uniformly a deep red color.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Step 4: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon to create a noticeable indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 6: Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar or fill the indentations with a simple cream cheese glaze for the traditional red velvet finish.
Notes
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze the undecorated baked cookies for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
- While generally enjoyed at room temperature, if the cookies harden after storage, microwave them for just 5-8 seconds to refresh that signature soft chewiness.
- For a festive serving presentation, arrange these deep red cookies with contrasting holiday favorites like shortbread or gingerbread, accompanied by a hot espresso or a glass of chilled sweet milk.
- To achieve the richest red velvet color, make sure to beat the food coloring thoroughly into the wet ingredients before adding the dry mixture, ensuring no streaks of plain butter remain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American