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There are few desserts as iconic and irresistible as Classic Red Velvet Cookies. With their rich crimson hue, subtle cocoa flavor, and irresistibly soft texture, these cookies strike the perfect balance between elegance and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, Valentine’s Day, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know to create perfect Classic Red Velvet Cookies at home — from the ingredient list to step-by-step instructions, helpful baking tips, and even nutritional insights.

Ingredients for Classic Red Velvet Cookies

To make these cookies deliciously chewy with the signature red velvet flavor, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and a few key extras.

Dry Ingredients:

2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies.
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened, natural or Dutch-processed) – For that classic subtle chocolate note.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and remain tender.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a soft, chewy texture.
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
2 large eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred) – Creates the striking red velvet appearance.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor depth.
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar – Balances the cocoa flavor and activates the baking soda for tenderness.

Optional Add-ins:

1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips or chunks – A sweet contrast to the cocoa base.
½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans or walnuts – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools on hand ensures smooth preparation and professional results. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowls – One large for wet ingredients, one medium for dry ingredients.
Hand mixer or stand mixer – For creaming butter and sugar.
Rubber spatula – To scrape down sides of bowls.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy.
Whisk – To combine dry ingredients.
Baking sheets – Preferably lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cookie scoop (optional) – Ensures even-sized cookies.
Wire cooling rack – To cool cookies evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to bake Classic Red Velvet Cookies that turn out perfect every time.

1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.

3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.

4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Vinegar, and Food Coloring

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until fully incorporated and the batter turns a uniform vibrant red.

5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix — overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

6: Fold in Add-ins (Optional)

If using, fold in white chocolate chips or nuts with a spatula.

7: Scoop and Shape Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
Remember, cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

9: Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Once cooled, enjoy or store in an airtight container.

Tips for Perfect Classic Red Velvet Cookies

To make your Classic Red Velvet Cookies bakery-worthy, keep these tips in mind:

Use gel food coloring – Gel coloring provides a more intense, vivid red without affecting the batter’s consistency.
Don’t skip the vinegar – It might sound odd, but vinegar enhances the cocoa flavor and helps create the classic red velvet tang.
Chill the dough (optional but recommended) – For thicker cookies with less spread, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Avoid overbaking – The key to soft cookies is pulling them out of the oven while the centers look slightly underdone.
Flavor twist ideas – Try adding a cream cheese drizzle or sandwiching two cookies with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent dessert.
Storage tip – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Value (per cookie, approx.)

Based on a batch of 24 cookies:

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 140 mg
Sugar: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g

(Values may vary depending on exact portion sizes and optional add-ins.)

Why Classic Red Velvet Cookies Are a Must-Bake

The charm of Classic Red Velvet Cookies lies not just in their striking appearance but also in their unique flavor profile. They’re not as rich as a full chocolate cookie, but not as plain as a sugar cookie — they sit perfectly in between. Add in the festive red color, and you have a treat that works beautifully for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or even just a cozy weekend baking session.

These cookies are also versatile: serve them plain for a classic touch, stud them with white chocolate for added sweetness, or turn them into cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting. The possibilities are endless, and each variation carries that unmistakable red velvet essence.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts beautiful, delicious, and unforgettable, Classic Red Velvet Cookies are the answer. With their soft, chewy texture, mild cocoa flavor, and signature red hue, they’re bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Now that you have a complete guide — from ingredients and tools to baking tips and nutritional info — it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring these cookies to life in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special event, these cookies will never fail to impress. So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowls, and treat yourself to the timeless indulgence of Classic Red Velvet Cookies.