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I discovered this treat by accident when I was mixing my two favorites - red velvet cake and buttery cookies! What a fantastic surprise it turned out to be. These cookies have amazing soft centers with a gorgeous crimson color and sugar-dusted cracks on top. Whenever I bring them to cookie swaps, they disappear faster than anything else.
What Makes These Special
Anyone who enjoys red velvet will absolutely fall in love with these treats. They've got that subtle cocoa flavor wrapped in rich butteriness, and the pretty sugar dusting makes them look so fancy. Though they look perfect on Christmas trays, I'll admit I whip them up all through the year because they're simply too good to save for special times.
Key Ingredients You'll Need
- Flour: Standard all-purpose keeps the texture just right - firm outside but soft inside.
- Sugar: Balanced amount for sweetness that isn't overwhelming.
- Cocoa Powder: Delivers that signature red velvet flavor we're looking for.
- Baking Powder: Creates those beautiful surface cracks everyone loves.
- Salt: Just a dash enhances every other flavor component.
- Cream Cheese: Adds wonderful richness and that gooey quality.
- Butter: Don't skimp here - quality butter really counts.
- Egg: Works as the perfect binding element for the dough.
- Red Food Coloring: Creates that eye-catching vibrant shade.
- Powdered Sugar: Forms the beautiful white coating on the outside.
Easy Preparation Method
- Mix Your Dry Stuff
- Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a bowl and stir them together thoroughly.
- Prepare The Wet Components
- Whip the cream cheese with butter until completely smooth, then add your egg and stir in the vibrant red coloring.
- Combine Everything
- Slowly add your dry mix into the wet ingredients until you end up with a beautiful ruby-colored dough. Stick it in the fridge for at least 60 minutes to get firm.
- Form And Dust
- Take your firmed dough and roll into small balls, then thoroughly coat each one in powdered sugar.
- Into The Oven
- Arrange them on your cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for around 10-12 minutes, watching for those signature cracks to show up.
- Cooling Time
- Let them sit on the baking sheet briefly before moving to a cooling rack. They're hard to resist warm, but they're worth the wait!
Tricks For Cookie Success
Always chill your dough - it's crucial for handling these soft cookies. Don't be shy with the powdered sugar coating, you want lots for that pretty crackle look. I always grab the nicest cocoa I can find because it really affects the taste. And remember to let them cool properly so they can set up right.
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Adaptable Party Favorites
These crowd-pleasers work for any occasion. They fit perfectly on Christmas platters, make lovely Valentine's treats, or can just brighten an ordinary day. Sometimes when I'm feeling fancy, I'll put cream cheese frosting between two cookies to make sandwich treats that are totally wonderful.
Anytime Treats
Even though folks go wild for these during holiday season, I bake them whenever I feel like it. There's nothing better than dunking one in cold milk or having one with your morning cup of coffee. They also work as the perfect pick-me-up gift when someone's having a rough day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the dough?
It gets firmer and easier to roll into balls.
- → What type of food coloring?
Go with gel coloring for the richest red shade.
- → Can I freeze these?
Sure thing, they'll last 3 months when stored properly.
- → Why room temp ingredients?
They blend better and make your cookies fluffier.
- → How long do they keep?
They stay fresh about 3 days in a sealed container.