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Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 85 reviews

Delight in these festive Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, featuring a tender, cocoa-infused dough spiked with cream cheese and a vibrant red color. Perfectly soft with a slight crisp on the edges, these heart-shaped cookies are ideal for celebrations or gifting, topped with a smooth royal icing for an elegant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter (2 sticks)
  • 4 ounces (113.4 g) cream cheese (half a brick)
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup (21.5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For Frosting

  • Royal icing (quantity as desired for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar on medium-low speed for about one minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Egg Yolk, Vanilla, and Food Coloring: Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring on medium speed until everything is fully combined and the dough starts to take on its signature vibrant red hue.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a silicone spatula. Add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt to the wet ingredients.
  5. Form the Dough: Mix on medium-low speed until the dough forms a stiff ball and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl, about 30 seconds to one minute. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: Flatten the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to an even thickness of 3/16 inch using rolling pin rings or measuring guides for precision.
  7. Cut Shapes: Remove the top parchment sheet, then use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough into shapes.
  8. Transfer and Bake: Carefully peel each cut-out cookie from the bottom parchment layer and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 16 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
  9. Cool and Frost: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating them with royal icing for a polished and festive look.

Notes

  • Use cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Adjust red food coloring quantity to achieve your preferred shade of red.
  • For even baking, use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and crisp edges.
  • If dough becomes too sticky after refrigeration, dust your rolling surface lightly with flour.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.
  • Royal icing can be customized with food coloring or piping tips for decorative effects.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies, Sugar Cookies, Valentine Cookies, Cream Cheese Cookies, Heart Shaped Cookies, Holiday Cookies