If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic holiday favorite, the Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe is just what you need to brighten up your cookie platter. These charming, vividly red cookies combine the rich, subtle cocoa flavor typical of red velvet with a buttery, tender spritz cookie base that melts in your mouth. Easy to shape with a cookie press and visually stunning, they are perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself to something special that tastes as fantastic as it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these delightful Red Velvet Spritz Cookies, you just need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and that iconic red hue. Each ingredient plays an essential part, from that silky butter to the cocoa and vibrant red gel coloring that gives these cookies their signature look.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth to complement the red velvet flavor.
- Baking powder: Ensures a light, airy texture for your spritz cookies.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The key to that melt-in-your-mouth richness and delicate crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while aiding in a slight crispness on the edges.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Red gel food coloring: Gives the cookies that unmistakable and festive red velvet appearance.
- White vinegar (optional): Enhances the red color and adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
- Sugar for rolling (optional): Adds a sparkling finish and a slight crunch.
How to Make Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to combine all the dry ingredients. This step ensures that the cocoa is evenly distributed, which is crucial for that consistent red velvet taste in every bite.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes about three minutes. This creaming process is the secret to those tender and melt-in-your-mouth spritz cookies because it incorporates air into the dough, giving it lift.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring until everything is perfectly smooth and fully combined. If you’re aiming for an extra vibrant red, this is the moment to stir in a splash of white vinegar, which subtly enhances the color without altering the flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet butter mixture, gently mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could develop the gluten and make your cookies tough. The dough should be soft yet firm enough to hold its shape when piped through your cookie press.
Step 5: Pipe the Cookies
Fill your cookie press with the dough and select your favorite disc shape—stars, hearts, or festive designs all work beautifully. Press the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about one inch apart to allow them room to bake evenly without sticking.
Step 6: Add Sugar for Texture (Optional)
If you like a little extra sparkle and crunch, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each cookie before baking. This optional step adds a lovely textural contrast and makes the cookies glimmer invitingly as they bake.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop your cookies into the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close watch as spritz cookies are quick to bake and can burn easily if left too long. Look for slightly firm edges—this is the perfect indication that they’re done but still soft inside.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just enough while staying tender and delicious in the center.
How to Serve Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies even more irresistible, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. These finishing touches add elegance and a little extra sweetness, perfect for gifting or holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
This cookie pairs beautifully with warm beverages like rich hot chocolate, creamy lattes, or a simple glass of cold milk. The combination of the cookie’s subtle cocoa notes and the drink’s smoothness creates a cozy, comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your cookies in a circle on a holiday platter or stack them in small towers tied with a colorful ribbon. You can also sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fun twist on the classic homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their tender, buttery texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat cookies in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave them for a few seconds. This softens them up and reinvigorates their buttery flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before pressing and baking. This actually helps develop the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
No worries! You can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. The cookies will still taste amazing, just with a different shape.
Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides more intense color without altering the dough’s consistency. If you only have liquid food coloring, use it sparingly to avoid making the dough too wet.
Is it necessary to add vinegar?
Vinegar is optional but recommended if you want to enhance the classic red velvet color. It adds a subtle tang that deepens the red hue without changing the taste noticeably.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and scrumptious for up to one week at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel special and festive. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies are bound to become a favorite. Their vibrant color, tender texture, and rich flavor make them a joy to bake and share, so don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and spread some delicious cheer.
Print
Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are buttery, tender, and beautifully festive with a vibrant red color enhanced by cocoa powder and red gel food coloring. Perfectly piped using a cookie press into charming shapes, they bake quickly to a delicate crisp with soft centers, ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red gel food coloring (adjust to desired color intensity)
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar (optional, helps enhance color)
For Finishing
- Sugar for rolling (optional, for added texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and uniformly combined. Optionally, add the white vinegar to intensify the red color.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft yet firm enough to hold its shape when piped through the cookie press.
- Pipe the Cookies: Fill a cookie press with the prepared dough using your chosen shape disc (such as stars, hearts, or any festive design). On the prepared baking sheet, use the cookie press to form the cookies, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Optional Sugar Topping: Lightly sprinkle sugar over the piped cookies to add a sparkling texture and subtle crunch.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just firm. Watch carefully to avoid burning, as spritz cookies bake quickly.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Using red gel food coloring ensures vibrant color without altering dough consistency.
- The optional white vinegar enhances the red color but can be omitted if preferred.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be slightly firm at the edges but soft in the center.
- Cookie press discs allow for a variety of festive shapes—choose according to occasion.
- Sprinkling sugar before baking adds a nice crunch and sparkle but is optional.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
