Name: Red Velvet Spritz Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-482838H31M3S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 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); Sugar for rolling (optional, for added texture)

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Get ready to make your holiday (or any day!) extra special with these Red Velvet Spritz Cookies! They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and full of that signature red velvet flavor. Not to mention, they have that gorgeous deep red color and a hint of cocoa that will have everyone asking for more. These cookies are perfect for sharing, whether you’re gifting them in a festive tin or serving them at a cozy get-together. Plus, they’re so fun to make with that swirled, classic spritz cookie shape! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.

These cookies bring the best of both worlds—classic, buttery spritz cookie texture, paired with the indulgent flavors of red velvet cake. It’s the cookie version of a holiday dream come true!

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

Beautiful & Festive

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially around the holidays. Their rich red color is eye-catching and festive—sure to brighten up any cookie platter!

Soft & Buttery

Despite their crunchy appearance, these cookies are tender and buttery. The moment you bite into them, you’ll experience a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s oh-so-satisfying.

Easy to Make

Thanks to the spritz cookie press, making these cookies is a breeze! You don’t need any fancy decorating skills to make these look gorgeous—just a few easy presses and you’ve got a tray of perfectly shaped cookies.

Full of Flavor

The subtle cocoa flavor, combined with the rich vanilla, makes these cookies taste like a red velvet cake, but in cookie form. They’re just the right amount of sweet and flavorful.

A Fun, Customizable Treat

You can get creative with these! Add some festive sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even dip them in white chocolate for an extra special touch.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these red velvet beauties:

For the Cookies:

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough.

Cornstarch: Makes the cookies extra tender.
Cocoa powder: For that classic red velvet flavor.
Salt: To balance the sweetness.

Butter: Adds that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly.
Egg: Helps bind everything together.

Vanilla extract: For depth of flavor.
Red food coloring: To give your cookies that signature red velvet look.
Almond extract (optional): Adds a lovely hint of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cocoa.

For the Decoration:

Sprinkles (optional): Red, white, or gold sprinkles are a festive touch.
White chocolate (optional): To dip the cookies for an extra indulgent treat.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive in and get baking these red velvet beauties!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer for this step.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, then add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined. Gradually add in the red food coloring—you’ll want to add a few drops at a time to get that rich, red hue. Mix until the dough reaches the desired color.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to stay light and soft.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Fill a spritz cookie press with your dough and press onto the prepared baking sheet in your desired shapes (hearts, circles, stars—whatever you like!). If you don’t have a cookie press, you can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with your fingers.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re still soft when they come out of the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, dip them in melted white chocolate or sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles while they’re still slightly warm.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

These cookies are now ready to share with friends and family—or enjoy them all for yourself! They’re perfect for gift-giving, holiday cookie exchanges, or a sweet treat any time of year.

How to Serve Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

At a Party

These cookies are a festive and fun treat to bring to any gathering. They’ll be a hit at holiday parties, birthdays, or even just a casual get-together.

As a Gift

Wrap these up in a cute tin or box for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just to show someone you care!

With a Glass of Milk

Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat. The creamy milk complements the subtle cocoa flavor of the cookies perfectly.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This helps the flavors develop and makes it easier to work with when you’re ready to bake.
Coloring Tip: If you want a deeper red color, just add more food coloring until you achieve the shade you like. Don’t forget to mix well!

Sprinkles & Dips: Get creative with decorations! You can roll the edges of the cookies in colored sugar or sprinkles, or dip them in white chocolate for a luxe finish.
Cookie Press Trouble? If your dough is too sticky to press, try chilling it for 15-20 minutes before using the press. It’ll be easier to handle.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Cookie

Calories: 110
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g

Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g

Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
A1: Absolutely! A hand mixer works just fine for this recipe, just make sure you cream the butter and sugar well for a light, fluffy dough.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without a spritz press?
A2: Yes! You can roll the dough into small balls and gently flatten them with your fingers or the bottom of a glass for a more traditional cookie shape.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q4: How long will these cookies stay fresh?
A4: These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for about a week. They’re also great for gifting!

Q5: Can I use butter substitute in this recipe?
A5: You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Q6: Can I use a different food coloring?
A6: Yes! If you prefer a different color, feel free to use any gel food coloring that suits your style. Just be sure to use a gel-based coloring for the most vibrant color.

Q7: Do I have to dip these in chocolate?
A7: Not at all! Dipping in white chocolate is optional, but it adds a fun flair. These cookies are delicious all on their own!

Q8: How can I make these gluten-free?
A8: You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with structure.

Q9: How can I make these vegan?
A9: You can use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).

Q10: Can I use a different type of extract?
A10: Yes, feel free to swap out the vanilla extract for almond or hazelnut extract for a different flavor profile. Just use sparingly, as these extracts can be quite strong!

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are the perfect mix of festive, fun, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, they’ll be the star of any cookie platter. So grab your spritz press, get creative with the red velvet flavor, and enjoy these delightful cookies that are sure to impress everyone who tries them!

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies