Name: Irresistible Red Velvet Christmas Cookies You’ll Love to Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 51 min
Ingredients: 2 sticks Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (Provides rich flavor; use unsalted to better control salt levels.); 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar (Adds sweetness; brown sugar can be swapped in for a deeper taste.); 2 large Eggs (Incorporate structure and moisture; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor; consider almond extract for a festive twist.); 2 teaspoons Super Red Food Coloring (Gives your cookies that classic red hue; quality matters for the best color.); 0.25 cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Adds a rich chocolatey flavor without additional sweetness.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (A leavening agent; always check the expiration for maximum effectiveness.); 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (Helps achieve a soft texture and stops excessive spread during baking.); 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Balances the sweetness; omit if using salted butter.); 1 cup Cake Flour (Contributes to a tender crumb; look for gluten-free options if needed.); 1.75 cups All-Purpose Flour (Provides the needed structure; gluten-free alternatives are available too.); 1.5 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Offers sweetness and texture; feel free to use milk or white chocolate chips instead.); 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (Adds a fun, gooey texture; can be substituted with small pieces of regular marshmallows.); 0.5 cups Crushed Candy Canes (Festive and crunchy; they provide a delightful way to enhance the holiday spirit.); 1.25 cups Powdered Sugar (Essential for your icing; it serves as a base for those eye-catching finishing touches.); 2 tablespoons Milk (Adjusts the icing consistency to your liking.); 1 cup Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (A playful topping option; use store-bought or make your own!); 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (Contrasts beautifully with the other flavors; they add a nice touch of sweetness.); 1 cup Holiday Sprinkles (A fun way to decorate; they make your cookies even more festive and inviting.)

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the house, instantly transporting me back to my childhood kitchen, where holiday magic unfolded yearly. Today, I’m excited to share a festive favorite: Red Velvet Christmas Cookies—a delightful blend of rich red velvet and a hint of chocolate, adorned with chocolate chips and fluffy mini marshmallows. These cookies not only deliver a stunning burst of holiday cheer with their vibrant color, but they’re also incredibly easy to whip up. The gooey centers and crisp edges create a delightful texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they offer an opportunity for a fun, creative activity with the kids—customizing each cookie with playful toppings is half the adventure! Ready to bake some holiday joy? Let’s dive into this recipe and make some delicious memories together.

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?

Festive Vibes: These Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are not just delicious; they bring festive cheer to your kitchen with their striking color and playful toppings.

Easy and Fun: The recipe is straightforward, making it a perfect activity for little helpers, especially when decorating with holiday sprinkles.

Texture Delight: With a soft, gooey center and crisp edges, these cookies balance indulgence without overwhelming sweetness. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of milk!

Versatile Treats: Feel free to experiment—swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or add a peppermint twist! You could even try a drizzle of cream cheese icing for a tangy finish.

Make-ahead Magic: Bake them ahead of time! Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months, and they’ll taste just as fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter – Provides rich flavor; use unsalted to better control salt levels.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; brown sugar can be swapped in for a deeper taste.
• Large Eggs – Incorporate structure and moisture; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; consider almond extract for a festive twist.
• Super Red Food Coloring – Gives your cookies that classic red hue; quality matters for the best color.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a rich chocolatey flavor without additional sweetness.
• Baking Soda – A leavening agent; always check the expiration for maximum effectiveness.
• Cornstarch – Helps achieve a soft texture and stops excessive spread during baking.
• Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness; omit if using salted butter.
• Cake Flour – Contributes to a tender crumb; look for gluten-free options if needed.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the needed structure; gluten-free alternatives are available too.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Offers sweetness and texture; feel free to use milk or white chocolate chips instead.
• Mini Marshmallows – Adds a fun, gooey texture; can be substituted with small pieces of regular marshmallows.

For the Toppings
• Crushed Candy Canes – Festive and crunchy; they provide a delightful way to enhance the holiday spirit.
• Powdered Sugar – Essential for your icing; it serves as a base for those eye-catching finishing touches.
• Milk – Adjusts the icing consistency to your liking.
• Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – A playful topping option; use store-bought or make your own!
• White Chocolate Chips – Contrasts beautifully with the other flavors; they add a nice touch of sweetness.
• Holiday Sprinkles – A fun way to decorate; they make your cookies even more festive and inviting.

These Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are packed with joy and flavor, making your holiday baking delightful!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 410°F (210°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking. While your oven warms up, gather your baking sheets and line them with silicone liners. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze as you prepare to bake your delicious Red Velvet Christmas Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, combine 2 sticks of unsalted sweet cream butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a lovely texture in your cookies, so make sure to scrape down the bowl as needed for even mixing.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of super red food coloring. Watch as the vibrant color blends into your batter, making it ever so tempting for those Red Velvet Christmas Cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cake flour, 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Step 5: Fold in Tasty Add-ins
Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of mini marshmallows into the dough. This step adds delightful sweetness and gooeyness to your Red Velvet Christmas Cookies, making each bite a festive treat. Ensure the add-ins are evenly distributed for a treat that’s just bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is prepared, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Chilling is essential, as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. While you wait, you’ll appreciate the anticipation of creating these beautiful cookies!

Step 7: Scoop and Shape
After chilling, scoop the dough into 3.5 oz balls using a cookie scoop or your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space between each cookie. Gently flatten each ball slightly to help them bake evenly, creating that signature shape for your Red Velvet Christmas Cookies.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 8-11 minutes, keeping an eye on them as the edges start to crisp. The cookies are done when they appear slightly gooey in the center—this ensures a soft and chewy texture. Once baked, allow them to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk to create a thick but pourable icing. Whisk until smooth, adjusting the milk if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. This sweet icing will be the perfect finishing touch for your festive cookies.

Step 10: Decorate and Enjoy
Finally, drizzle the icing over your cooled cookies and add your choice of toppings such as edible cookie dough, white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and holiday sprinkles. Feel free to get creative! Let the icing set before serving, and enjoy the magic of your homemade Red Velvet Christmas Cookies with family and friends.

What to Serve with Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

The perfect holiday spread comes alive with delightful pairings that elevate the festive spirit!

Cold Glass of Milk:
Nothing beats a classic! The creamy richness of milk beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cookies.
Warm Hot Chocolate:
Cozy up with creamy, steaming hot cocoa. Its chocolatey essence perfectly complements the rich flavors of red velvet.
Peppermint Bark:
This crunchy candy adds a festive crunch and a refreshing minty touch, making it a delightful treat alongside the cookies.
Mini Fruit Tarts:
Fresh fruit tarts provide a zingy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, creating a vibrant dessert spread.
Homemade Whipped Cream:
Light and airy, whipped cream brings a lovely creaminess that makes each bite of cookie indulgent.
Festive Fruit Punch:
A fruity punch with hints of spice enhances the holiday ambiance and ensures everyone stays refreshed.
Chewy Brownies:
Rich, fudgy brownies offer a delectable texture contrast to the soft center of the cookies. A chocolate lover’s paradise!
Holiday Cookie Platter:
Combine a variety of festive cookies for a colorful display that invites everyone to taste a little of everything!
Cup of Eggnog:
Creamy and spiced, eggnog brings on the holiday cheer, adding a festive flair that pairs perfectly with these sweet treats.

Make Ahead Options

These Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, simply bake them from chilled or frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time. This way, you can keep the soft, gooey centers and crisp edges just as delicious as when freshly made!

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill your dough for about 20 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring beautifully shaped cookies.
Check Your Ingredients: Using fresh baking soda and quality food coloring will significantly impact the flavor and color of your red velvet Christmas cookies, so always check for freshness!
Underbake for Softness: For that perfect gooey center, remove the cookies when they’re slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or add a splash of peppermint extract; these variations can elevate your cookie experience!
Avoid Overmixing: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies; we want that soft, tender texture!
Decorate Creatively: Let your kids join in on the fun by decorating with various toppings! This makes for a joyful family activity while crafting delicious memories.

How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks, keeping them soft and fresh for everyday enjoyment.

Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness even longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 weeks; just ensure they’re in a sealed bag or container to avoid drying out.

Freezer: These Red Velvet Christmas Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer them in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove the cookies from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’ll taste just as delightful as when they were baked!

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies, letting your taste buds lead the way!

Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan butter and use almond or oat milk for a creamy finish that everyone can enjoy.
Gluten-Free: Utilize gluten-free flour blends for an equally delicious option that respects dietary needs. You won’t lose any flavor or texture!
Minty Fresh: Swap out vanilla extract for peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist that complements the red hue beautifully.
Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch to each bite. These nuts can provide a lovely texture contrast against the soft cookie.
Double Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones for an intense chocolate lover’s dream. You can also mix in cocoa powder for extra chocolatey goodness!
Fruity Twist: Fold in dried cranberries or chopped cherries for a sweet-tart pairing that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
Cream Cheese Icing: Swap the icing for a luscious cream cheese frosting to elevate your cookies with a tangy richness that balances the sweetness.
Festive Decorations: Top with crushed Oreos or toasted coconut for a unique twist that adds flavor and holiday cheer. Try it alongside some holiday treats, like my Turkey Sugar Cookies or Red Velvet Strawberry for a truly festive baking session!

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for these cookies?
For the best results, always pick ingredients at their peak freshness. Check your butter to ensure it’s soft but not melted—softened butter will help create that light and fluffy texture. Use eggs that are at room temperature; ideally, they should sit out for about 30 minutes before starting the recipe. For the food coloring, choose a high-quality brand for vibrant results without any aftertaste.

How should I store my leftover Red Velvet Christmas Cookies?
These delicious cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 3 weeks; just ensure they’re sealed tightly to prevent drying out. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help maintain moisture!

Can I freeze my Red Velvet Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. First, let them cool completely, then layer them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out the desired amount and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

What should I do if my cookie dough seems too sticky?
If you find your cookie dough is sticky and hard to handle, it’s likely due to the ambient temperature or humidity. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes to make it easier to scoop. Also, ensure you measured your flour accurately; using too little can lead to stickiness.

Are these cookies suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Yes, they can be made gluten-free! Simply substitute the cake flour and all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for brands that include xanthan gum if it’s not already present, as this helps with texture and structure. Furthermore, all other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so your cookie craving can be satisfied without worry.

What toppings can I use to customize my Red Velvet Christmas Cookies?
The possibilities are endless! In addition to mini marshmallows and chocolate chips in the batter, you can top these cookies with crushed candy canes for a minty crunch, drizzle them with cream cheese icing for added sweetness, or even sprinkle crushed nuts for an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to experiment with festive holiday sprinkles or even edible glitter for a magical touch!