Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a cookie that brings a delightful burst of color, flavor, and festive fun, then you have to try this Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe. These charming, vibrant cookies combine the classic red velvet flavors with the light, buttery texture of spritz cookies, creating a cookie experience that’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just a sweet afternoon treat. Their striking ruby red hue, tender crumb, and melt-in-your-mouth quality make them an instant crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role. From the rich cocoa powder to the softened butter, every component works in harmony to deliver the perfect texture, color, and flavor that makes these cookies truly special.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and shape for the cookies, making them tender yet sturdy enough to hold their design.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a hint of chocolate depth that complements the red velvet flavor perfectly.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a delicate, airy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of spritz cookies, creating a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the cocoa and vanilla notes.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients for a smooth texture and adds richness.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings aromatic warmth that elevates the entire cookie.
- 1 tbsp red gel food coloring: Gives the signature red velvet color that makes these spritz cookies visually stunning.
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar (optional): Intensifies the red color and adds a subtle tang reminiscent of classic red velvet cake.
- Sugar for rolling (optional): Adds a lovely sparkle and light crunch on the outside of each cookie.
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 to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution so every bite is perfectly flavored.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about three minutes and is the key to a tender texture. Creaming air into the butter is what makes these cookies delightfully delicate.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Color
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and the red gel food coloring to your butter mixture. Beat everything until smooth and fully combined. If you want that classic red velvet pop, add the optional white vinegar now — it subtly enhances the richness of the color.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture just until combined. The dough should be soft yet firm enough to hold its shape when piped through a cookie press. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so keep it gentle!
Step 5: Pipe the Cookies
Fill your cookie press with the dough, choosing your favorite disc shape—stars, hearts, or any festive pattern you like. Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about one inch apart to give them room to bake evenly.
Step 6: Add a Sweet Sparkle
If you want to add a lovely shimmer and a bit of crunch, lightly sprinkle some sugar over the pressed cookies before baking. This step is optional but highly recommended for that extra touch of magic.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely because spritz cookies can brown quickly. They’re done when the edges look set but the centers are still tender. Remove them carefully and let them cool right on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these cookies are ready to enjoy or decorate. If you want to get creative, you can add icing or sprinkles for an extra festive flair!
How to Serve Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies with colored sugar or edible glitter adds a burst of sparkle that makes them perfect for any party table. For an additional touch, a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can turn these cookies into little masterpieces.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of tea, a bold coffee, or a glass of cold milk. You can serve them alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses for a surprising yet delightful combination, balancing sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in vibrant tiers on a beautiful platter, or package them in cute cookie tins or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for handcrafted gifts. If you’re feeling crafty, assemble a cookie and milk dunking station for parties so guests can enjoy these beauties their way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, keeping that delicate texture and gorgeous red hue intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, they keep well for up to three months, so you can enjoy them anytime a craving hits.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer a warm treat, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked feel without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?
You can, but gel food coloring is preferable because it delivers more intense color without altering the dough’s consistency. Regular liquid coloring may make the dough too soft and affect baking.
Do I really need to add vinegar?
Vinegar is optional but recommended if you want a richer red color and that subtle tang associated with traditional red velvet flavors. It doesn’t affect taste much, so feel free to include it.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
If you don’t have a cookie press, you can pipe the dough using a pastry bag fitted with a star or round tip. Alternatively, shape small balls by hand and flatten slightly with a fork for a homemade twist.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing?
Absolutely! A simple cream cheese or vanilla icing pairs beautifully, and adding sprinkles or edible pearls makes these cookies festive and fun to personalize.
Are Red Velvet Spritz Cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Their beautiful color, charming shapes, and delicious flavor make them a fantastic homemade gift. Package them in pretty boxes or tins for friends and family to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of baking and sharing a batch of Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe, especially when they turn out as vibrant and delicious as these do. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply to brighten your day, these cookies are bound to bring smiles and warm hearts. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become one of my personal favorites!
Print
Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are delightful, tender, and buttery treats with a vibrant red hue enhanced by cocoa powder and red gel food coloring. Perfect for festive occasions or a sweet snack with tea, these spritz cookies are beautifully shaped using a cookie press and can be optionally rolled in sugar for added texture.
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)
Optional
- 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 and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring into the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated and smooth. If desired, add the white vinegar to enhance the red color vibrancy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft yet firm enough to hold shapes when piped.
- Prepare for Piping: Fill your cookie press with the dough, choosing your favorite shape disc such as stars or hearts for a festive look.
- Pipe the Cookies: Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Add Sugar Topping (Optional): Lightly sprinkle the shaped cookies with granulated sugar if you want them to have a delicate crunch and shimmer.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges become slightly firm but the centers remain soft. Watch closely as these cookies bake quickly and can easily burn.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once fully cooled, enjoy your colorful Red Velvet Spritz Cookies with tea, coffee, or package them as festive gifts.
- Optional Decoration: Decorate further with icing or sprinkles if you want to add extra flair and personalization to your cookies.
Notes
- White vinegar is optional but recommended to enhance the red color of the cookies.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies tender and avoid burning the edges.
- Using a cookie press gives the cookies their classic spritz shapes and textures.
- These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- For gluten-free variations, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjust baking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
