Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe

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If you’re searching for a festive, vibrant treat that brings a burst of color and a perfect balance of rich flavor, look no further than this Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies combine the tender crumb and subtle cocoa of classic red velvet with the playful charm of spritz shapes that melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want to brighten up an ordinary afternoon, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy and impress everyone around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe starts with simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create tender, flavorful cookies with a beautiful red hue and just the right texture.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the dough, ensuring your cookies hold their shape perfectly when pressed.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that unmistakable subtle chocolate flavor that defines red velvet treats.
• Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift so your cookies aren’t too dense but stay soft and tender.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter: The key to rich, buttery flavor and the perfect tender crumb you crave in cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that delightful slight crisp on the edges.
• Large egg: Binds all the ingredients together while contributing to a soft texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the cocoa and red velvet flavors.
• Red gel food coloring: Gives the iconic red velvet color without affecting texture, and you can adjust for intensity.
• White vinegar (optional): Enhances the red color and adds a subtle tang reminiscent of classic red velvet cakes.
• Sugar for rolling (optional): Sprinkled on top for a sparkly crunch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

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 mat. Whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, which is crucial for the perfect cookie texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air and makes your cookies softer and lighter. It usually takes about three minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Color

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring until everything is smooth and fully combined. If you want that extra pop of red, a splash of white vinegar can go in here to brighten the hue without changing the taste.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Your dough should be soft but firm enough to hold the shapes when piped with a cookie press—perfectly buttery and red velvet-y.

Step 5: Pipe the Cookies

Load your cookie press with the dough and choose your favorite festive shape disc—stars, hearts, or anything that puts you in a good mood. Press the cookies onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart for even baking.

Step 6: Add Sugar Sparkle (Optional)

For an extra touch of texture and sparkle, lightly sprinkle some sugar over the cookie tops before baking. It creates a subtle crunch and makes them look even more festive.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are slightly firm but the centers remain tender. Spritz cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid any burning. The aroma alone will have you counting down the seconds!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove your cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is key to letting them set up properly while keeping their delicate texture intact.

How to Serve Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Make these cookies extra special by adding a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar. Tiny sprinkles or edible glitter can provide a playful finish, turning your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe into showstoppers at any party.

Side Dishes

Red velvet spritz cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like chai tea, rich hot chocolate, or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee. Their tender crumb and sweet cocoa flavor really shine when enjoyed alongside a comforting drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in pretty tins, stack them with parchment paper in between, or wrap them up in cellophane with a festive ribbon for gifts. You can also create cookie platters for gatherings, mixing shapes and adding edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a creative, colorful display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them tender and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag. They stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature. You can also freeze the dough itself, shaped on the baking sheet, and bake fresh later!

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, gently warm them in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and just-baked aroma without over-drying them.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for this Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe?

You can, but gel food coloring is preferred because it provides more vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency. Regular liquid food coloring might make the dough too watery and affect texture.

What if I don’t have a cookie press—can I still make these cookies?

Absolutely! You can scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or roll the dough into small balls and lightly flatten them with a fork or the bottom of a glass. The shapes won’t be as intricate but will still taste amazing.

Is the white vinegar really necessary in the recipe?

White vinegar is optional but recommended if you want that classic bright red hue. It reacts with the cocoa to make the red color pop without changing the flavor noticeably.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil in this recipe?

Butter is key for the flavor and texture in spritz cookies. Margarine or oil may change the texture, making the cookies less tender and flavorful, so it’s best to stick with butter if possible.

How long do these Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to maintain their deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing these Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe treats. They bring together nostalgia, festive fun, and irresistible flavor in one beautiful package. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe — it’s the kind of cookie that instantly brightens your day and makes baking feel like a joyful celebration. Happy baking!

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