Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly chocolatey with that classic red velvet flavor everyone loves. These cookies are cut into heart shapes and topped with smooth icing, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or special occasions. They bake up tender with crisp edges and a rich red color that looks beautiful on any dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (pink, red, yellow, green – optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 3: Add Cocoa and Color

Mix in the cocoa powder and red food coloring until evenly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into heart shapes using cookie cutters.

Step 6: Bake

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 9–11 minutes, just until set. Do not overbake.

Step 7: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Decorate

Whisk icing ingredients until smooth. Spread or pipe icing over cooled cookies and allow to set.

Variations

• Use cream cheese icing for classic red velvet flavor
• Add white chocolate drizzle on top
• Use pastel icing colors for spring themes
• Add mini sprinkles before icing sets
• Make sandwich cookies with frosting filling

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with milk, coffee, or hot cocoa
• Add to Valentine cookie boxes
• Use as party favors
• Display on dessert trays
• Pair with chocolate desserts

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Approx. 170 calories
8g fat
23g carbohydrates
2g protein

Conclusion

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are a beautiful and delicious treat that’s perfect for celebrations. With their soft texture, vibrant color, and smooth icing, they look just as good as they taste. This recipe is easy, reliable, and great for making memories in the kitchen.