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I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to combine my love for red velvet cake and gooey butter cookies and wow what a happy accident! These cookies are pure magic with their bright red color crackly sugar coating and the most incredible gooey centers. Every time I make them for cookie exchanges they're the first to vanish from the plate.
Why You'll Love These
If you're a red velvet fan these cookies will make your heart skip a beat. They've got that perfect hint of cocoa wrapped in buttery sweetness and that gorgeous powdery coating just makes them look extra special. While they're stunning on holiday platters I'll be honest I make them year-round because they're just that good.
Ingredients for Success
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour keeps these cookies sturdy but still tender.
- Sugar: Just enough to make them sweet without going overboard.
- Cocoa Powder: This gives us that classic red velvet taste we're after.
- Baking Powder: The secret to those beautiful cracks on top.
- Salt: A pinch makes all the flavors pop.
- Cream Cheese: Makes everything extra rich and gooey.
- Butter: Use the good stuff it really matters here.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together perfectly.
- Red Food Coloring: Gives us that stunning color we all love.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates that pretty snow-like coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start with the Dry Mix
- Get your flour sugar cocoa powder baking powder and salt all mixed up in one bowl give it a good whisk to blend everything well.
- Get the Wet Ingredients Ready
- Beat your cream cheese and butter until they're super smooth then mix in your egg and that beautiful red food coloring.
- Bring It All Together
- Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you've got a gorgeous red dough. Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up.
- Shape and Coat
- Roll your chilled dough into balls then give them a generous coating of powdered sugar.
- Time to Bake
- Place them on your baking sheet and into a 350°F oven they go for about 10-12 minutes. Watch for those pretty cracks to form.
- The Final Touch
- Let them cool a bit on the baking sheet then move them to a rack. Try to resist sampling until they've cooled but I won't judge if you can't wait.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Don't skip chilling the dough it makes all the difference in handling. Really coat those balls in powdered sugar the more the better for that beautiful crackle effect. I always use the best cocoa powder I can find it really shows in the flavor. And be patient when they're cooling they need that time to set up properly.
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Versatile and Festive
These beauties shine at any gathering. They're perfect for Christmas cookie plates Valentine's Day treats or just because cookies. Sometimes I sandwich two together with cream cheese frosting when I'm feeling extra fancy it's absolutely divine.
Year-Round Favorite
While everyone goes crazy for these during the holidays I make them whenever the craving hits. There's something about dunking one in a cold glass of milk or enjoying it with your morning coffee that just makes any day better. They also make the sweetest little gift when someone needs cheering up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the dough?
Makes it easier to handle and shape.
- → What type of food coloring?
Gel colors work best for deep red.
- → Can I freeze these?
Yes, up to 3 months in airtight container.
- → Why room temp ingredients?
Ensures smooth mixing and better texture.
- → How long do they keep?
Up to 3 days in airtight container.