Name: Irresistible Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies You'll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 36 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (softened); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Cake Batter Flavoring (or vanilla extract); 1 tablespoon Pink Food Coloring (adjust for color intensity); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 8 oz Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (softened); 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 2 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream (adjust for consistency); 1 cup Christmas Sprinkles (optional)

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As I was mixing the vibrant red and white ingredients, a shimmer of excitement passed through me—a holiday favorite was about to come to life! These Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just festive treats; they blend the joy of cake batter flavor with a stunning pink hue that instantly uplifts any gathering. Not only do they bring a splash of color to your cookie platters, but their soft, cake-like texture paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting will leave your friends and family clamoring for more. Plus, they’re quick and simple to whip up, making them a perfect choice for those last-minute holiday baking sessions. Ready to make some delicious memories? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Festive, Colorful Delight: The vibrant pink color of these cookies adds a cheerful touch to your holiday spread, making them the star of the dessert table.

Soft Texture: Each bite offers a tender, cake-like consistency that melts in your mouth, keeping everyone coming back for more.

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch without stress.

Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are ideal for sharing, whether at holiday gatherings or as charming gifts for friends and family. Impress your loved ones with a batch of Lemon Raspberry Cookies on the side!

Creamy Frosting Bliss: The luscious cream cheese frosting elevates the cookie experience, providing a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pink velvet base.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to play with colors or add fun toppings for a personalized twist that matches any celebration theme!

Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Salted Butter – Provides fat for a tender texture; unsalted butter can be used to control salt levels.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.
Eggs – Adds moisture and richness while binding the ingredients together.
Cake Batter Flavoring – Infuses cookies with a distinct cake flavor; substitute with vanilla extract if needed.
Pink Food Coloring – Enhances the festive visual appeal; adjust the amount for your desired color intensity.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; no substitutions recommended unless for dietary needs.
Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, helping cookies rise beautifully during baking.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting – Adds a creamy and sweet finish to the cookies; can use lower fat or dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and contributes to a smooth texture; cornstarch can thicken for desired consistency.
Milk or Heavy Cream – Used to thin frosting to your preferred consistency; nut milk works well for non-dairy options.

For Decoration

Christmas Sprinkles – Perfect for adding festive flair; optional but highly recommended for that extra holiday cheer.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies bake evenly, allowing them to puff beautifully as they cook. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, which will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened salted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps create that tender cake-like texture that makes these cookies so delightful!

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs, cake batter flavoring, and a few drops of pink food coloring to the butter-sugar blend. Mix everything on low speed until well combined—you want a smooth, vibrant mixture. The pink color should be even, setting the stage for those cheerful Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies that are sure to impress.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder to fully blend the dry ingredients. Gradually add this flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be smooth and cohesive, creating the perfect base for your cookies.

Step 5: Portion the Cookie Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough, rolling each into a ball about three tablespoons in size. Flatten each ball slightly before placing them on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart to allow for spreading while baking. This will lay the groundwork for your beautiful Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. Look for them to puff up and the centers to lose their glossy appearance. Keeping a close eye during the last few minutes is essential; you want them soft and slightly underbaked for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As you wait, this is the perfect time to prepare your luscious cream cheese frosting, so you can frost your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies while they’re still warm for a heavenly treat.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium mixing bowl, whip together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Aim for a well-blended, airy consistency to achieve that perfect topping for your cookies. This will create the rich and indulgent flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft pink base.

Step 9: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in powdered sugar to your cream cheese mixture, adjusting with a splash of milk or heavy cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency. Continue mixing until the frosting is thick yet smooth—this pleasing texture will ensure your frosting glides right onto the cookies for a beautifully creamy finish.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting atop each one. For that festive touch, sprinkle colorful Christmas sprinkles over the tops before serving. The vibrant pink of the Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies, combined with the creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, creates a visually stunning treat that everyone will love.

What to Serve with Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies

Let the festive vibes flow as you create a complete experience around these delightful cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings!

Eggnog: This classic holiday drink’s creamy, spiced flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies, adding a nostalgic touch to your celebration. It’s a cozy pairing that warms the heart!
Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate drizzled with whipped cream will enhance the indulgent flavors of the cookies, making for a perfect dessert duo.
Festive Fruit Salad: A bright medley of fresh fruits like cranberries, oranges, and pomegranates provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies, bringing vibrant colors to the table too!
Pecan Pie: The nutty, sweet filling of pecan pie pairs beautifully with the soft texture of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast that’s sure to please your guests.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or fragrant holiday tea helps cut through the cookies’ sweetness, offering a comforting sip that enhances the overall flavor experience.
Cream Cheese Mints: These delightful little mints mirror the creamy frosting on your cookies, enhancing that delicious cream cheese flavor while providing a refreshing finish.

Celebrate the holidays in style—you’ll love how these pairings elevate your gatherings, leaving everyone with sweet and lasting memories!

Expert Tips for Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Allow your salted butter to soften before creaming for a fluffier texture in your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined after adding flour to ensure your cookies remain tender and cake-like, avoiding toughness.
Underbake for Softness: For a melt-in-your-mouth experience, slightly underbake your cookies; they will continue to set as they cool.
Warm Frosting Application: Frost your cookies while they’re still warm for a beautifully creamy blend that enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Adjust Color Intensity: Feel free to adjust the amount of pink food coloring based on your desired shade, making your festive cookies as vibrant as you like!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for quick snacking!

Fridge: Frosted cookies can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure they are in a sealed container to prevent the frosting from becoming too hard or absorbing odors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Layer between parchment paper in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Frost when ready to enjoy!

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, gently microwave them for about 10-15 seconds right before serving. Enjoy the delightful creaminess of these Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies!

Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists that will make your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies even more unique and special!

Color Alternatives: Switch up the food coloring to blue or green for different holidays or celebrations. Imagine a beautiful blue hue for a winter wonderland theme!
Minty Frosting: Add peppermint extract to the cream cheese frosting for a refreshing twist that will evoke the cozy spirit of holiday mint. It’s a delightful way to bring in those classic peppermint flavors!
Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a crunchy texture. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also provides an extra surprise in every bite!
Chocolate Indulgence: Stir in mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a sweet and rich contrast to the cake batter flavor. Chocolate lovers will adore this variation!
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in the frosting. It will still deliver that creamy sweetness without compromising flavor.
Fruity Additions: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries into the dough for a burst of fruity flavor that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the cookies. They add a lovely festive touch, too!
Spiced Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm spice that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting. This subtle flavor will elevate your cookies to a whole new level!
Fun Toppings: Instead of holiday sprinkles, try crushed candy canes or festive edible glitter to give your cookies a dazzling finish. It adds an extra pop of fun to the presentation, making them even more appealing!

By experimenting with these variations, your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are sure to become a cherished staple for any gathering. And remember, these cookies pair wonderfully with my Lemon Raspberry Cookies for a colorful holiday tray! Enjoy the delightful process of making these treats your own!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are delightful to prepare ahead of time, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can mix the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on busy baking days. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you prefer, the baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply frost them with the cream cheese frosting, which can also be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add a dash of milk to regain spreadable consistency before frosting your luscious Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies, ensuring they remain just as delicious as when fresh!

Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for these cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, opt for high-quality salted butter, as it adds a rich flavor. Make sure your eggs are fresh; they should be free of any cracks and have a clean shell. For the pink food coloring, look for a gel or paste variety for a more vibrant hue, as liquid coloring can dilute the dough.

How should I store my Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For frosted cookies, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. This prevents the frosting from hardening and keeps them delicious!

Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies! It’s best to freeze them unfrosted. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, frost them after thawing for the best texture.

What should I do if the cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If your dough turns out sticky, try refrigerating it for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the butter, making it easier to handle. If it’s still too sticky, you can add a tablespoon more flour until the dough is manageable but be careful not to overmix it!

Are Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
While the original recipe isn’t gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Check the blend specifications for best results, and ensure that all other ingredients, like baking powder and frosting components, are gluten-free as well. Be aware that texture might slightly differ, but they’ll still be delicious!