As I sifted through my collection of holiday recipes, a memory sprang to life—of my little ones giggling as they rolled dough into balls and joyfully decorating with sprinkles. That’s when I knew it was time to whip up a batch of these enchanting Red Velvet Christmas Cookies. A festive delight, these cookies not only boast a striking red hue but also offer a delightful softness that melts in your mouth, thanks to their gooey centers and crisp edges! These treats are perfect for holiday gifting or for cozying up with loved ones while exchanging stories. Plus, they’re super fun to customize, inviting everyone to unleash their creativity in the kitchen this season. Curious about how you can make these cookies a festive centerpiece? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?

Festive Appeal: These Red Velvet Christmas Cookies bring holiday cheer with their vibrant color and joyful toppings, making them perfect for any festive gathering.

Memorable Experience: Bake these cookies with your loved ones; it’s a fun way to create heartwarming memories during the holiday season.

Irresistible Texture: Expect a blissful combination of gooey centers and crispy edges, delivering a delightful bite every time.

Endless Customization: Whether it’s crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles, the customization options let everyone’s creativity shine.

Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are a time-saver, allowing you to enjoy quality moments with family.

Gift-Worthy: Perfect for sharing, these cookies make fantastic gifts that friends and family will adore—especially when paired with a warm beverage like hot chocolate. Don’t miss out on exploring other delightful treats like Lemon Raspberry Cookies or Tiramisu Cookies Melt for even more festive fun!

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter – Use unsalted to control the saltiness of your delicious Red Velvet Christmas Cookies.
Granulated Sugar – This provides sweetness; consider light brown sugar for a more complex flavor profile.
Large Eggs – At room temperature, they bind the ingredients beautifully, ensuring a smooth batter.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, sweet aroma; substitute with almond extract for a holiday twist.
Super Red Food Coloring – For that iconic festive color that makes these cookies pop!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds depth to the chocolate flavor without making the cookies overly sweet.
Baking Soda – Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
Cornstarch – Helps create a chewy center and keeps the cookies tender.
Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness; omit if you’re using salted butter.
Cake Flour – Gives the cookies a tender crumb; gluten-free cake flour works for those with dietary needs.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie’s structure; swap for gluten-free flour if needed.

For the Mix-Ins

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds rich sweetness; feel free to switch it up with milk or dark chocolate.
Mini Marshmallows – Offers a fun chewy texture; regular-sized marshmallows can work in a pinch.
Crushed Candy Canes – Introduces a delightful crunch and seasonal flavor; crush them in a sealed bag.

For the Icing

Powdered Sugar & Milk – Combine to make a thick icing that beautifully tops your cookies; or opt for pre-made icing for convenience.

Optional Toppings

Edible Cookie Dough, White Chocolate Chips, Holiday Sprinkles – Customize your cookies with fun, festive finishes that everyone will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 410°F (210°C). This high temperature ensures that your Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies develop that perfect crispy edge while keeping a soft, slightly gooey center. As the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with silicone mats, creating a non-stick surface for the cookies to bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of unsalted sweet cream butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, turning slightly pale in color. This process incorporates air into the batter, ensuring your cookies remain soft and tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add two large eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Following the eggs, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together, creating a consistent batter, while the vanilla adds a delightful aroma to your festive cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Food Coloring
With the mixer set to low speed, gradually mix in 2 tablespoons of super red food coloring. This vibrant hue is what makes your Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies visually stunning. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the food coloring is evenly distributed throughout the batter for a consistent color.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of cake flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and a pinch of kosher salt. This dry mixture is crucial for giving the cookies their structure and maintaining the desired chewiness.

Step 6: Form the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms, ensuring not to overmix, which can lead to tough cookies. Once combined, gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of mini marshmallows for that delicious added texture and flavor.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in that ideal texture. Meanwhile, prepare any toppings or icing while you wait patiently for the dough to firm up.

Step 8: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 3.5 oz), portion out the chilled dough and place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart. After placing them, gently flatten each dough ball with your hand for even baking and to help the cookies spread just the right amount.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-11 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers are still slightly gooey. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

Step 10: Cool and Prepare Icing
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they cool, prepare the icing by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a thick, yet pourable consistency for drizzling over the cookies.

Step 11: Decorate the Cookies
Once your Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are completely cool, drizzle your fresh icing on top, allowing it to flow beautifully over the warm cookies. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings, such as crushed candy canes, edible cookie dough, or sprinkles, to add a festive touch and WOW factor to this holiday treat!

What to Serve with Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Imagine gathering around the table with cozy drinks and delightful sides that enhance every sweet bite of these festive treats.

Warm Milk: A classic choice, warm milk complements the rich flavors and adds a comforting touch to your cookie experience.
Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a festive hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks for a playful twist on a holiday drink.
Creamy Cheesecake Brownies: Their decadent fudginess and creamy texture contrast beautifully with the chewy centers of the cookies, creating a luscious pairing that everyone will love.
Cranberry Orange Salad: Fresh and tart, this salad balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a bright touch to your holiday spread.
Gingerbread Men: Keep the holiday spirit alive with these classic cookies, their spicy kick perfectly contrasting with the sweetness of the red velvet.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm and fragrant, spiced apple cider brings a delightful seasonal aroma and pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies for an indulgent treat that takes the dessert experience to the next level.

Explore these colorful pairings to create a warm and inviting holiday table that all your loved ones will cherish while enjoying your delicious Red Velvet Christmas Cookies!

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked Red Velvet Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, maintaining their delightful softness.
Refrigerate: To extend freshness, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. This will help preserve their flavors and textures longer.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature, then warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness.

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Customizations

Feel free to let your imagination run wild as you explore exciting twists for these vibrant cookies, transforming them into your perfect festive treat!

Almond Extract: Swap vanilla for almond extract to give your cookies a nutty flavor twist that’s especially holiday-like.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free blend of flour instead of regular flour for deliciously inclusive cookies the whole family can enjoy!
Dark Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate lovers, switch semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate ones; it adds depth and sophistication.
Peppermint Extract: Replace some of the vanilla with peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Nut Toppings: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and additional texture that complements the softness of the cookie.
Mini Marshmallows Variations: Try using flavored mini marshmallows like chocolate or strawberry for a fun, fruity layer of flavor!
Dried Fruit: Incorporate chopped dried cranberries or cherries for a tart burst that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cookies.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the dough for a surprising warming spice that enhances the festive flavor experience.

Let these variations not only inspire your baking but also encourage sharing moments with loved ones and making every batch uniquely yours. Don’t forget to check out other delightful recipes like Lemon Raspberry Cookies and Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies for more festive fun!

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the sheet tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This keeps the dough fresh and maintains its texture. Alternatively, for longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. When it’s time to bake, preheat the oven and follow the final steps as usual, letting you enjoy fresh, gooey cookies with minimal effort.

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Chill for Shape: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ shape during baking. It helps achieve that perfect gooey center and crispy edge.
Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration date on your baking soda for proper leavening. Old ingredients can lead to flat cookies.
Careful Baking: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can turn your delightful Red Velvet Christmas Cookies into dry treats.
Customize Wisely: When selecting toppings, remember that balance is key. Choose a mix of textures and flavors that complement the rich chocolate without overwhelming it.
Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature for better integration into the batter, which helps create a smoother cookie dough.
Layering Icing: For an extra festive touch, drizzle icing in layers and let it set between applications. This creates a beautiful, decorative finish that’s perfect for holiday gifting.

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of butter should I use for the cookies?
I recommend using unsalted sweet cream butter for these Red Velvet Christmas Cookies. This allows you to control the salinity of the cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, but just be mindful of the overall salt content in the recipe.

How should I store leftover cookies?
These delicious cookies can last about 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. You’ll want to keep the cookies cool to maintain their perfect soft texture!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a couple of extra minutes to your baking time.

What if my cookies are too flat after baking?
If your cookies turn out flatter than expected, there are a couple of reasons this could happen. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening and that you chill the dough adequately. You could try adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch or flour next time to help them maintain their shape.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
While these Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are truly delightful for humans, they are not safe for pets, particularly the chocolate chips which can be toxic to dogs and cats. Always stick to treats designed for your furry friends to keep them safe and happy!

Can I substitute any ingredients?
Yes! If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free cake flour and all-purpose flour instead of regular flours. Additionally, if you want a different flavor, substituting almond extract for the vanilla can give your cookies a deliciously unique twist!