Pink Velvet Cookie Recipe

There's something magical about biting into a soft, chewy Pink Velvet Cookie. The sweet, slightly tangy flavor paired with a hint of vanilla makes these cookies as irresistible as they are beautiful. Perfect for Valentine's Day, birthdays, or any occasion that needs a pop of color, these cookies are sure to impress.

I discovered this recipe while searching for a fun treat to bake with my niece. The first batch was gone in minutes, and it quickly became a family favorite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these cookies are as simple to make as they are delightful to eat.

Why You’ll Love These Pink Velvet Cookies

Get ready to fall head over heels for these charming treats. Pink Velvet Cookies aren’t just pretty – they’re bursting with flavor and so easy to make.

First, these cookies have a unique flavor profile. The blend of cream cheese and vanilla gives them a richness reminiscent of red velvet cake but with a cheerful pink twist.

They’re also soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The texture is absolutely addictive, making it hard to stop at just one.

On top of that, they’re incredibly versatile. Want to make them for a themed party? You can easily adjust the color or add festive sprinkles.

Finally, these cookies are beginner-friendly. With a straightforward method and minimal ingredients, they come together in under an hour – including baking time!

So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into the ingredients that make these cookies so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Pink Velvet Cookies lies in their simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

• All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for the cookies. Be sure to measure carefully for the perfect soft and chewy texture.
• Cream Cheese: The secret to these cookies' velvety texture. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
• Butter: Adds richness and keeps the cookies moist. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies without making them overly rich. It also helps create that signature cookie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and gives the cookies their classic bakery-style taste.
• Pink Food Coloring: The star of the show! Gel food coloring works best for vibrant, even color without altering the texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and soft.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

You’ll also need a hand mixer or stand mixer for creaming the butter and cream cheese, and a cookie scoop for evenly shaped cookies.

How To Make Pink Velvet Cookies

Making Pink Velvet Cookies is a breeze, and the results are absolutely stunning. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch:

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of softened butter and 4 ounces of cream cheese. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat them together until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving the cookies' velvety texture.

3. Add Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the mixture, beating until smooth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

5. Add the Color

Add a few drops of pink gel food coloring to the dough, mixing until you achieve your desired shade. A vibrant pastel pink works beautifully for most occasions.

6. Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool, leaving you with soft, chewy perfection.

Storage Options

These cookies are just as delightful the next day – if they last that long! Here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag, and bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of Pink Velvet Cookies means you can customize them to suit any occasion or preference. Here are a few ideas:

• Color Variations: Swap pink food coloring for another shade to match a party theme or holiday. Red for Christmas or green for St. Patrick’s Day, anyone?
• Add-Ins: Stir in white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Flavor Twists: Replace vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for a gluten-free version.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a dollop of frosting on cooled cookies for an extra decadent treat.

Experiment with these variations to make the recipe truly your own. No matter how you customize it, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Pink Velvet Cookies – they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat! Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe or came up with your own creative twist. Happy baking!

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