Name: Red Velvet Snowflake Cookie: A Must-Bake for Festive Fun
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 54 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1.5 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 large Egg; 2 tablespoons Red Velvet Emulsion (or red food coloring + 1 tbsp dry buttermilk); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 tablespoons Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder; 0.33 cups Melted Chocolate Chips (Ghirardelli 60% cacao); 2.5 cups Flour (sifted); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 2 tablespoons Dry Buttermilk (if using); 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 1 batch Royal Icing (for decorating); 1 batch White Chocolate Drizzle (optional)

As I stood mixing the ingredients in my warm kitchen, a sprinkle of flour dancing in the air, the vibrant red of my dough reminded me that the holiday season was truly around the corner. Let’s dive into making these fabulous Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies that bring not just a burst of color, but an irresistible flavor to any festive gathering. This recipe is perfect for busy bakers like us, offering a quick prep time and easy decorating options to unleash your creativity. Whether you’re sharing them at a cookie exchange or simply indulging during a cozy night at home, these delightful treats will surely evoke smiles and happy memories. Ready to join in on the holiday cheer? Let’s get baking!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Visual Appeal: The stunning red hue and snowflake shapes make these cookies a feast for the eyes, perfect for holiday displays.
Easy Decorate: With simple, easy decorating options, unleash your creativity for unique, festive designs!
Quick Prep Time: Get baking in no time—ideal for busy holiday schedules.
Versatile Shape: Use any cookie cutter to match your celebration theme, from snowflakes to festive trees.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich, velvety texture combined with a hint of chocolate keeps everyone coming back for more! Pair them with a cozy evening treat like my Sugar Cookie Cheesecake for a delightful dessert spread!

Red Velvet Snowflake Cookie Ingredients

• Get ready to create festive magic with these glowing treats!

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – Ensures richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cookies while enhancing the desired texture.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent to help the cookies hold their delightful shape.
Red Velvet Emulsion – Provides that signature color and flavor; you can substitute with red food coloring and a tablespoon of dry buttermilk for tang.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder – Brings a subtle chocolate taste that perfectly balances sweetness.
Melted Chocolate Chips (Ghirardelli 60% cacao) – Enhances the rich chocolate flavor in your red velvet snowflake cookie.
Flour – Forms the cookie structure; sifting before adding gives a lighter final texture.
Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise, giving them a pleasing texture.
Dry Buttermilk – Contributes a slight tang; can be omitted if you don’t have it on hand.
Salt – Enhances all flavors, ensuring the sweetness is perfectly balanced.

For Decorating (Optional)

Royal Icing – Perfect for adorning those snowflake shapes; using a piping bag creates intricate designs.
White Chocolate Drizzle – A modern twist to add extra flair and sweetness on top of your cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Velvet Snowflake Cookie

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer fitted with a flat paddle attachment, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This aeration is essential for achieving a delightful texture in your Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies.

Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Next, add 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of red velvet emulsion, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend the ingredients thoroughly and then mix in ⅓ cup of melted Ghirardelli 60% cacao chocolate chips, ensuring everything is fully incorporated. The batter should have a beautiful, vibrant red hue as you prepare for the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Slowly blend in 2 ½ cups of sifted flour, 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of dry buttermilk (if using), and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix on low until a smooth dough forms, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky for your Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies.

Step 4: Rolling Out the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a clean surface or between two sheets of wax paper. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick, ensuring it’s even to promote consistent baking. If the dough feels sticky, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This step will make it easier to cut out beautiful snowflake shapes and prevent the dough from sticking to your surfaces.

Step 5: Cut and Prepare for Baking
Using a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the cookies from the rolled dough and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly. Aim to fill the baking sheet without crowding, ensuring optimal airflow during baking for the best result.

Step 6: Baking the Cookies
Bake your Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to firm up. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; you want a soft, chewy center that will complement the snowflake design perfectly.

Step 7: Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because decorating your Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies before they cool could melt your icing designs.

Step 8: Decorating the Cookies
Once completely cooled, unleash your creativity by decorating with royal icing or a white chocolate drizzle. Use a piping bag for detailed designs on the snowflake shapes. Allow the icing to set before packaging or serving; this will ensure your festive treats look beautiful and inviting for any holiday gathering.

What to Serve with Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies

The delightful aroma and vibrant hue of these cookies create the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering, enticing everyone to sit down and indulge.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich beverage pairs beautifully, bringing comforting warmth that complements the cookies’ sweetness. Topped with whipped cream, it’s a delightful treat on chilly nights.
Gingerbread Men: The spicy sweetness of gingerbread cookies complements the smooth, velvety flavor of the red velvet. Together, they make for a classic holiday cookie platter.
Mint-infused Milk: A refreshing twist that enhances the chocolate notes in the cookies, making each bite feel festive and fun. Try adding crushed mint candies for extra flavor!
Sugared Cranberries: These tart, candied cranberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, adding a pop of color and crunch to your dessert table.
Eggnog: Embrace the holiday spirit with a glass of creamy eggnog, its spices accentuating the rich flavor of your red velvet snowflake cookies.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes, perhaps topped with a raspberry or cherry sauce, bring a rich contrast to the light, airy texture of the cookies for a sophisticated touch.
Shortbread Cookies: The buttery, crumbly texture offers a delightful contrast to the chewiness of these red velvet delights. A bite of each leads to heavenly combinations of flavor and texture ideally suited for the season.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Use this tasty topping on other desserts like fruit or cakes; it resonates beautifully with the red velvet cookies, enhancing their festive appeal even more.

Make Ahead Options

These Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance—simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For even longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. To maintain the fabulous flavor and texture, ensure the dough is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and roll it out as directed. Bake the cookies right before your gathering for that fresh-out-of-the-oven aroma that will fill your home with festive cheer!

How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and soft.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can enjoy them chilled or let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating: To bring back that freshly baked taste, reheat the cookies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will make your Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies feel warm and inviting again!

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies

Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 15-30 minutes before rolling. This prevents sticking and makes cutting easier.
Watch Your Bake Time: Bake until edges are just set; overbaking can lead to dry cookies. They should remain soft and slightly chewy inside!
Icing Caution: Ensure cookies are completely cool before icing to avoid melting your designs. Patience pays off for those beautiful snowflakes!
Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality cocoa and chocolate chips enhance the rich flavor of your Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies. Invest in the good stuff!
Pop the Extras: For an added twist, feel free to sprinkle festive sprinkles or edible glitter over your icing for a sparkling holiday touch!

Red Velvet Snowflake Cookie Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own magic on these delightful cookies with these fun ideas!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
Choco-Lover’s Twist: Add chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for a more decadent experience. You’ll love the melty chocolate surprises in every bite!
Nutty Addition: Mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to introduce a delightful crunch and warm flavor profile to your cookies.
Festive Sprinkles: Top the iced cookies with festive sprinkles for a fun, holiday touch that adds color and texture. This small addition can transform your cookies into showstoppers!
Spiced Flavor: Incorporate a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger into the dough for a warming, cozy flavor that complements the holiday spirit.
Cocoa Variation: Use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with red velvet.
Alternative Icing: Swap royal icing for a creamy cream cheese frosting to enhance the decadent flavor. Spread it on for a rich, velvety finish!
Chewy Texture: To achieve a more chewy cookie, reduce the baking time by a minute or two. This small adjustment can yield a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

By exploring these variations, you not only make these cookies uniquely yours but also celebrate the joy of baking! And if you’re looking for additional ideas, consider pairing your cookies with my delightful Chocolate Pepperment Cookies for a festive spread!

Red Velvet Snowflake Cookie Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ingredients for the best cookies?
Absolutely! For the best Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies, quality matters. Use unsalted butter for rich flavor and sift your flour before measuring to ensure a lighter texture. Fresh eggs will provide the best binding, and using Ghirardelli 60% cacao chocolate chips enhances the deep chocolate flavor in your cookies.

What is the best way to store Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to place parchment paper between layers when storing to prevent sticking!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze the dough! After mixing, roll it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then roll out and cut into shapes as usual.

What if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
If you find that your dough is too sticky, don’t fret! Chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. This cooling period will firm up the dough, making it much easier to roll out and cut into those lovely snowflake shapes.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
The more the merrier! To make gluten-free Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies, simply substitute your all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for optimal texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the holiday cheer!

Do these cookies contain any allergens?
Absolutely worth noting! The Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies contain common allergens such as dairy and gluten. If you’re baking for someone with food allergies, consider using dairy-free butter and a gluten-free flour blend to make them safe for all to enjoy!