These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers who crave something soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Combining the rich cocoa taste of classic red velvet with the sweetness of traditional sugar cookies, this recipe delivers a delightful dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or simply a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies promise to steal the spotlight. With their vibrant color and creamy frosting, they’re not only easy to make but also irresistibly festive.
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What Makes Red Velvet Sugar Cookies So Irresistible
When it comes to desserts that stand out, red velvet never disappoints. Its bold color, subtle cocoa flavor, and smooth texture make these cookies a true showstopper. But there’s more to their charm than looks — it’s all about the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity.
The Unique Appeal of Red Velvet Flavor
Red velvet isn’t just chocolate — it’s a delicate blend of mild cocoa and buttery vanilla with a hint of tang from sour cream or buttermilk. This combination creates a smooth, velvety flavor that’s less intense than pure chocolate yet more complex than a plain sugar cookie. When baked into cookies, it delivers a soft bite and a rich taste that feels indulgent but never overpowering.
The deep red hue adds a festive touch, symbolizing love and celebration — perfect for Valentine’s Day or Christmas cookie trays.
The Perfect Texture — Soft, Chewy, and Velvety
What makes red velvet sugar cookies stand out from traditional ones is their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The addition of sour cream or Greek yogurt gives the dough extra moisture, while a touch of flour helps achieve that classic chewy bite. Every cookie comes out with slightly crisp edges and a tender center — exactly how a perfect cookie should be.
If you’re after a bakery-style finish, lightly flatten the dough before baking. This helps the cookies spread evenly and bake into perfectly round shapes, ready for frosting.
Why They’re Perfect for Every Holiday
While red velvet naturally fits the romantic vibes of Valentine’s Day, these cookies are far from one-season wonders. Their deep red color and creamy frosting make them a stunning choice for Christmas cookie platters, wedding dessert tables, or even themed birthday parties.
They’re also easy to customize — add heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, snowflakes for winter holidays, or pastel decorations for spring. No matter the season, red velvet sugar cookies bring joy to every celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
A successful batch of red velvet sugar cookies starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. These come together to create soft, vibrant cookies with just the right balance of sweetness and cocoa flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in how easy it is — no complex steps or specialty tools. Everything blends perfectly into a smooth, rich dough that bakes into chewy, gorgeous red cookies.
Core Cookie Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose in the Recipe |
|---|---|
| Red Velvet Cake Mix (1 box) | The secret shortcut that gives these cookies their rich red hue and signature cocoa flavor. |
| All-Purpose Flour (⅔ cup) | Balances the dough for structure and chewiness. |
| Vegetable Oil (⅓ cup) | Keeps the cookies moist without making them greasy. |
| Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (2 tbsp) | Adds tanginess and helps achieve that soft, velvety texture. |
| Eggs (2) | Bind the ingredients and give the cookies a light lift. |
This combination ensures that the cookies bake evenly while staying perfectly soft in the center. Using a cake mix saves time and guarantees consistent flavor — ideal for busy bakers.
Cream Cheese Frosting Essentials
No red velvet dessert is complete without the classic cream cheese frosting. This smooth, slightly tangy topping perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies.
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Butter (½ cup, softened) | Adds creaminess and helps the frosting spread easily. |
| Cream Cheese (100g) | Brings tangy flavor and creamy consistency. |
| Powdered Sugar (2 cups, sifted) | Sweetens and thickens the frosting. |
Pro Tip: For the fluffiest frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together first before adding powdered sugar. This creates an airy, spreadable texture that’s easy to smooth onto cooled cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
Even if you’re missing a few ingredients, don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to customize your red velvet sugar cookies:
- No sour cream? Substitute with plain Greek yogurt for similar tang and moisture.
- Need gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix and 1:1 baking flour.
- Avoiding artificial coloring? Opt for natural red food coloring made from beet powder or pomegranate juice concentrate.
- Want extra flavor? Add a teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the cocoa notes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the rest is easy! This red velvet sugar cookie recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and doesn’t require any chilling. Follow these simple steps to achieve soft, chewy cookies with perfect color and flavor every time.
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, flour, oil, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and eggs.
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat on medium speed until the dough is smooth and uniform.
- If the dough feels too sticky, let it rest for 10 minutes before shaping.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix — just blend until ingredients are combined to keep the texture tender.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion about one tablespoon of dough per cookie.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place it on your prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a glass to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until the tops lose their shine and the edges look set.
Let the cookies rest on the baking tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Expert Tip: These cookies continue to cook slightly on the tray, so don’t overbake — this ensures they stay soft and chewy.
Making and Applying the Frosting
- In a clean bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and spreadable.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, frost each one using a spoon or offset spatula.
If you want to get festive, top with heart-shaped sprinkles, edible glitter, or white chocolate drizzle.
Decorating Ideas and Variations for Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
These cookies are beautiful on their own, but adding creative touches can make them extra special for any occasion.
Festive Toppings for Every Season
For Valentine’s Day, decorate with pink and white sprinkles. During Christmas, add crushed peppermint or edible snowflakes. For birthdays, go with colorful candy bits.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Add white chocolate chips to the dough for creamy sweetness.
- Drizzle dark chocolate ganache over frosted cookies for contrast.
- Mix in chopped nuts or coconut flakes for texture.
Turning Them into Sandwich Cookies
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for indulgent red velvet sandwich cookies — perfect for parties or gifting.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips
Proper storage keeps these cookies soft and flavorful for days.
How to Store Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4–5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can You Freeze These Cookies?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months in an airtight bag or container. Thaw completely before frosting. Avoid freezing frosted cookies, as moisture can affect the texture.
Make-Ahead and Batch-Baking Tips
Prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it overnight, and bake the next day. This is a great strategy for holiday baking or large gatherings.
FAQs About Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
What makes red velvet cookies red?
The classic red hue comes from food coloring or natural ingredients like beet powder combined with cocoa powder.
How do I keep red velvet cookies soft and chewy?
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container. Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt also keeps them moist.
Can I make red velvet sugar cookies without cake mix?
Yes — simply combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar, though using a cake mix makes it faster and more consistent.
Can I use natural food coloring for red velvet cookies?
Absolutely! Beet or pomegranate powder works well as a natural alternative to red dye.
Why do my red velvet cookies turn brown?
Too much cocoa or overbaking can dull the red color. Stick to the recommended proportions for best results.
Conclusion — Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies deliver the best of both worlds — a chewy sugar cookie texture with the luxurious flavor of red velvet. They’re simple, quick, and versatile enough for any celebration. Once you frost them with creamy, tangy cream cheese icing, every bite feels like a bakery-quality treat made right at home.
Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just craving a sweet moment for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
PrintRed Velvet Sugar Cookies
Soft and chewy red velvet sugar cookies made with red velvet cake mix, sour cream, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any celebration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–9 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix (16.5 oz or 468 g)
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g cream cheese (about 3.5 oz)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, flour, oil, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and eggs.
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the dough is smooth and uniform.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion about one tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll into balls.
- Place on baking sheet and flatten gently with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8–9 minutes until tops lose their shine and edges are set.
- Cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost cooled cookies and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra tang.
- For gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free cake mix and flour.
- Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
