Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holiday Season

Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies are the perfect way to bring a touch of festive charm to your holiday table. These vibrant cookies combine the classic flavors of red velvet with a delicate snowflake design, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party or a cozy winter evening at home, these cookies are sure to impress.

What Are Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies?

Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies are soft, buttery cookies with the iconic red velvet flavor—a hint of cocoa combined with a subtle vanilla sweetness. Shaped like snowflakes and decorated with a simple glaze, they’re an elegant holiday dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: The bright red hue and snowflake design make these cookies perfect for the holiday season.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Versatile: Great for gifting, party platters, or a cozy treat with hot chocolate.
• Customizable: You can adapt the glaze or decorations to your liking for a personal touch.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Glaze

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well mixed.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Shaping the Cookies

6. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
7. Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Baking the Cookies

8. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating the Cookies

10. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Drizzle or pipe the glaze onto the cooled cookies in a snowflake pattern. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.
• Arrange them on a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark.
• Package them in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the glaze from smudging.

Freezing Instructions

• Unbaked Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan margarine, the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water), and use plant-based milk for the glaze.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice twist.
• Alternative Decorations: Use colored sugar, edible glitter, or small candies to embellish the cookies.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring?
Yes! Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll need less—start with about ½ teaspoon and adjust as needed.

Do I have to chill the dough?
This recipe doesn’t require chilling, but if your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

How can I ensure the cookies keep their snowflake shape?
Roll the dough evenly and avoid overbaking. A quick transfer to the cooling rack will also help maintain their shape.

Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence. Their vibrant color, festive design, and delightful flavor make them a hit at any gathering. Why not bake a batch today and spread some holiday cheer? Let us know how they turned out in the comments below!

Print