Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies

Red Velvet Snowflake Cookie is a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich, velvety taste of red velvet with a snowy, festive twist. These cookies are not only visually stunning with their intricate snowflake patterns but also offer a perfect balance of softness and a slight crunch. With a touch of cocoa and a hint of buttermilk, each bite is a celebration of texture and taste. A perfect addition to holiday platters or as a stand-out gift, these cookies bring warmth and cheer to any festive gathering.

Perfect for:

Holiday celebrations
Christmas parties
Winter gatherings
Gift-giving
Red velvet enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies will become a holiday favorite:

Velvety Red Flavor: The red velvet flavor is rich, decadent, and irresistibly smooth.
Festive Appearance: The snowflake designs add a beautiful, winter wonderland aesthetic.
Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies have a tender center with just the right amount of crunch.
Subtle Cocoa Notes: A hint of cocoa adds depth to the classic red velvet taste.
Perfect Holiday Gift: These cookies make a thoughtful and tasty homemade gift.
Easy Decorating Options: Use icing and sprinkles to create unique snowflake patterns.
Customizable Shapes and Designs: Create snowflakes of different sizes and designs for variety.
Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake as needed.
Red Velvet Twist on Tradition: A fun twist on the classic holiday cookie.
Easy to Share: These cookies are perfect for platters, gift boxes, and party trays.

Preparation and Baking Time

Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Calories per cookie: Approximately 150-180 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cookie Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon red food coloring
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons buttermilk

For the Snowflake Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust consistency as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: Food coloring (white or blue)

Optional Garnish:

Edible white pearls
Sprinkles
Shimmer edible dust

Ingredient Highlights

Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their classic red velvet hue.
Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the dough.
Cocoa Powder: Enhances the velvety chocolate undertones.
Granulated Sugar: Provides the right amount of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Red Velvet Cookie Dough:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Food Coloring: Beat in eggs one at a time. Then, add red food coloring and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Add Buttermilk: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Roll and Cut the Cookies:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Cut Snowflakes: Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies:

Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare the Snowflake Icing:

Mix Icing Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk as needed.
Add Color (Optional): Mix in food coloring if you want a hint of blue or other decorative touches.

Decorate the Cookies:

Apply Icing: Use a piping bag or a small spatula to pipe the icing onto the cookies in intricate snowflake patterns.
Add Garnish: Sprinkle edible pearls or shimmer dust to enhance the snowflake effect. Let the icing set completely.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies:

Holiday Platters: Serve alongside other holiday treats for a festive cookie assortment.
Gift Boxes: Package these cookies in a decorative box with tissue paper for a delightful gift.
Party Desserts: Include them in dessert tables at Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties.
Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy treat.
Christmas Morning Surprise: Leave them out for Santa or enjoy with breakfast.
Dessert Tables: Arrange on a tiered stand for a stunning visual display.
Office Treats: Share with coworkers to spread holiday cheer.
School Parties: Bring a batch to school celebrations for classmates.
Winter Events: Pair with festive drinks at winter gatherings and events.
Decorative Displays: Use icing and edible dust for a beautiful centerpiece look.

Additional Tips

Use Gel Food Coloring: For vibrant red cookies, opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid altering the dough’s consistency.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll and cut into snowflake shapes.
Use a Silicone Baking Mat: A silicone mat prevents sticking and ensures even baking, especially with intricate snowflake designs.
Flour Your Cookie Cutters: Lightly dust your snowflake-shaped cutters with flour to prevent sticking and achieve clean edges.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Add a Touch of Cocoa Powder: Enhance the classic red velvet flavor by adding a teaspoon of extra cocoa powder to the dough.
Pipe Intricate Designs: Use white royal icing to draw delicate snowflake patterns for a festive touch.
Sprinkle Edible Glitter: Add a dusting of edible glitter or pearl dust to make the cookies sparkle like snow.
Bake Similar Sizes Together: Group cookies of the same size on a single baking sheet to ensure even baking.
Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage without losing freshness.

Recipe Variations

Classic Red Velvet Cookies: Skip the snowflake design and keep it simple for a classic look.
Chocolate Red Velvet: Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate taste.
Festive Sprinkle Cookies: Decorate with Christmas-themed sprinkles for extra holiday fun.
White Velvet Twist: Use white food coloring to create a snowy white version.
Mint Chocolate Red Velvet: Mix in peppermint extract for a festive, refreshing twist.

Special Equipment

Cookie Cutters: Snowflake shapes or any festive designs you prefer.
Piping Bags and Tips: For detailed snowflake patterns and decorative icing.
Rolling Pin: A standard rolling pin for rolling out the dough.
Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper: Essential for a non-stick baking surface.
Cooling Racks: For cooling cookies evenly without sogginess.

FAQ Section

1. What are Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies?
Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies are soft and delicious cookies with a beautiful red velvet flavor.
2. Are these cookies suitable for all dietary restrictions?
While these cookies are not gluten-free or vegan by default, substitutions can be made.
3. How can I store leftover Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
4. Can I make the snowflake patterns more intricate?
Yes! You can use a piping bag or detailed cookie icing tools to create intricate snowflake patterns and decorations according to your desired design.
5. Do I need special ingredients to make Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies?
No, you need basic baking ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
6. What is the best way to achieve vibrant red coloring in the cookies?
Using high-quality red gel food coloring is the best way to achieve a vibrant red color.
7. Can I customize these cookies for special occasions?
Absolutely! You can customize the decorations and patterns according to your theme or event.
8. How do I ensure the cookies have a soft and chewy texture?
To maintain a soft and chewy texture, don’t overbake the cookies.
9. What’s the ideal temperature for baking Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies?
Bake the cookies at a standard temperature of 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures they bake evenly while maintaining a soft, fluffy texture.
10. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve them.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies are a festive and eye-catching holiday treat that combines the rich, velvety goodness of red velvet with a beautiful snowflake shape. These cookies are soft, tender, and full of that signature cocoa and buttermilk flavor, topped with a sweet, snowy glaze and decorative sprinkles or sugar crystals. They’re perfect for gifting, adding to cookie platters, or simply celebrating the holiday season with a touch of winter wonder.

With this versatile recipe, you can get creative with toppings and designs—add white chocolate drizzle, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or decorate with colorful icing to personalize each cookie. No matter how you decorate them, these Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies bring a delightful pop of color and a touch of winter magic to your holiday spread.

I’d love to see your Red Velvet Snowflake Cookies! Share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creative holiday designs. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know any unique variations or personal touches you added to make your cookies truly special!