Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

Introduction

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are a stunning, festive twist on the classic spritz cookie. With their vibrant red hue, buttery texture, and hint of cocoa, these cookies offer a perfect combination of elegance and decadence. Their delicate shapes and eye-catching color make them an irresistible addition to any holiday spread, dessert tray, or special celebration.

I first made Red Velvet Spritz Cookies to add a pop of color and festive flair to a holiday cookie platter. The rich, velvety taste of cocoa paired with the classic buttery spritz texture creates a delightful contrast that’s both decadent and satisfying. Whether piped into intricate shapes or simply formed into rounds, these cookies bring both beauty and taste to every bite.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility and charm. You can add a touch of cream cheese frosting on top, sprinkle with red sugar crystals for a festive sparkle, or even add mini chocolate chips for extra texture. Whether gifted in decorative tins, displayed on a dessert table, or enjoyed with a cozy cup of tea, Red Velvet Spritz Cookies offer a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate any occasion.

Perfect for:

Holiday celebrations
Birthday parties
Valentine’s Day
Festive gatherings
Cookie trays and gifting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Red Velvet Spritz Cookies will become your go-to cookie indulgence:

Eye-Catching Color: The bright red hue adds a festive and fun pop of color to any dessert table.
Buttery Flavor: The rich buttery taste is balanced with the subtle sweetness of red velvet.
Soft and Tender Texture: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for Gifting: Share the holiday spirit by gifting these beautiful cookies to loved ones.
Classic Yet Unique: A fun twist on the traditional spritz cookie for something memorable.
Easy-to-Make Recipe: A simple, fuss-free recipe that anyone can follow.
Customizable Decor: Add sprinkles, icing, or white chocolate drizzle for creative flair.
Festive Appeal: Great addition to cookie platters, party trays, and holiday tables.
Less Mess, More Fun: Minimal cleanup, so you can focus on enjoying your baking time.
Timeless Appeal: Loved by both kids and adults—perfect for any age group.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 90-100 calories
Key Nutrients: Fat: 5g, Carbs: 12g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Spritz Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring (gel or liquid)

Optional Garnishes:

White chocolate drizzle
Red or holiday-themed sprinkles

Ingredient Highlights

Red Food Coloring: Adds a vibrant pop of color to these festive cookies.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma of the dough.
Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle richness to complement the red velvet flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add Food Coloring: Stir in red food coloring to achieve your desired intensity of color.

Chill the Dough:

Refrigerate: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Spritz Tool: Fill your cookie press or spritz tool with the dough and shape the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, until the edges are just set but not browned.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Garnish (Optional):

Drizzle or Decorate: Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies, or add festive sprinkles for decoration.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Red Velvet Spritz Cookies:

Holiday Cookie Trays: Perfect for festive cookie platters during Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Gifting Delight: Pack cookies in gift boxes with ribbons for thoughtful presents.
As Party Favors: Serve on trays at birthday parties or corporate events.
With Tea or Coffee: Pair cookies with a warm cup for a delightful snack break.
Dessert Buffets: Add them to dessert tables at weddings or anniversaries.
Valentine’s Treat: Serve as a romantic treat to celebrate love and sweetness.
Layered Desserts: Use cookies as a base layer in parfaits or trifle desserts.
Sprinkle Showering Fun: Add icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar for creative flair.
Breakfast Treat: A unique addition to brunch buffets alongside muffins and scones.
Mini Cookie Stands: Create a mini cookie stand display for events or parties.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough: Ensure the dough is properly chilled before using your cookie press. This helps maintain the shape and prevents spreading.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color. Gel coloring is more concentrated and doesn’t alter the dough’s consistency.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature, as this allows for better incorporation and a smoother dough texture.
Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Adding too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly.
Use a Quality Cookie Press: A sturdy and well-maintained cookie press makes it easier to press out consistent shapes and designs.
Add Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of your red velvet cookies and complements the cocoa taste.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Bake cookies on parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Experiment with Decorations: After baking, add decorative touches like white icing, sprinkles, or red sanding sugar to make your cookies pop!
Test Your Cookie Press First: Do a test press on parchment paper to ensure the dough is the right consistency and your designs come out clean.
Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage while preserving freshness.

Recipe Variations

Red Velvet White Chocolate: Drizzle white chocolate over cookies for a decadent twist.
Sprinkle Surprise: Use colored sprinkles to match holidays or special events.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Double Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate goodness.
Berry Infused: Incorporate freeze-dried raspberries for a fruity surprise.

Special Equipment

Cookie Press/Spritz Tool: For creating the unique shape and pattern of spritz cookies.
Piping Bag: Optional for decorative icing details.
Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper: For even baking and easy cleanup.
Wire Cooling Racks: Essential for properly cooling baked cookies.

FAQ Section

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring is ideal for achieving a more vibrant and consistent red hue.
How long can I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze cookies for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What if my cookies lose their shape during baking?
Chill the dough well before shaping, and make sure your baking temperature is accurate.
Can I customize the shape of the cookies?
Yes, use various cookie press discs to create different shapes and patterns.
Do these cookies require a lot of preparation time?
No, they are quick to make with minimal prep and simple steps.
What substitutes can I use for cocoa powder?
You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based butter substitute or coconut oil.
Do I need to use a cookie press?
Not necessarily; you can shape the cookies by hand if you don’t have a press.
What toppings work best for decoration?
White chocolate, sprinkles, and edible glitter make excellent toppings.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the rich, velvety flavors of red velvet cake with the charm of a classic spritz cookie. These vibrant, eye-catching cookies offer a soft, buttery texture with a hint of cocoa and a beautiful, festive color that makes them perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them, or just indulging in a personal treat, these cookies are sure to make an impression.

This easy and fun recipe lets you enjoy the elegance of red velvet in a new, bite-sized form. You can customize them with a touch of cream cheese frosting, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even small decorative sprinkles for an extra pop of flair. Each cookie is a little burst of color, flavor, and nostalgia rolled into a delightful treat.

I’d love to see your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies! Share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to admire your creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these cookies your own, whether through creative decorations, flavors, or any fun twists you added!