Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

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There’s something so special about the sight of vibrant red velvet cookies with their perfect, buttery texture and little sprinkling of festive sugar. These Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are the kind of treat that’ll turn any occasion into a celebration. Picture the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a hint of cocoa, all brightened up with a dash of red velvet charm. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies are a total game-changer. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these for every occasion.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those “wow” moments when you take the first bite and realize you’ve made something really special. Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a favorite:

  • Festive and Fun: The striking red color makes these cookies perfect for holiday celebrations, birthdays, or any event where you want to add a little extra flair.
  • Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and buttery, with just the right crunch, especially when they come out of the oven. The spritz shape gives them a lovely, delicate look that’s sure to impress.
  • Easy and Quick: Despite their beautiful appearance, these cookies are a breeze to make! A few simple steps, and you’re ready to bake. You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull these off.
  • Customizable: You can get creative with the spritz shapes or decorate the cookies with festive sprinkles. Want to take it up a notch? Dip them in white chocolate for a truly decadent treat!
  • Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a surefire hit with both kids and adults. The rich, buttery flavor and the soft texture make them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what goes into these perfect little cookies—trust me, the magic is in the details:

Butter:

The star ingredient that makes these cookies rich and melt-in-your-mouth tender. It also helps create that perfect cookie texture you crave.

Sugar:

Adds the sweetness that balances out the butter. Granulated sugar helps with the structure, while powdered sugar gives them a soft, delicate bite.

Eggs:

Eggs are the binding agents here, bringing everything together to form a dough that’s easy to work with while maintaining that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Flour:

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough and gives the cookies their structure, allowing them to hold their shape when piped out.

Red Velvet Cake Mix:

Here’s where the magic happens! Red velvet cake mix not only gives the cookies their signature vibrant color but also infuses them with a delicious, subtle cocoa flavor.

Vanilla Extract:

The vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness of the cookies. It’s a must for that deep, comforting taste.

Baking Powder:

A touch of baking powder helps these cookies hold their shape and rise just a bit while baking, so they’re light and airy.

Sprinkles (optional):

For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles to the cookies before baking. It adds a fun pop of color!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s bring these beautiful cookies to life:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and stir until combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, red velvet cake mix, and baking powder. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add Dry Ingredients to Wet:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Prepare the Spritz Cookie Press:

Fill your cookie press with the dough, and then press out the cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet. You can create any shape you like—hearts, stars, or simple circles!

Add Sprinkles (optional):

If you’d like, add a pinch of colored sugar or sprinkles to each cookie before baking. This adds an extra bit of festive charm!

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake—these cookies are meant to be soft and melt-in-your-mouth!

Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, serve them up and watch them disappear!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 110

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

These cookies are perfect as a stand-alone treat, but you can pair them with other sweets for a fun dessert spread. Here are some ideas:

  • Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These cookies are perfect for dipping! A warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate is the perfect pairing for these delicate, buttery bites.
  • Dessert Platters: Serve these cookies alongside other holiday cookies, like sugar cookies or gingerbread, for a festive dessert table.
  • Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two Red Velvet Spritz Cookies for a decadent treat!

Presentation can elevate your cookies, so consider serving them in a beautiful cookie jar or on a festive plate. Add a little garnish of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help make your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies even better:

  • Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to work with when pressing out the cookies.
  • Experiment with Shapes: Use different cookie press discs to create fun and festive shapes. You can make them for any holiday or occasion!
  • Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • Add White Chocolate: For an extra indulgent twist, dip the cooled cookies in white chocolate and sprinkle with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies without a cookie press?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into balls and flatten them with a fork or your hands. They’ll still taste amazing!

Q2: Can I use regular cake mix instead of red velvet?
A2: You can, but the cookies won’t have that signature red velvet flavor and color. If you want to skip the red velvet cake mix, try adding a bit of cocoa powder and red food coloring to achieve the same effect.

Q3: Can I use a different type of flour?
A3: All-purpose flour is best for this recipe, but if you need to use gluten-free flour, you can substitute it. Just make sure it’s a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend.

Q4: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A4: Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Q5: How do I store these cookies?
A5: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and soft, just like when you first baked them!

Q6: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A6: While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch. The cookies might be a little less rich, but they’ll still turn out tasty.

Q7: Can I add frosting to these cookies?
A7: Yes! You can pipe cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie for an extra indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with the red velvet flavor.

Q8: Can I freeze these cookies?
A8: Yes! These cookies freeze well. Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Q9: Can I make these cookies without the cake mix?
A9: While the cake mix adds flavor and color, you can make a homemade version by adding cocoa powder and red food coloring. You might need to adjust the flour and sugar proportions, though.

Q10: Can I add more flavoring to these cookies?
A10: Absolutely! You can add a touch of almond extract or a bit of cinnamon to give these cookies a unique twist. Get creative and make them your own!

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are a festive, fun, and utterly delicious treat that will bring joy to any occasion. Soft, buttery, and with just the right amount of sweetness, they’re the perfect way to indulge in a bit of holiday spirit (or any day, really). So grab your cookie press, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some gorgeous red velvet cookies that will wow everyone who gets a taste!

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Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

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These Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are a delightful mix of rich cocoa flavor, festive red color, and a hint of peppermint! Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or anytime you want a charming and tasty treat!

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 4 dozen cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp red paste food coloring
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp baking cocoa
  • 1 tbsp water (if needed for consistency)
  • Nonpareils or sprinkles (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
    Beat in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, egg, and red food coloring until fully combined.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking cocoa.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too stiff, mix in 1 tablespoon of water for a smoother consistency.
  • Shape the Cookies:
    Fill a cookie press with the dough and fit it with your desired shape disc.
    Press the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  • Decorate:
    Sprinkle the nonpareils or sprinkles over the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
  • Bake:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use paste food coloring for a more vibrant red color.
  • For a variation, try adding a bit of almond extract or cinnamon to the dough.
  • These cookies freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time for holidays or gifting.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking cocoa.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too stiff, mix in 1 tablespoon of water for a smoother consistency.
  • Shape the Cookies:
    Fill a cookie press with the dough and fit it with your desired shape disc.
    Press the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  • Decorate:
    Sprinkle the nonpareils or sprinkles over the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
  • Bake:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 60kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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