As I sifted through flour and cocoa, a rush of nostalgia swept over me—you know the type that brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and sweet treats? This holiday season, I’m thrilled to share my Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies, a vibrant twist on the classic that adds a touch of festive magic to any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor, these cookies become an instant crowd-pleaser, and the best part? They’re quick to whip up! Plus, with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy family celebrations. What unique touches will you add to make these cookies your own?
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?
Soft, Chewy Texture: The Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies melt in your mouth, making them a delightful treat for everyone at your holiday gatherings.
Vibrant Color: Their stunning red hue not only captures the festive spirit but also adds a pop of color to your cookie platter.
Customizable Options: Whether you prefer chocolate chips or a gluten-free version, this recipe adapts perfectly to suit your tastes.
Quick to Prepare: Make these festive delights in no time, ensuring you spend more moments enjoying them with loved ones rather than in the kitchen.
Plus, for more holiday inspiration, you might enjoy my delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies or sweet Strawberry Crunch Cookies!
Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; note that gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Cocoa powder – Adds a subtle chocolate flavor to the red velvet.
- Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and maintain a fluffy texture.
- Baking soda – Works with the vinegar for leavening.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use softened unsalted butter for best results.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough; can be replaced with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract – Provides aromatic flavor.
- Buttermilk – Contributes to the signature tang of red velvet cookies; substitute with milk + vinegar if unavailable.
- Red food coloring – Gives the cookies their vibrant hue; use gel or liquid coloring for the best color.
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese – The base for the frosting; ensure it’s full-fat for optimal creaminess.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting) – Enhances the sweetness and flavor.
- Salt (for frosting) – Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal later. This preparation will help your Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies bake evenly and achieve a delightful, soft texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa, ensuring that your cookies rise beautifully. Set the dry mixture aside while you focus on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in soft, airy Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies that will melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
To the creamed butter and sugar, add the egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and red food coloring. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and you have a smooth, vibrant batter. The addition of buttermilk is key for the unique tang that complements the sweetness of your cookies.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you want to maintain the tender texture of your Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies. The dough should be slightly thick and hold its shape well.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking. The dough should look rounded and generous, ensuring a soft, chewy result once baked.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the edges should be set while the centers remain soft and a bit underbaked. This balance will ensure your Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are chewy and delicious.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This cooling time allows them to firm up slightly. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they’re ready for frosting.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This creamy frosting will provide a deliciously tangy layer on your Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies.
Step 10: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or a piping bag for an elegant touch. Feel free to get creative with your frosting technique, as this will add to the festive appearance of your cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by scooping it onto baking sheets and then covering them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. For the best texture, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. If you prefer, you can also bake the cookies up to 3 days ahead of time; just store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy. Frost them with the cream cheese frosting just before serving for that freshly-made taste—your festive treat will be just as delightful!
How to Store and Freeze Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, securely wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, microwave the cookies for 10 seconds before serving, ensuring they regain their delightful soft texture.
Frosting: If already frosted, store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, frost just before serving if freezing cookies.
Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these cookies to your taste—there’s always room for delightful twists!
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Chocolate Chip Extra: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips, either semi-sweet or white, into the cookie dough for a gooey surprise.
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Candy Cane Crunch: Top your frosted cookies with crushed candy canes to create a jolly peppermint twist. This adds a festive crunch that everyone will love!
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Gluten-Free Delight: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive friends and family without compromising flavor. The cookies will still be soft and delicious.
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Buttercream Bliss: If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, try whipped buttercream instead! It gives a light and fluffy texture that complements the cookies beautifully.
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Nutty Variation: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor. It gives these cookies a delightful crunch you won’t forget.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that enhances the festive spirit of your cookies—like a cozy blanket on a winter’s night.
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Red Velvet Sandwich: Create a cookie sandwich by spreading frosting between two cookies for double the indulgence. These beauties will certainly steal the show at cookie exchanges!
With these variations, the possibilities are endless! And if you’re in the mood for more holiday-inspired delights, don’t forget to check out my scrumptious Soft Pumpkin Cookies and vibrant Strawberry Crunch Cookies for more festive fun!
What to Serve with Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
The holiday season calls for delightful pairings that enhance every festive treat, inviting laughter and love around the table.
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Hot Cocoa: This warm, chocolatey drink adds a comforting, rich flavor that perfectly contrasts the tangy cream cheese frosting. Imagine cozying up with a cup of steaming cocoa, with each sip perfectly complemented by your sweet cookie.
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Eggnog: The creamy and spice-infused nature of eggnog makes for a nostalgic and indulgent complement to these cookies. Each bite of the cookie paired with a sip of eggnog brings out the festive spirit!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce creates a beautifully creamy treat when topped with these festive cookies. Let the cold ice cream melt slightly against the warm cookies for an incredible texture contrast.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can elevate these cookies, adding lightness and a luxurious touch. The sweet, airy cream balances the cookies’ richness and enhances the overall festive experience.
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Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can offset the sweetness of the cookies, providing a burst of natural flavors. Think festive fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and berries for a colorful and healthy contrast!
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Sparkling Water: For a refreshing beverage option, serve these cookies with sparkling water, perhaps with a splash of cranberry juice for a subtle fruity flavor. It cleanses the palate and adds a festive fizz to your celebration.
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Cheese Plate: Consider a cheese plate with sharp cheddar or creamy brie to offer a savory contrast to the sweet cookies. The combination of flavors will spark exciting conversations and memorable moments during your festive gathering.
Expert Tips for Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for 30-60 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft and chewy Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies you desire.
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Perfect Baking Time: Check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. They should be soft in the center with slightly set edges for the best texture.
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Frosting Texture: If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
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Customize Wisely: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a festive touch, but keep in mind that this may slightly alter the baking time or texture of the cookies.
Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting ingredients for Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing ingredients, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. For eggs, fresh is best. The buttermilk should be thick and tangy—if you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix a tablespoon of vinegar with a cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Lastly, use gel food coloring for a richer hue that won’t alter your cookie’s texture.
How should I store Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies for freshness?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge, where they can be kept for about a week. Just remember that they may lose a bit of that delightful softness after a couple of days in the fridge, so I recommend only chilling them if not consumed promptly.
Can I freeze my Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies?
Certainly! To freeze your cookies, first, let them cool completely. Then, pack them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or an airtight container, layering parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
What if my cookies turn out too tough or dry?
Very! If you find that your cookies are tough, it could be from overmixing the dough or baking them too long. Always mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. For the perfect bake, keep an eye on them, and remove the cookies from the oven when they’re soft in the center—this ensures a chewy texture. If your cookies do turn out too dry, try adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter to the frosting to bring some moisture back when you enjoy them!
Are there dietary considerations for Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! While these cookies contain gluten and dairy, they can be easily modified. For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. If you want to avoid dairy, you can use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Always make sure to check labels if you have specific allergies to certain ingredients like eggs or food coloring—there are excellent substitutes available!
Santa’s Red Velvet Christmas Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and red food coloring to creamed mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.
- Frost completely cooled cookies with the cream cheese frosting.
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