Description
These Valentine’s Day Pink Velvet Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic velvet cake, featuring a vibrant pink hue and a rich cocoa flavor balanced by a soft, moist texture. Perfectly sweetened and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they make a charming treat for celebrating love and affection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined for even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will create a tender crumb in the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring to achieve the signature pink color.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and moist.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are just firm, indicating perfect doneness for soft cookies.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; this helps them set and prevents breaking.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired, for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best creaming and mixing results.
- The red food coloring can be adjusted to achieve your preferred shade of pink.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk mixed with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit 5 minutes before using.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
