Christmas is just the BEST for baking, isn’t it? The smell of cookies wafting through the house, the twinkling lights, the feeling of cozying up with a warm drink… pure magic! And speaking of magic, I’ve got a recipe that’s going to become your new holiday obsession: these super simple and totally adorable Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies! Seriously, it’s a 13-minute baking recipe, which is a total game-changer when you’re juggling a million things during the holidays. I’ve been baking since I was a kid, and trust me, I’ve seen a lot of cookie recipes. These are the ones you’ve been dreaming of.
Why You’ll Love These Delicious Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Okay, let me tell you why these Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are going to be your new go-to. Seriously, they’re the best!
- Speedy Baking Time: You heard me right, just 13 minutes in the oven, and you’re done! Perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Easy-Peasy: This recipe is a breeze! Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll nail these cookies.
- Festive & Fun: That gorgeous pink color just screams Christmas! They’re so pretty on a cookie platter.
- Mouthwatering Flavor: Soft, chewy, with a hint of vanilla and those yummy white chocolate chips… pure deliciousness!
- Gift-Giving Ready: These cookies are gorgeous packed up in little bags or tins. Everyone loves getting homemade treats!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, and I mean *everyone*, raves about these. They’ll disappear fast, I promise!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You probably have most of these in your pantry already, which is a win! You’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, the regular stuff is perfect.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, don’t skip this, it helps with the lift!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – make sure it’s nice and soft, but not melted!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the usual white stuff.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, this adds that cozy, chewy factor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure vanilla is best for that amazing flavor!
- 1/4 teaspoon red gel food coloring – gel is the way to go for the best pink color!
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, because, yum!
See? Nothing crazy, super simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Okay, let’s get baking! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through every step of the way. Trust me, these Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies will be ready before you know it!
- First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Super important!
- In a medium bowl, grab your whisk and mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk it all up real good.
- Then, in a separate bowl (I like to use my stand mixer, but a hand mixer works too!), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it!
- Next, stir in the vanilla extract, and that gorgeous red food coloring. Mix it until you get that perfect, festive pink. Don’t be shy with the food coloring, you want that Christmas cheer!
- Now, GRADUALLY add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients – little by little – mixing until it’s *just* combined. Don’t overmix!
- Finally, gently fold in those yummy white chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them! Ovens vary!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. That’s it!
See? Easy peasy! Now go enjoy those delicious Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies!
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Okay, so, you want these Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies to be *perfect*, right? I got you! Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to guarantee cookie perfection:
Go Bold with the Pink!
Seriously, don’t be shy with that red food coloring! Gel food coloring is the BEST, trust me. It gives you a much richer, truer pink without changing the texture of your dough. I usually add a little bit and then add a *tiny* bit more to get that perfect shade of Christmas-y pink. You can even add a little more if you want a bolder color.
Preventing Cookie Spread
If your cookies are spreading too thin, make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted. Also, chilling the dough for even 15 or 20 minutes before baking can help!
Even Baking is Key!
Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking. This helps ensure all the cookies bake evenly. Also, try to make the cookies roughly the same size so they bake at the same rate!
Storing Like a Pro
Once your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 3-4 days (if they last that long, ha!). You can also freeze them – more on that later!
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions for Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Okay, let’s talk about getting ahead of the game! Because who wants to be slaving away in the kitchen *all* day during the holidays, right? So, here are my top tips for making your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies ahead of time. It’s a lifesaver, trust me!
Making the Dough Ahead
You can totally make the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften up a bit, then scoop and bake as usual.
Storing Those Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool (and that’s *super* important!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for about 3-4 days… if they last that long! You can also freeze them – more on that below!
Variations to Try with Your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Okay, so, you know me, I *love* to play around with recipes! These Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are fantastic as is, but if you’re feeling adventurous (and I hope you are!), here are a few fun twists!
- Flavor Boosters: A little almond extract instead of vanilla? SO good! Or, a tiny pinch of peppermint extract for that festive touch.
- Sprinkle Mania: Okay, you KNOW I love sprinkles! Add some festive Christmas sprinkles to the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Chocolate Chip Swap: Instead of white chocolate chips, how about semi-sweet or even milk chocolate? Oh, and try adding in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. Yum!
Have fun, and happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Okay, I know you probably have a few questions, so let’s get those answered before you get baking! Here are some of the most common questions I get about these yummy Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can, but I highly recommend sticking with all-purpose flour for the best results. It gives these cookies the PERFECT texture – soft and chewy! If you *really* want to experiment, you could try a blend of all-purpose and a little bit of cake flour, but don’t stray too far!
How do I make the cookies softer?
Alright, if you love super-soft cookies (because, who doesn’t?!), there are a few things you can do! Make sure your butter is nice and soft. Don’t overbake them; even a minute can make a difference! Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain moisture, or add a slice of bread in the container to make them extra moist!
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Pop those cooled Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper, and freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature. They’ll be just as delicious as when you first baked them! This trick is perfect if you’re making these cookies to gift to friends and family.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
No problem! While the pink color is what makes them super festive, you can still make these delicious Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies without it. You can achieve a soft, natural hue by adding a touch of beet juice or strawberry purée to the dough. Using sprinkles with red hues is also a great option!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Okay, heads up! This info is just an estimate, since ingredient brands and sizes can change things up. But for a rough idea, here’s what you’re looking at per cookie (keep in mind, this is just a quick look!):
Ready to Bake? Share Your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies!
Okay, you did it! You’ve whipped up a batch of these amazing Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies! Now, the best part: tell me what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your cookie creations on social media! I can’t wait to see your photos!