Pink Velvet Cookies

Introduction

Pink Velvet Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet, offering a soft, chewy texture with a beautiful blush hue. These cookies are infused with a delicate flavor, complemented by the richness of cream cheese and the sweet undertones of vanilla.

I first made these cookies when I wanted to bake something a little different for a gathering, and they were an instant hit! The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the creamy richness of the cream cheese creates a unique flavor that’s both comforting and luxurious. The vibrant pink color makes them perfect for any celebration or just as a fun treat to brighten up your day.

Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies are sure to catch everyone’s eye and become a new favorite in your dessert collection.

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Birthday parties
• Bridal showers
• Special occasions
• Cookie lovers

Why You’ll Love This Pink Velvet Cookies

Here’s why Pink Velvet Cookies will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a soft, chewy texture that makes them feel like little pieces of velvet in every bite.
• Beautiful Pink Color: The subtle pink hue makes these cookies visually striking, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress.
• Rich Cream Cheese Flavor: The addition of cream cheese creates a slightly tangy and rich flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for those moments when you want a homemade treat without too much effort.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavor by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pink Velvet Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon pink food coloring (gel or liquid)
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor that’s characteristic of velvet-style baked goods, making these cookies extra special.
• Pink Food Coloring: The vibrant pink color gives the cookies a fun and festive appearance, perfect for celebrations.
• Butter: Butter helps to create a rich, soft texture and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• Vinegar: A touch of vinegar helps activate the baking soda, contributing to the lightness of the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pink Velvet Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Sugar and Egg: Beat in the granulated sugar and the egg, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
5. Add the Pink Food Coloring: Add the pink food coloring and mix until the dough is uniformly pink. If you want a deeper color, add more food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
7. Add Milk and Vinegar: Stir in the milk and white vinegar until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

8. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Pink Velvet Cookies

Pink Velvet Cookies are perfect for serving on any occasion:

• For Parties: These cookies are a great addition to birthday parties, bridal showers, or any event where you want to add a touch of elegance and fun.
• With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a cute tin or box and gift them to friends and family for a thoughtful, homemade present.

Additional Tips for Pink Velvet Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Pink Velvet Cookies are perfect every time:

• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives the best color payoff without affecting the consistency of the dough.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes before scooping and baking.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain soft and chewy, so be sure to take them out when the edges are golden, but the center is still soft.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Keep the cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra treat, fold in some chocolate chips or mini chips to the dough before baking.

Recipe Variations for Pink Velvet Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Pink Velvet Cookies:

• Pink Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese flavor.
• Pink Velvet Cookies with Sprinkles: Top the dough balls with colorful sprinkles before baking to add a fun, festive touch.
• Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Frost the cooled cookies with a swirl of cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free Pink Velvet Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Pink Velvet Cookies with Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for a crunchy texture.
• Vegan Pink Velvet Cookies: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese, and replace the egg with a flax egg or aquafaba for a vegan-friendly version.
• Pink Velvet Cookies with Raspberry Jam: Add a small spoonful of raspberry jam in the center of each cookie before baking for a fruity twist.
• Pink Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Make sandwich cookies by filling two pink velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting or buttercream.
• Pink Velvet Cookies with Coconut Flakes: Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
• Pink Velvet Macaron Cookies: Use the dough to make delicate macarons with a pink velvet flavor, filling them with cream cheese buttercream.

Freezing and Storage for Pink Velvet Cookies

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Pink Velvet Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Pink Velvet Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer helps beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is the same size, resulting in even baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Use these for easy cookie removal and to prevent sticking.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack helps the cookies cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements to ensure the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions for Pink Velvet Cookies

1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
   Yes, you can use liquid food coloring, but gel food coloring provides a more vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency.
2. Can I make these cookies in advance?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor.

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Conclusion

Pink Velvet Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves soft, chewy cookies with a beautiful appearance and delightful flavor. The combination of cream cheese and vanilla creates a delicious base, while the vibrant pink color adds an extra pop of fun. These cookies are sure to impress at any occasion and will become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is charming, making it a great option for everything from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies will bring smiles to everyone’s face.

I’d love to see how your Pink Velvet Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!