Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

Okay, so you know how I love red velvet everything? These Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are my new favorite thing ever. They’re cute, buttery, and just so fun to make.

The dough is soft and rich with a tiny cocoa kiss. And oh my gosh—the color! Bright red with a sweet little crunch on top.

I made these for a party once, and they were gone in minutes. Kids loved them. Grown-ups too.

You gotta try these. Like, for real. Let’s bake a batch together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Red Velvet Flavor: A perfect balance of cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of tanginess.
• Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and a cookie press for a fun, quick baking experience.
• Festive and Beautiful: The vibrant red color and decorative spritz shapes make these ideal for celebrations.
• Buttery and Soft: Cream cheese adds an extra layer of richness and tenderness.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies store well and make fantastic holiday gifts!

Required Kitchen Tools

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie press with desired design discs
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened – Adds richness and flavor.
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened – Enhances the cookie’s soft texture.
• 1 cup sugar – Provides sweetness and structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Classic red velvet flavor booster.
• 1 large egg, separated (room temperature) – The yolk helps bind the dough; the white can be used for brushing.
• 2 teaspoons red paste food coloring – Gives the cookies their signature deep red hue.
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional) – For a festive minty twist.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
• 1 tablespoon baking cocoa – A touch of cocoa powder for authentic red velvet flavor.
• 1 tablespoon water – Helps adjust the dough’s consistency.
• Nonpareils or sprinkles – For decoration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add vanilla extract, egg yolk, red food coloring, and peppermint extract (if using). Mix until fully combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
• If the dough seems too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water to loosen it slightly.

2. Load the Cookie Press

• Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough.
• Choose your desired spritz cookie disc (snowflake, star, heart, etc.).
• Press the cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

3. Decorate

• If desired, lightly brush cookies with egg white and sprinkle with nonpareils or sprinkles.

4. Bake the Cookies

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until set but not browned.
• Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations for Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

• Add White Chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra sweet touch.
• Make Them Sandwich Cookies: Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent twist.
• Use Different Colors: Try green food coloring for St. Patrick’s Day or pink for Valentine’s Day.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a snowy effect, dust cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Storing and Freezing Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for extra freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the dough ahead and freeze it for later use.

Serving Ideas

These cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

• With Coffee or Hot Cocoa: A perfect cozy treat.
• As Part of a Holiday Cookie Platter: Combine with sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and shortbread.
• Packaged as Gifts: Place in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade present.
• Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for a gourmet touch.

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies – Nutrition Facts (Per 1 cookie, approx. based on 36 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	85 kcal
Total Fat	5 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	40 mg
Total Carbohydrate	9 g
Sugars	4 g
Protein	1 g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of paste?

Paste food coloring is preferred because it gives a deeper red color without altering the dough’s consistency. If using liquid food coloring, you may need to add more flour to balance the moisture.

My cookies aren’t sticking to the baking sheet. What should I do?

Ensure your baking sheet is unlined and ungreased. The dough needs a slightly rough surface to stick when using a cookie press.

Can I make these without a cookie press?

Yes! If you don’t have a cookie press, you can pipe the dough using a star-tipped piping bag or roll and cut shapes with a cookie cutter.

What’s the best way to get uniform cookies?

A cookie press ensures consistency, but if using other methods, chill the dough slightly before shaping to help maintain even sizes.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are a total win for holidays or anytime you need something sweet and cute! They’re buttery, festive, and just melt in your mouth. Trust me—once you try one, you’ll be reaching for another… and another.