Red Velvet Chocolate Heart Cookies
Red Velvet Chocolate Heart Cookies combine the richness of cocoa with the velvety texture and subtle tang of classic red velvet. These soft, tender cookies boast a vibrant red color and charming heart shape, perfect for festive occasions, gifts, or indulgent snacking. Featuring simple pantry ingredients, they offer a balanced flavor and moist crumb that delight every bite.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk or 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- White chocolate for drizzling
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Pinch of cinnamon or chili powder
- Prepare Your Dough: Begin by sifting together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution. In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk or vinegar, to form a smooth, cohesive dough that’s easy to shape.
- Shape the Hearts: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make handling easier. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out perfect heart shapes, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before decorating or serving.
- Optional Decorating: Once cooled, decorate the cookies by dusting with powdered sugar, spreading cream cheese frosting, or drizzling melted white or dark chocolate to enhance their flavor and appearance.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft, tender texture.
- Chill dough to help cookies hold their heart shape and prevent spreading.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste without affecting texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: red velvet cookies, heart-shaped cookies, chocolate cookies, festive cookies, Valentine's Day treats, soft cookies