Decadent Red Velvet Sugar Cookies: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Dessert

Name: Decadent Red Velvet Sugar Cookies: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup valentine-themed sprinkles

Published: January 23, 2026

by Sally

Why are Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Valentine’s Day Dessert so delightful?

Irresistible appeal: These cookies bring a festive color and flair, making them a showstopper on any dessert table.
Simple preparation: With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes, you’ll be spreading love without spending hours in the kitchen.
Rich flavor: A delightful blend of cocoa and vanilla ensures each bite is a heavenly experience, perfect for sweetening up your occasions.
Creative toppings: Valentine-themed sprinkles add a fun touch, making these cookies visually appealing, especially for celebrations.
Crowd-pleasing treat: Whether for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, everyone will adore these charming cookies! Grab your loved ones and start baking today!

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bake a festive treat!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – a key ingredient that gives structure to the cookies.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – enhances the chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
Baking powder – helps the cookies rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Salt – balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter – adds rich creaminess; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough and creates a crisp edge.
Large egg – binds the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
Red food coloring – this is what makes these cookies the perfect Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Valentine’s Day Dessert!
Vanilla extract – infuses a warm, inviting flavor that complements the cocoa sweetness.

For Decoration

Valentine-themed sprinkles – these fun toppings add a festive touch perfect for those holiday celebrations!

How to Make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and baking. This sets the stage for perfect cookies!
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures a well-combined dough that bakes evenly.
Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This delightful blend creates the perfect foundation for your cookies, usually about 3-5 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the creamed mixture. Beat well until everything is beautifully combined, showcasing that vibrant red hue!
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want a tender cookie, not a tough one.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, flatten them slightly, and top with cheerful Valentine-themed sprinkles. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to brown.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their soft, lovely texture!

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with these fun twists for a personalized cookie experience that your tastebuds will love!

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a tasty alternative without gluten.
Dairy-Free: Swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute; it keeps the cookies rich and delicious.
Sugar-Free: Use a sugar replacement like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to enjoy guilt-free cookies without sacrificing sweetness.
Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to the dough for bursts of creamy sweetness with every bite. They melt beautifully and elevate the cookie experience!
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunchy texture that’s a pleasant surprise.
Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or pink Himalayan salt to the mix to elevate the flavor profile, creating a unique twist on your classic red velvet!
Cream Cheese Frosting: After baking, top with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of indulgence that’ll make hearts flutter.
Different Colors: Use other food coloring to create vibrant cookies for various occasions, like green for St. Patrick’s Day or blue for a birthday celebration, keeping the festive spirit alive!

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precise ingredient amounts. Exact measurements ensure your Red Velvet Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. This helps create that light, fluffy texture, which is essential for delightful cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, consider chilling it for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and bake without spreading too much.
Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 10-minute mark. Remove the cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft for a chewy texture.
Sprinkle Right Before Baking: Add Valentine-themed sprinkles just before sliding the cookies into the oven. This keeps them from sinking into the dough while baking.

How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay soft and flavorful.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying!

Freezer: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Make Ahead Options

These Red Velvet Sugar Cookies are ideal for making ahead, saving you precious time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate. To ensure freshness and maintain that delightful texture, seal them in an airtight container if storing beyond 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, take the dough out of the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then bake as directed. You’ll have gorgeous Red Velvet Sugar Cookies that taste just as delicious and fresh as if they were made on the spot!

What to Serve with Red Velvet Sugar Cookies?

Indulging in these vibrant, delightful treats creates the perfect moment to elevate your dessert experience.

Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a luscious layer of creamy frosting on top to enhance the sweetness and provide a delightful contrast.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, offering a delightful contrast to the soft cookies. Imagine indulging in a warm cookie, topped off with a scoop of velvety ice cream for a melty, dessert dream.
Fresh Strawberries: The natural sweetness and slight tartness of strawberries complement the chocolatey richness nicely, giving a refreshing and colorful presentation.
Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Treat your taste buds with a mix of flavors; the chocolate and fruit combo resonates well with the cookies’ flavors, creating a delightful tasting experience.
Milk or Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing! The creamy, rich drink perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Mini Cheesecakes: These bite-sized desserts can serve as the ultimate indulgence alongside the Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, adding a creamy texture to your dessert platter.

Creating a full dessert experience with these options will surely impress at any gathering or special moment!

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my red food coloring is good?
Absolutely! When selecting red food coloring, opt for a brand that is vibrant and has no lumps. If you notice any dark spots or sediment at the bottom of the bottle, it might be past its prime. A fresh gel or liquid food coloring should give you a bold hue that transforms your cookies beautifully.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very! For storing your Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, place them in an airtight container, ideally at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerate them in the same airtight container for up to a week.

Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your delicious Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, first, allow them to cool completely. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Next, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

My cookies turned out too dry; what might have gone wrong?
Oh no! Dry cookies can be a common issue, usually due to overmixing the dough or measuring flour incorrectly (too much can dry them out). Be sure to spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down, and mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. If they seem dry next time, consider adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough to enhance moisture.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
Definitely not! While the ingredients in Red Velvet Sugar Cookies, like flour and sugar, aren’t toxic to pets, the cocoa powder can be harmful to dogs and cats. It’s best to keep these delightful treats out of reach from your furry friends.

Can I use a substitute for eggs in this recipe?
Very much! If you’re looking for an egg substitute, consider using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, a half mashed banana, or even a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). These alternatives will help bind your cookies while keeping them delicious!