“Can you believe the holiday season is just around the corner? It’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies! These beauties are not only a feast for the eyes with their playful pink hue, but they also deliver a delightful cake batter flavor that makes them irresistibly soft and cakey. Topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they add a whimsical touch to any festive gathering or cookie exchange. The best part? They’re quick to prepare and will definitely steal the spotlight on your dessert table. So, why not add a splash of joy to your holiday baking list? I can’t wait to share my secrets for these festive treats that are sure to become a new favorite. Ready to dive in?”
Why Are These Cookies So Special?
Irresistible Flavor: The cake batter essence combined with soft, tender cookies creates an indulgence that feels festive and joyful.
Vibrant Presentation: Bright pink hue ensures they stand out on any dessert table, making them a visual delight.
Flexible Options: These cookies can easily be modified with different frosting styles or color themes to fit any holiday vibe.
Quick & Easy: With simple instructions, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for cookie exchanges or festive gatherings, they’re bound to garner compliments and requests for the recipe! Discover more sweet ideas in my post about holiday treats or check out my guide on easy baking recipes for more inspiration.
Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready for a festive baking adventure!
For the Cookies
- Salted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; use unsalted butter if you prefer less salt.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and structure; can substitute with coconut sugar for extra depth.
- Eggs – Essential for binding and moisture, keeping your cookies tender.
- Cake Batter Flavoring – Gives a delightful cake-like aroma; can omit or swap with vanilla extract if needed.
- Pink Food Coloring – Creates that signature vibrant pink hue; adjust to achieve your desired shade.
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of your cookies; gluten-free flour can replace it with the right measurements.
- Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise and achieve a dreamy, puffy texture; if out of stock, use baking soda in a 1:2 ratio.
For the Frosting
- Butter (for frosting) – Provides creaminess; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Cream Cheese – Essential for that tangy flavor and creamy texture; opt for vegan cream cheese if preferred.
- Vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor; pure vanilla extract is best for a richer taste.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; adjust to taste for sweetness.
- Pinch of Salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting for a perfect bite.
- Milk or Heavy Cream – To achieve your desired frosting consistency; non-dairy milk works just as well.
- Christmas Sprinkles – Adds festive flair to your cookies; can replace with colored sugar or skip for simplicity.
Bring joy to your kitchen with these delightful Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your festive baking by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies bake evenly and thoroughly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, making your cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened salted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You’ll want a light and fluffy mixture that’s pale in color—this will help create tender cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Add in the eggs, cake batter flavoring, and pink food coloring, mixing until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and uniformly colored, which sets the stage for your delightful Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder into your wet mixture, combining just until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. You’re looking for a soft dough that holds together well without any dry flour spots.
Step 5: Portion the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the cookie dough into 3-tablespoon balls. Place them onto the lined baking sheet, slightly flattening each ball before baking. Make sure to leave space between the cookies, as they will spread while baking, creating that perfect soft structure.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until they puff up and lose their glossy sheen. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking; they should be soft in the center but lightly golden around the edges.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, whip together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, adjusting with a splash of milk as necessary until you achieve your desired frosting consistency—smooth but still thick enough to pipe beautifully.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies are cool, pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cookie in a spiral pattern. Immediately sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles for that festive touch. This adds not only flavor but also visual appeal to your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies, making them irresistible to all.
Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these festive cookies your own with delightful twists and swaps!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe and tasty option. This ensures everyone can enjoy these festive treats!
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and cream cheese to easily accommodate dairy-free diets without sacrificing creaminess or flavor. Enjoy these cookies just as much with a dairy-free twist!
- Flavor Boost: Add a dash of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a unique hint of nutty sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. It’s an unexpected surprise that your loved ones will adore!
- Deeper Flavor: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to introduce a rich, molasses-like note that pairs beautifully with the cookie’s cake batter essence. This simple change can make your cookies extra special!
- Bold Color: Experiment with food coloring to create festive green, blue, or even multicolored cookies, perfect for themed occasions or just to add a playful touch to your dessert table. Your guests will love the surprise!
- Holiday Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a touch of warm spice that brings out the holiday spirit. Aromatic spices always create a cozy vibe!
- Graham Cracker Crust: Crush some graham crackers and mix them into the dough for a delightful crunch, making each bite unique and extra fun! They’ll evoke memories of classic desserts everyone loves.
- Add-ins: Incorporate white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies into the dough for an indulgent holiday flair that adds texture and flavor, creating a festive feast for senses!
These variations are just a sprinkle of inspiration—get creative and enjoy your baking adventure! For more festive recipes, don’t forget to check out my post on holiday treats or explore other delightful ideas in my guide to easy baking recipes!
What to Serve with Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies?
Nothing pairs more perfectly with your festive treats like a delightful spread of complementary flavors and textures.
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Creamy Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolatey flavor enhances the sweetness of the cookies while warming your soul—perfect for chilly holiday evenings.
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Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, minty delight offers a refreshing contrast to the soft cookies, creating a symphony of flavors that pleases the palate.
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Fruity Spinach Salad: A fresh mix of spinach, berries, and a light vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the cookies, adding a wholesome touch to your festive spread.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, aromatic drink enriches the holiday atmosphere and pairs beautifully with the cake batter flavor of the cookies, evoking cozy memories.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy goodness complements the cookies’ texture, making for a dreamy dessert experience that’s simply irresistible.
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Festive Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. This savory mix blends delightfully with the sweet cookies and offers guests a variety to enjoy.
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Homemade Eggnog: This seasonal favorite adds a creamy, spiced flavor that echoes the cookies’ festive vibe, making gatherings feel even more special.
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Gingerbread Men: More holiday treats bring the warmth of tradition into your spread. The spiced ginger notes create an enchanting flavor journey alongside the cookies.
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Chocolate Ganache Tarts: These rich, decadent tarts deliver a deep chocolate flavor, giving a sumptuous contrast to the soft sweetness of Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies.
This lively lineup not only elevates your dessert offerings but also creates a festive atmosphere that your guests will remember long after the holiday season!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are a fantastic choice for busy holiday planners! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped cookies (unbaked) for up to 3 months; just flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them into a preheated oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time. For the cream cheese frosting, prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge, but remember to give it a gentle re-whip before frosting to maintain that luxurious texture. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have delightful treats ready with minimal effort on the day of your celebration!
Expert Tips for Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, which leads to a fluffier cookie.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and tender; overmixing can create a denser texture.
• Cool Before Frosting: For the best flavor and texture, let your cookies cool completely before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Flash Freezing Trick: If you’re making a larger batch, consider flash freezing uncooked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet before storing them in an airtight container for future baking. This option preserves the shape and texture of your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies.
• Customize Your Color: Adjust the amount of pink food coloring based on your desired shade, or have fun creating different colors for various occasions.
• Taste Test: Always sample a cookie before frosted for the perfect balance—this ensures you can adjust the sweetness of the frosting according to your preference!
Storage Tips for Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Room Temperature: Cookies can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their shelf life, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to seal them tightly to avoid drying out!
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze unfrosted Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy them fresh anytime by simply thawing and frosting!
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, which will bring back their soft texture without any loss of flavor.
Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the cookies?
I recommend using salted butter for a rich flavor, but if you prefer less salt, unsalted butter works perfectly too! Just ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
How long can I store the completed cookies?
You can store your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, place them in the refrigerator where they can last about a week. Make sure to seal them tightly to keep them soft!
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, I suggest placing your unfrosted Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature and frost as desired for a delightful treat.
What should I do if my cookie dough seems too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, this could be due to the humidity or over-measuring flour. You can add a little bit more flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Just be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tougher cookies!
Can I use an alternative to cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a different flavor, try a vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache. Simply prepare the frosting according to your chosen recipe, and it’ll add a unique twist to your Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies!
Are these cookies safe for kids and those with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens like dairy and wheat. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider using dairy-free cream cheese and gluten-free flour. Always double-check labels to ensure the ingredients are safe for everyone at your holiday table.
Delicious Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies with Festive Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the salted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs, cake batter flavoring, and pink food coloring into the mixture until smooth.
- Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and baking powder until fully incorporated.
- Portion the dough into 3-tablespoon balls on the lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until puffy and lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and adjust with milk for consistency.
- Frost each cooled cookie and decorate with Christmas sprinkles.
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