Pink Velvet Cookie Recipe

There's something magical about the soft, buttery texture of Pink Velvet Cookies melting in your mouth. Their delicate vanilla flavor, paired with just the right amount of sweetness, makes them a must-have for any occasion. Plus, their gorgeous pink hue adds a fun, festive touch, whether you're baking for Valentine's Day, a birthday party, or just a special treat.

this Recipe

I first made these cookies on a whim, hoping to create something unique for a friend's baby shower. The result? A batch of perfectly chewy, vibrant cookies that were gone in minutes! Since then, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen, requested time and time again.

Why You'll Love These Pink Velvet Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these soft and dreamy Pink Velvet Cookies. They’re the perfect blend of buttery richness and vanilla goodness, with a texture that’s both chewy and tender.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. No fancy techniques or complicated steps—just a simple mix, scoop, and bake process that guarantees perfect results every time.

These cookies are also beautifully vibrant. The lovely pink color makes them a standout treat, ideal for romantic occasions, themed parties, or just when you want to add a pop of color to your dessert table.

What’s more, they have a hint of tangy flavor thanks to a touch of buttermilk. This balances the sweetness and gives them that signature "velvet" taste, reminiscent of classic red velvet cake.

Lastly, they’re totally customizable. Whether you want to add white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a drizzle of icing, these cookies can be easily tailored to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the perfect Pink Velvet Cookie lies in a few key ingredients that ensure a soft, flavorful, and vibrant treat.

Butter is the foundation of these cookies, providing richness and a tender texture. I recommend using unsalted butter at room temperature to achieve the best consistency and flavor balance.

Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to give the cookies their signature chewiness. The brown sugar adds a subtle caramel undertone that deepens the flavor.

Buttermilk is a crucial ingredient, giving the cookies a slight tang and that classic "velvet" texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.

Cocoa powder is added in just a small amount—not enough to make these chocolate cookies, but just enough to provide depth and enhance the pink color.

And of course, red food coloring is what gives these cookies their signature pink hue. Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant shade without affecting the consistency of the dough.

How To Make These Pink Velvet Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies is as easy as mixing, scooping, and baking. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly without sticking to the pan.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie.

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth. The buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Now, stir in the red food coloring until you achieve the perfect shade of pink. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to get your desired hue.

Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

These cookies stay soft and fresh for days, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or gifting.

For short-term storage, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

If you’d like to store them longer, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating these cookies is simple—just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked softness.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of these Pink Velvet Cookies is how easily they can be customized to fit different flavors and preferences.

For a chocolatey twist, mix in white chocolate chips or drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate after they cool.

If you prefer a fruitier version, try adding freeze-dried raspberries or strawberry extract to enhance the flavor while keeping that vibrant pink color.

To make these cookies even more festive, roll them in pink and white sprinkles before baking for an extra pop of fun and texture.

Need a dairy-free option? Swap the butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free buttermilk (made with almond milk and vinegar) for a similar taste and texture.

Don't be afraid to get creative with these cookies—whether it's adding nuts, coconut flakes, or even a cream cheese frosting, the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy baking and indulging in these soft, chewy, and utterly delightful Pink Velvet Cookies!

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