If you are on the lookout for a dessert that dazzles with vibrant color, tender texture, and irresistible sweetness, look no further than this Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe. These cookies bring the beloved classic red velvet flavor into a delightful, chewy cookie form, studded with creamy white chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. With a perfect balance of cocoa, tangy sour cream, and rich sweetness, each bite will feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies are bound to become an instant favorite on your cookie tray and in your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step to creating these charming red velvet cookies. Each item on the list plays a crucial role – from the softness of butter to the tang of sour cream – ensuring your cookies come out full of flavor, with just the right texture and that signature red velvet look.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth that defines the red velvet profile.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise beautifully and maintain a light, chewy texture.
- Table salt: A pinch that balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened to 65 to 67ºF): Gives richness and moisture, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning and tender texture.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients, adds moisture, and supports structure.
- Red gel food coloring: The star that brings the spectacular red velvet hue without affecting texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Sour cream: Provides a tender crumb and a slight tang, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
- White chocolate chips: These pockets of creamy sweetness contrast beautifully with the cocoa and bring extra texture.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and positioning the rack in the middle. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking, setting a smooth stage for your cookies to shine.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the cocoa and leavening agents so your cookies bake evenly with that perfect red velvet flavor peeking through.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This critical step incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft and tender texture.
Step 4: Add Egg, Food Coloring, and Vanilla
Add the egg, red gel food coloring, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until fully combined. The vibrant red color starts to blossom here, promising the brilliant look your cookies are known for.
Step 5: Incorporate the Flour Mixture and Sour Cream
Add half the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. Stir in the sour cream to add moisture and tenderness, then finish by adding the remaining flour mixture, ensuring everything is blended but not overmixed.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in ¾ cup of the white chocolate chips on low speed. These sweet pockets will soften and provide luscious bursts of flavor in every bite, the perfect complement to the slight cocoa tang.
Step 7: Portion and Arrange Dough on Baking Sheets
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop 2-tablespoon (about 1 ounce or 30 grams) portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls at least 2 inches apart because these cookies spread as they bake.
Step 8: Bake, Rotate, and Top with Extra Chocolate Chips
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven. After 6 minutes, rotate the sheet for even baking. Continue baking until the cookie edges are just set and the tops remain slightly glossy, about 4 to 6 more minutes. Right after removing from the oven, press some of the remaining white chocolate chips onto the warm cookies. This extra touch adds visual appeal and more melty chocolate.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This rest time helps them set perfectly while keeping the insides soft and chewy.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate the presentation of your red velvet cookies, adding a little extra charm for those special occasions or just because you deserve a little indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combo, or try them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress. The creamy white chocolate chips also make them nice partners to berry-flavored teas or light coffee drinks.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking a few of these cookies with layers of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting in between to create red velvet cookie sandwiches that make dessert tables pop. Arranging them in colorful tins or wrapping in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes them perfect gifts as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps them tasting fresh when thawed.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or stored cookies, warm them briefly in a 300ºF oven for about 5 minutes to revive the soft, gooey texture and make the white chocolate chips luscious once again. Microwaving for 10-15 seconds also works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular cocoa powder for unsweetened cocoa powder?
For this recipe, unsweetened cocoa powder is best as it provides the proper depth of chocolate flavor without additional sweetness or fats, which could alter the cookie texture.
What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?
Red gel food coloring provides vibrant color without thinning your dough. If you only have liquid coloring, use less and be cautious, as it can change the dough’s consistency. Natural alternatives like beet powder can work but may affect taste.
Can I use white chocolate chunks instead of chips?
Absolutely! White chocolate chunks will give you larger pockets of creamy sweetness and a more rustic texture, which adds to the homemade charm of these cookies.
Why is sour cream included in this recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness and helps create a tender, soft crumb — a hallmark of great red velvet treats.
How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if you find the cookies spreading too much during baking. Also, spacing the dough balls properly on your baking sheets helps maintain shape.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe is a joyful blend of flavors and textures that will brighten any cookie jar or party platter. Baking these is not only straightforward but a delight, as the aroma alone is enough to lift your spirits. I encourage you to try this recipe soon — once you taste these tender, luscious cookies with their creamy bursts of white chocolate, they will become a new favorite to share and savor again and again.
Print
Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe
Delightfully soft and chewy Red Velvet Cookies featuring a perfect blend of cocoa and vibrant red coloring, enriched with creamy white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast. These cookies are easy to prepare and baked to perfection, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to 65 to 67ºF (18 to 19ºC)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Add-ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and table salt until evenly mixed.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed (setting 7) for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg and Color: Add the egg, red gel food coloring, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed (setting 5) until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds.
- Add the Flour Mixture and Sour Cream: Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. Then mix in the sour cream. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix again on low speed until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Add ¾ cup of the white chocolate chips to the dough. Stir on low speed or fold them in gently until evenly distributed.
- Portion the Dough: Using a scoop or spoon, portion out 2 tablespoons (about 1 ounce or 30 grams) of dough for each cookie. Place them evenly spaced at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading. Aim for about 10 cookies per tray.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven. Start by baking for 6 minutes, then rotate the sheet to ensure even baking. Continue baking until the edges are just set and the tops appear slightly glossy, about an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Immediately after removing from the oven, press some of the remaining white chocolate chips on top of the warm cookies for added texture and sweetness. Repeat with the second tray.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter is softened to room temperature but not melted for proper creaming.
- Using gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red color without affecting the dough’s consistency.
- Do not overmix when adding the flour to prevent tough cookies.
- Pressing white chocolate chips on top immediately after baking helps them melt slightly for an appealing finish.
- Cookies will spread during baking; spacing them at least 2 inches apart is essential to prevent sticking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
