Nothing beats the charm of Pink Velvet Cookies—soft, buttery, and packed with a deliciously rich flavor. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or just to indulge in a treat that stands out, these cookies are a must-try. With a velvety texture, cake batter aroma, and luscious cream cheese frosting, they offer the perfect combination of taste and aesthetics. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to make these stunning cookies from scratch, along with tips to perfect them, variations, and answers to commonly asked questions. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Pink Velvet Cookies
- Visually Stunning: The beautiful pink hue makes them a standout dessert for any occasion.
- Deliciously Soft: These cookies have a rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy-sweet addition that perfectly complements the cookies.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the color, add sprinkles, or even sandwich them with frosting for a creative twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a party, bake sale, or just a family treat, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients for Pink Velvet Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cake batter extract
- A few drops of pink food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- A splash of milk, if needed
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the cake batter extract and pink food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form 1.5-inch balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
- For an authentic touch, crumble one of the cookies and sprinkle the crumbs over the frosted cookies as decoration.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
FAQs About Pink Velvet Cookies
1. Can I Make Pink Velvet Cookies Without Food Coloring?
Yes! While food coloring enhances the visual appeal, you can leave it out or use natural alternatives like beet powder for a light pink shade.
2. What Can I Use Instead of Cake Batter Extract?
If you don’t have cake batter extract, try using a mix of vanilla extract and a drop of almond extract for a similar flavor.
3. How Do I Store These Cookies?
Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Frosted cookies should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.
4. Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and frost before serving.
5. Can I Use a Different Frosting?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting pairs best, you can try buttercream, chocolate ganache, or whipped frosting for variety.
6. Why Are My Cookies Too Hard?
Overbaking or using too much flour can make them hard. Bake until just set and measure flour properly using the spoon-and-level method.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try Pink Velvet Cookies
Pink Velvet Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a statement dessert that combines elegance, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want to indulge, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their soft texture, rich cake-like flavor, and luscious cream cheese frosting make them impossible to resist. Try them today and let their buttery, velvety goodness brighten up your day!