Meet your new favorite festive treat: Red Velvet Spritz Cookies! These gorgeous little cookies capture everything you love about classic red velvet cake in bite-sized, buttery morsels, complete with a hint of cocoa and that signature, show-stopping crimson hue. Soft but with a delicate snap, they’re as perfect for holiday trays and cookie exchanges as they are for cozy nights with a mug of cocoa. Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are a delight to make and even more fun to share—so let’s get baking and bring a little extra cheer to your kitchen!

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of ingredients make magic happen in these Red Velvet Spritz Cookies. Every element counts—bringing color, flavor, and irresistible texture—so gather your best and brightest for a cookie that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives these cookies their trademark richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds the ideal sweetness without overpowering the subtle cocoa notes.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and lends a lovely tenderness to each bite.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Balances the cocoa flavor and adds comforting depth.
Apple cider vinegar (1/2 teaspoon): Classic for red velvet! Brightens the flavor and helps give the cookies their signature tang.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): The secret behind that hint of chocolatey depth—don’t skip this!
Red gel food coloring (as needed): For that jaw-dropping red velvet look without altering the dough’s consistency.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the perfect structure—just enough for those beautifully pressed shapes to hold.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little salt balances sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors.
White chocolate drizzle or sprinkles (optional, for decorating): Adds festive flair and a touch of creamy sweetness on top.

How to Make Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake as soon as your cookie dough is mixed. No need for parchment here—just grab your trusty baking sheets and have them handy for pressing out those delightful Red Velvet Spritz Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar. This step is crucial for that tender texture—beat until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, which usually takes about two to three minutes. The air you incorporate now means lighter, lovelier cookies later!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Cocoa

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and that all-important unsweetened cocoa powder. This is where Red Velvet Spritz Cookies gain their nuanced flavor and signature tang. Don’t forget: adding the vinegar is what sets a true red velvet apart!

Step 4: Get That Red Velvet Color

Add red gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing well between additions, until your dough is a vibrant and even red. You want a rich, bold color since it will lighten a bit during baking. Gel color is best—it gives intensity without thinning out your dough.

Step 5: Whisk Dry Ingredients, Then Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; overworking can make cookies tough. You’ll end up with a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s perfect for pressing.

Step 6: Press Out the Cookies

Load your dough into a cookie press fitted with your favorite festive disk. Press cookies directly onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about one inch apart. If you don’t have a cookie press, just roll the dough into small balls and gently flatten with a fork—it works in a pinch!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You want the edges just set and the color still vibrant—the perfect Red Velvet Spritz Cookie is tender, not crisp. Let them cool on the tray for a couple of minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Step 8: Decorate and Enjoy

Once cooled completely, add your finishing touches. A white chocolate drizzle or a scatter of festive sprinkles makes these Red Velvet Spritz Cookies as dazzling to look at as they are to eat. Allow any drizzle or decorations to set before arranging them on a platter… then dig in!

How to Serve Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

Garnishes

The magic of Red Velvet Spritz Cookies gets an extra sparkle with creative garnishes. A wavy drizzle of melted white chocolate looks stunning and adds creamy contrast to the rich red hue. Or, shower them with holiday-colored sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or even edible glitter for a show-stopping look that will wow every guest.

Side Dishes

Pair these beauties with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or a frothy latte. If you’re serving a dessert spread, they snuggle up nicely with chocolate truffles, thumbprint cookies, or even some tangy fresh berries to balance their sweet sophistication.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for an adorable edible gift. For a dessert table, arrange them in concentric circles on a cake stand, alternating with white chocolate-dipped cookies for contrast. Or nestle them in festive tins for a surprise that’s both heartfelt and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Red Velvet Spritz Cookies perfectly fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. A little parchment between the layers keeps decorations pristine and cookies crisp yet tender. They’re just as delightful for sneaky midnight snacks as they are for company!

Freezing

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies freeze beautifully, making them a baker’s dream ahead of busy seasons. Arrange cooled, undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags for up to three months. For decorated cookies, separate layers with wax paper to preserve their pretty tops.

Reheating

No need to completely reheat, but if you love that just-baked warmth, place a few cookies on a baking sheet and pop in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes. They’ll taste as fresh as the day you baked them—and the colors stay gorgeous!

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is best for Red Velvet Spritz Cookies because it makes the red vibrant without changing the dough’s texture. If you only have liquid, add sparingly to avoid thinning the dough too much, but you’ll get the richest color and best results with gel.

My dough is too stiff for my cookie press—what should I do?

If your dough feels a bit dry or hard to press, check that your butter was soft enough at the start. If needed, let the dough sit at room temperature to soften, or knead with clean hands until it relaxes. Avoid adding liquid, which could change the cookies’ texture.

Can I make these cookies without a cookie press?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a cookie press, scoop the dough into small balls and gently flatten with a fork for classic, rustic cookies. They’ll taste just as delicious, with that unforgettable red velvet charm.

Are Red Velvet Spritz Cookies suitable for gifting?

They’re practically made for it! These cookies are sturdy, colorful, and hold up well in decorative tins or jars. Add a personal touch with a ribbon and a handwritten tag—your friends will feel truly special.

How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Press the cookies directly onto an ungreased, clean baking sheet. The fat in the dough prevents sticking, and skipping parchment paper ensures the shapes hold beautifully. Let them cool a couple of minutes before lifting them to a rack—they’ll release easily!

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies are pure holiday joy in every bite—a melt-in-your-mouth classic with the iconic look and flavor you love. Don’t be surprised if these cookies disappear in a flash; they just might steal the show at your next gathering. Happy baking!