Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, transforming its signature flavor and vibrant red color into a delectable cookie form. These cookies embody the perfect balance of moist and tender texture, rich chocolate flavor, and the sweet surprise of Nutella hidden within. With their eye-catching appearance and irresistible taste, Red Velvet Cookies have become a popular treat for special occasions or any time a touch of indulgence is desired.
The history of Red Velvet Cake can be traced back to the early 20th century, with its origins in the United States. The cake’s unique reddish hue is traditionally achieved through the reaction between acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk and vinegar, with cocoa powder. While the cake’s popularity grew over the years, its distinct flavor and color inspired bakers to create variations of this classic dessert.
The idea of transforming Red Velvet Cake into a cookie format likely emerged as bakers sought creative ways to share the beloved flavors in a convenient and portable treat. Red Velvet Cookies soon gained popularity for their festive appearance and the combination of soft cookie dough with a surprise filling of creamy Nutella. The Nutella center provides an extra layer of indulgence, adding a delightful twist to the familiar red velvet flavor.
INGREDIENTS
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cups lightly packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¾ tablespoons red velvet emulsion (or regular red food coloring)
- 1 cup chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
- 18 teaspoons Nutella
INSTRUCTIONS
- PREPARE DRY INGREDIENTS
- In a mixing bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry mixture aside.
- CREAM BUTTER & SUGARS
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- ADD EGG & LIQUIDS
- Mix in the room-temperature egg and beat until it is well incorporated.
- Beat in the milk, vanilla extract, and red velvet emulsion (or regular red food coloring) until the mixture is well combined.
- INCORPORATE DRY INGREDIENTS & CHOCOLATE CHIPS
- Add the prepared dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them in the cookie dough.
- CHILL THE DOUGH & PREPARE NUTELLA
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for an hour to allow it to firm up.
- During this time, drop teaspoon dollops of Nutella onto parchment paper and freeze them.
- PREHEAT OVEN & LINE BAKING SHEETS
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- ASSEMBLE THE COOKIES
- Take out 1 tablespoon of chilled dough and place a frozen teaspoon of Nutella onto it.
- Add another half tablespoon of dough over the Nutella and cover the dollop.
- Roll the dough between your hands to form a ball, ensuring the Nutella is completely enclosed within the dough.
- Repeat this process with the remaining cookie dough and frozen Nutella.
- BAKE THE COOKIES
- Place the formed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies for 9 – 10 minutes until they are set and slightly firm on the edges.
- Gently press down on each cookie with a spatula and top with more chocolate chips for added decoration and flavor.
Now, your batch of Red Velvet Cookies with Nutella centers is ready to be enjoyed. These delightful treats boast the iconic red velvet flavor, enhanced by the creamy surprise of Nutella within. Whether served at parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special treat, Red Velvet Cookies are sure to capture the hearts of cookie enthusiasts and cake lovers alike.
