There’s a certain magic that happens in my kitchen during the holidays, but it reached a whole new level the first time I baked these Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies. I was searching for a festive treat that felt classic yet special, and when I pulled these vibrant, cocoa-scented trees from the oven, the entire house filled with the warm, comforting aroma of chocolate and butter. Seeing their cheerful red branches lined up on my cooling rack, just waiting to be decorated, filled me with pure, childlike joy. This recipe has become my go-to for sharing holiday spirit from my oven to yours, and I’m so excited to show you how to make them.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
- For Decorating: Royal icing, sprinkles, and sanding sugar in festive colors.
Now, let’s talk ingredients because they truly matter here. First, the cocoa powder: don’t skip it! It’s what gives red velvet its signature subtle chocolate flavor and deepens the red color beautifully—using just food coloring without it tastes flat. For the coloring, I learned the hard way that liquid food dye can throw off your dough consistency. A gel-based coloring is non-negotiable for that vibrant, true red without adding extra liquid. And for the butter, please take the time to let it soften at room temperature. I’ve tried rushing it in the microwave, and it never creams the same way with the sugar. Trust me, this one works better.
Equipment Needed
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutters (varying sizes are fun!)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
- Piping bags and tips for decorating (or small zip-top bags)
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