Introduction to Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Welcome to the world of Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies! If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes, life calls for a little indulgence. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to brighten your day or impress your loved ones. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, filled with creamy goodness that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a quick solution for a busy day or a sweet surprise for a gathering, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
These Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a dream come true for any home cook. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The vibrant red color and rich flavor will wow your friends and family. Plus, the creamy filling adds a luxurious touch that makes every bite feel special. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of any cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor that complements the red velvet beautifully.
- Cornstarch: This secret ingredient enhances the chewiness, making each bite irresistible.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to create a creamy texture and rich flavor in the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their delightful texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making the cookies even more delicious.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, comforting flavor.
- Red gel food coloring: Gives the cookies their signature vibrant hue—don’t skip this!
- White vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to create a tender cookie.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, providing a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and gives it a smooth texture.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie heaven in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. The cornstarch is your secret weapon for that chewy texture!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness is key to achieving that perfect cookie texture!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, red gel food coloring, and white vinegar until everything is well combined. The food coloring is what gives these cookies their signature red hue, so don’t be shy with it!
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender and chewy!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential for making it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop 1–1½ tablespoon portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing is important to allow the cookies to spread without merging into one another.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remember, slightly underbaking them will give you that chewy center we all love!
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up a bit while still being soft and chewy.
Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy. This filling is the cherry on top of your cookie masterpiece!
Step 11: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Finally, pipe or spread the cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie to form a sandwich. Press gently to ensure the filling spreads evenly. And there you have it—your very own Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies!
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough! It’s crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
- Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaking keeps the centers soft and chewy.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color; it won’t alter the cookie’s texture.
- Let the cookies cool completely before filling to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A medium and a large bowl will do the trick. You can use any size you have on hand.
- Whisk: A standard whisk works great, but a fork can also get the job done.
- Baking sheets: Use any flat baking tray; just line it with parchment paper.
- Cooling rack: If you don’t have one, a plate will suffice for cooling the cookies.
- Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works well if you don’t have a scoop.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Version: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and replace butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the red velvet.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Milk: A classic glass of cold milk complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Serve with Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Presentation: Arrange on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Gift Idea: Package in a cute box with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
FAQs about Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Can I make these Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just remember to chill it before baking for the best texture. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for a few days before adding the cream cheese filling.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?
If you’re looking for a substitute, mascarpone cheese or whipped cream cheese can work well. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar for sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without the filling and adding it just before serving.
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
While you can use regular food coloring, gel food coloring is preferred for its vibrant hue without adding extra liquid to the dough. This helps maintain the perfect chewy texture of your cookies.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a special touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving!
Final Thoughts
Making Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories. Each bite is a delightful blend of chewy cookie and creamy filling that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. I love how they add a pop of color and flavor to my dessert table. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the magic of baking fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Print
Chewy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: A Must-Try Recipe!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously chewy red velvet sandwich cookies filled with a creamy cream cheese filling.
Ingredients
- 1⅔ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra chewiness)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, food coloring, and vinegar until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1–1½ tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
- Ensure the cookies are slightly underbaked for a chewy center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
