Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies are soft and chewy, with a lovely pink color that makes them perfect for special occasions. Topped with a creamy frosting, these cookies are a treat!
Who can resist a cookie that looks this cute? I love how they add a pop of color to any dessert table. Plus, they’re super fun to bake and share with friends! 🍪💕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for this recipe as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or a dairy-free alternative.
Cocoa Powder: The cocoa powder is key to giving these cookies their lovely color. If you want to avoid cocoa, use a splash of almond extract for a different flavor, but it will change the cookie’s hue.
Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is the best choice for vibrant color, but liquid coloring works fine too. If you’re looking for natural options, try beet juice or pomegranate juice, which can offer a pink hue.
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, tangy flavor to the frosting. If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt instead.
How Do I Achieve Soft and Chewy Cookies?
Getting those soft and chewy Pink Velvet Cookies just right is all about your baking time. Under-baking slightly ensures they stay soft in the center. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with room temperature butter for easier creaming and a better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft.
- Take them out of the oven when the edges are set but middle is still soft – around 10-12 minutes.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without overcooking.
How to Make Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red or pink gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink sprinkles or sanding sugar, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, allow time for the cookies to cool completely (about 30 minutes) before frosting. In total, you can expect about 1 hour to make and enjoy your delicious Pink Velvet Cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:
Add in the large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure an even mixture and cuts down on lumps.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft!
6. Add Color:
Stir in the red or pink gel food coloring. Mix until the dough has an even, vibrant color.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Next, roll each ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat them.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should remain soft.
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and creamy.
12. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to frost them. You can either pipe the frosting on top or simply spread a generous layer with a knife.
13. Add the Finishing Touch:
Finish with a sprinkle of pink sprinkles or sanding sugar for a fun touch!
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious Pink Velvet Cookies are now ready to serve! Enjoy them with friends and family or at your next special gathering.
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter. However, butter typically gives a richer flavor and better texture, so keep that in mind for the final taste!
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your cookie dough turns out too sticky to roll, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to shape and roll in sugar.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies, layered between parchment paper, in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving!
Can I Use Different Colors for the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different gel food coloring colors to match any theme or occasion. Just remember that the color intensity can vary depending on the dye you choose.