Name: Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 131 min
Yield: 24-30 cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) red food coloring; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup buttermilk; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency); Crushed peppermint candies; Red and white sprinkles

Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies: Prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of festive flavors! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, the rich cocoa notes of red velvet dancing on your tongue, followed by a refreshing burst of peppermint that tingles with holiday cheer. These aren't just cookies; they're a celebration in every bite!

Red velvet, with its intriguing history, has long been associated with elegance and indulgence. Some believe it originated during the Victorian era, while others trace its roots to the Depression era when cooks used beet juice to enhance the color and moisture of their baked goods. Regardless of its precise origin, red velvet has become a beloved classic, and pairing it with peppermint elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes these Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures – the slight crispness around the edges giving way to a melt-in-your-mouth center. It's the captivating combination of sweet and minty, a flavor profile that evokes warm memories of cozy winter nights. And, let's be honest, who can resist the vibrant red hue that makes these cookies a visual delight? Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience cookie perfection!

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) red food coloring
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)

For Decoration (Optional):

Crushed peppermint candies
Red and white sprinkles

Preparing the Red Velvet Cookie Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This helps ensure the cookies rise properly and have a consistent texture. Set this bowl aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Don't overmix at this stage, just combine until everything is incorporated. The peppermint extract is key to that festive flavor, so don't skip it!
Incorporate Red Food Coloring and Cocoa Powder: Add the red food coloring and cocoa powder to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined and the batter is a vibrant red color. The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate note that complements the red velvet flavor.
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. So, add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the buttermilk, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a less tender cookie.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial because it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together and develop. If you're short on time, you can chill it for a minimum of 30 minutes, but the longer the better!

Baking the Cookies

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper or silicone mats prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Scoop and Shape the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without running into each other.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want them to be slightly underbaked for a soft and chewy texture.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they are still warm and soft.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best results. This will prevent lumps in your frosting.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start on low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.
Add Extracts and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Then, add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
Whip Until Fluffy: Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until it is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the frosting, making it even more delicious.

Assembling and Decorating the Cookies

Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, spatula, or piping bag to apply the frosting.
Decorate (Optional): If desired, decorate the frosted cookies with crushed peppermint candies and/or red and white sprinkles. Get creative and have fun with it!
Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the frosted cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together even more.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the peppermint red velvet cookies and enjoy! These are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a special treat for yourself.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies are truly something special, and I genuinely believe they're a must-try this holiday season (or any time you're craving a little festive cheer!). The combination of the classic red velvet flavor, that subtle tang from the cream cheese, and the invigorating burst of peppermint is simply irresistible. They're soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced – not too sweet, not too minty, just right. But why are these cookies a must-try, you ask? Beyond the incredible flavor profile, they're surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, and even if you're not a seasoned baker, I'm confident you can whip up a batch of these beauties with minimal fuss. Plus, they're visually stunning! The vibrant red color, speckled with crushed peppermint candies, makes them a showstopper on any dessert platter. Imagine presenting a plate of these at your next holiday gathering – they're guaranteed to impress! And the best part? They're incredibly versatile! While I personally love them as is, straight from the oven (after they've cooled slightly, of course!), there are so many ways to customize them to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use these cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an extra decadent treat. * Cookie Crumble Topping: Crumble a few cookies over your favorite ice cream sundae or yogurt parfait for a burst of flavor and texture. * Hot Chocolate Companion: Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy winter experience. * Drizzle with White Chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. * Peppermint Bark Variation: Incorporate chopped peppermint bark into the dough for an even more intense peppermint flavor. * Cream Cheese Frosting: If you're feeling extra indulgent, frost the cookies with a simple cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. * Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts! A touch of almond extract could add a unique and delicious twist. * Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. I truly hope you'll give these Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies a try. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm so excited to share it with you. They're perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself to something special. Once you've made them, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you make any tweaks of your own? What did your friends and family think? Please, please, please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you'll love. Happy baking, and happy holidays! I can't wait to see your peppermint red velvet cookie creations!