Red Velvet Holiday Treats (Ready-to-Print Version)

Soft red velvet cocoa cookies paired with a creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze for festive enjoyment.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Cookie Base

05 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
07 - ¼ cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 tablespoon whole milk
10 - 2 teaspoons red food coloring
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - ½ teaspoon white vinegar

→ Cream Cheese Glaze

13 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
15 - ¾ cup powdered sugar
16 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
17 - ¾ cup whole milk

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined.
02 - Beat the softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated. Then mix in whole milk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
06 - Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Thin the glaze with whole milk to achieve a drizzling consistency.
07 - Drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow to set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Chilling the formed dough for 30 minutes before baking enhances cocoa flavor and reduces cookie spread.
02 - Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie size to ensure even baking.
03 - Avoid overbaking; cookies should be removed when edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
04 - Room-temperature dairy ingredients facilitate smooth mixing and prevent lumps in the glaze.
05 - For a precise glaze application, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a snipped corner.

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