In the ethereal embrace of winter’s magic, the allure of the Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies beckons like a soft, warm hug on a crisp evening. With each bite, you find the sweetness of celebration entwined with the essence of the holiday spirit, embodied in delicate hues of pink and the joy of sprinkles that twinkle like stars upon a wintry canvas.
Why make this recipe
Crafting these festive delights is an act woven from the fabric of love and tradition, an offering to the season that brings family and friends together. The soft, pillowy texture of pink velvet dough enveloped in luscious cream cheese frosting, punctuated by cheerful sprinkles, transforms a simple gathering into a cherished memory, a moment of culinary artistry that warms the heart.
How to make Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
To embark on creating these enchanting confections, begin by summoning the essence of your kitchen, aligning your ingredients with intention.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (333g) salted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (345g) granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 ½ tsp cake batter flavoring
- Pink food coloring
- 4 ½ cups (684g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup (56g) butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 4 cups (428g) powdered sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- Milk or heavy cream, to thin
- Christmas sprinkles
Directions:
Begin this delightful journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), allowing the warmth to gather in anticipation. In a spacious bowl, introduce the softened salted butter and granulated sugar, serenading them gently with the blade of your stand mixer, whisking until they reach a light and fluffy crescendo, which takes about two minutes.
With a tender hand, crack three eggs into the mixture and infuse it with the sweet whispers of cake batter flavoring and a few drops of pink food coloring—like a soft blush awakening on a winter’s morn. Gradually, fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, blending until a rhythmic harmony emerges in the bowl.
Divide the dough into generous 3-tablespoon portions, each one cradled in your palms before being flattened slightly—shaped, yet free-spirited. Arrange these delicate rounds on a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet, their dairy-kissed essence ready to dance in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until their centers have risen in gentle puffs and the glossy sheen has faded into a soft matte finish.
While the cookies cool, turn your attention to the frosting, where dreams transform into reality. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla, whipping them until a smooth and velvety texture unfolds. Gradually invite the powdered sugar into this creamy embrace, one cup at a time, incorporating a pinch of salt. As you achieve your desired consistency, a splash of milk or heavy cream may be coaxed in, achieving that perfect silkiness.
With your frosting poised, fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip, ready to adorn your cookies. Pipe the frosting onto the still-warm cookies, beginning in the center and spiraling outward, a beautiful swirl of art. Top immediately with glimmering Christmas sprinkles, each one a tiny gift of joy resting on the pink velvet.
How to serve Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Serve these cookies warm, a heartwarming token of joy displayed on a festive platter. Invite friends and family to gather around, each bite an invitation to relish the sweet symphony of flavors, best enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa or your preferred holiday beverage.
How to store Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
To preserve their tender splendor, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For a touch of extra moisture, you may place a slice of bread within the container. These delightful pastries will dance with freshness for up to one week, though doubtless they will vanish long before then.
Tips to make Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider using a high-quality vanilla extract and perhaps a hint of almond extract in the frosting.
- Ensure your butter is completely softened before creaming; a few minutes of patience will yield a creaminess that is crucial for the texture.
- When piping the frosting, practice makes perfect; a steady hand will create those inviting swirls that beckon to be savored.
Variations
For a playful twist, incorporate peppermint extract into your dough or frosting, evoking the essence of candy canes. Alternatively, add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a contrasting burst of flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then store in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges are slightly firm, and the centers are puffed and no longer shiny, usually between 9 to 11 minutes.
3. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese frosting?
Certainly! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even just a dusting of powdered sugar, can be a delightful alternative if you prefer a lighter finish.
In the quiet art of baking lies a gentle reminder of life’s simple pleasures—a dance of patience, love, and creativity that flourishes in each warm morsel, inviting us to savor each moment.
Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, cake batter flavoring, and pink food coloring, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing until incorporated.
- Divide the dough into 3-tablespoon portions and flatten slightly.
- Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the centers are puffed and the gloss has faded.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Add milk or heavy cream to reach the desired frosting consistency.
- Fill a piping bag with frosting and pipe it onto the cooled cookies, beginning in the center and swirling outward.
- Top immediately with Christmas sprinkles.
- Serve the cookies warm on a festive platter with hot cocoa or your favorite holiday beverage.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, optionally including a slice of bread for added moisture.