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Delicious red velvet cookies shaped like Christmas decorations

Holiday Red Velvet Cut Out Christmas Cookies

Festive, cocoa-scented cutouts tinted red, perfect for holiday baking and cookie swaps.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Use standard flour for structure and light texture.
  • 1/4 cup Cocoa powder Adds red velvet chocolate flavor and deeper color.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder Provides lift.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda Provides gentle rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and strengthens the dough.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Softened for tenderness and flavor.
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar Sweetens and helps create a soft crumb.
  • 1 large Egg Binds the dough and adds richness.
  • 1 tablespoon Red food coloring Produces typical red color.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds depth and aroma.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Almond extract Add for flavor; can be omitted.
Optional Decoration
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar For dusting or light decoration.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and pale. Stop once the texture looks smooth.
  3. Beat in the egg, food coloring, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
  4. Add the dry mix slowly to the wet mix, stirring gently until just combined.
Chilling
  1. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick, cut shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
  3. Cool on racks and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for even creaming. Ensure dough is chilled well to maintain shapes during baking.