Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies – Soft, Festive, and Perfectly Pretty
Christmas baking is all about warmth, tradition, and a little bit of magic, and these Christmas pink velvet cookies bring all three to the table. With their soft, cake-like texture, delicate cocoa flavor, and cheerful pink color, they’re a festive twist on classic velvet cookies that instantly brighten any holiday cookie tray. One glance at their crackled powdered sugar tops and rosy centers, and you know they’re something special.
Pink velvet cookies are inspired by red velvet’s beloved flavor profile but lean slightly lighter and sweeter, making them especially appealing during the holidays. The subtle cocoa undertone adds depth without overpowering, while vanilla and butter keep the flavor soft and cozy. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, these cookies puff up and crack beautifully in the oven, creating that iconic crinkle look everyone loves.
What makes these cookies truly perfect for Christmas is how effortlessly festive they are. The pink color pairs beautifully with white powdered sugar, sparkling sprinkles, and holiday decor. They’re ideal for gifting, cookie swaps, classroom parties, or setting out next to mugs of hot cocoa by the fire. And because they stay soft for days, they’re a wonderful make-ahead option during the busy holiday season.
Texture-wise, these cookies fall somewhere between a cookie and a cake. The outside is delicate and lightly crisp from the sugar coating, while the inside stays moist, fluffy, and tender. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them easy to enjoy more than one—especially when paired with coffee, tea, or milk.
If you’re looking to add something playful, eye-catching, and irresistibly soft to your Christmas baking lineup, these pink velvet cookies are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Pink gel food coloring
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in the milk and a few drops of pink food coloring, adjusting until your desired shade is reached.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and chill for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, then place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Add festive sprinkles on top if desired.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies puff up and crack but remain soft in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
- Whisk dry ingredients together.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, milk, and food coloring.
- Mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Chill dough for 20–30 minutes.
- Roll dough in powdered sugar and bake 10–12 minutes.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant pink without thinning the dough.
- Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay soft and slightly underdone in the center.
- Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and crack nicely.
Variations
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Use almond extract alongside vanilla for a bakery-style flavor.
- Swap pink for red coloring for classic velvet cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Christmas pink velvet cookies on a holiday dessert platter with sugar cookies, gingerbread, and fudge. They’re also lovely packaged in clear bags with ribbon for edible gifts.
Storage Information
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed at room temperature.
FAQ
Do these taste like red velvet?
Yes, but slightly lighter and sweeter with a softer cocoa note.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, but the cookies will not have the signature pink color.
History / Fun Facts
Velvet-style cakes and cookies became popular for their fine crumb and tender texture. Holiday versions like pink velvet cookies are a modern twist designed to add color and fun to festive baking traditions.
