There's something utterly delightful about a batch of pink velvet cookies baking in the oven. The sweet, buttery aroma fills your kitchen, while the soft, pillowy texture and vibrant pink hue make these cookies as fun to look at as they are to eat.

I first came across pink velvet cookies while planning a Valentine's Day treat, but they quickly became a year-round favorite in our house. Their unique combination of vanilla and a subtle hint of cocoa creates a flavor that feels both indulgent and comforting. Ready to bake a batch of these beauties? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Pink Velvet Cookie Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for these irresistible cookies. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

First off, these cookies are a visual treat. Their soft pink color makes them perfect for holidays like Valentine's Day, baby showers, or just whenever you want to brighten someone's day.

You’ll also appreciate their versatile flavor profile. With a blend of vanilla and a touch of cocoa, they hit the sweet spot between vanilla sugar cookies and red velvet desserts.

Plus, they’re a beginner-friendly bake. You don’t need fancy equipment or tricky techniques. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a batch of warm, fluffy cookies ready to enjoy.

And finally, these cookies store beautifully, so you can bake ahead or savor them over a few days. They’re just as soft and delicious the next day, making them a perfect treat to pack for lunches or gift to friends.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this pink velvet cookie recipe lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour is the backbone of this recipe. It gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft and tender. Be sure to measure it carefully to avoid a dry dough.

Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, ensures these cookies are rich and buttery. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level perfectly.

Granulated sugar gives the cookies their sweetness, while a touch of brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel-like undertone.

For that signature pink velvet flavor, we use vanilla extract and cocoa powder. The vanilla provides warmth and sweetness, while just a small amount of cocoa gives the cookies their subtle depth.

Food coloring is key to achieving the perfect pink hue. Gel food coloring works best, as it provides vibrant color without thinning the dough.

Finally, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness, and baking powder ensures the cookies rise beautifully for a soft, pillowy texture.

No special equipment is needed here! Just a hand mixer (or stand mixer) and a trusty baking sheet are all you’ll require.

How To Make This Pink Velvet Cookie Recipe

Making these pink velvet cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Here’s how to bring them to life:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly tender texture, so take your time—2 to 3 minutes should do the trick.

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and your pink food coloring. Start with a small amount of color and add more until you achieve your desired shade of pink.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly puffy. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

In just half an hour, you'll have a batch of soft, velvety cookies that are almost too pretty to eat—but trust me, you won’t be able to resist!

Storage Options

These cookies are just as delightful days after baking as they are fresh out of the oven. Here’s how to store them for maximum freshness:

For short-term storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days.

To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

If you want to prep the dough ahead of time, simply roll it into balls and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this pink velvet cookie recipe means you can get creative with variations.

For a festive twist, add white chocolate chips or sprinkles to the dough before baking.

Want a deeper flavor? Increase the amount of cocoa powder slightly for a more pronounced chocolatey taste.

To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use a plant-based egg replacer.

If you prefer a different color, swap the pink food coloring for another shade—purple, red, or blue all work beautifully.

You can also experiment with extracts. Try a touch of almond extract in place of vanilla for a nutty undertone that pairs perfectly with the cocoa.

These cookies are an open canvas for your creativity. Don’t be afraid to try something new and make them your own!

With their soft texture, striking color, and rich flavor, pink velvet cookies are a treat that’s impossible not to love. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.