There's something magical about biting into a perfectly soft and chewy Pink Velvet Cookie. With its gorgeous blush color, rich vanilla flavor, and a hint of cocoa, these cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or just because, these cookies bring joy to everyone who takes a bite.

I first made these cookies as a surprise treat for my daughter’s birthday, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Ready to bring some pink magic into your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love These Pink Velvet Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with cookies that are as stunning as they are delicious. Pink Velvet Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a splash of fun.

Eye-catching appearance: The rosy pink hue makes these cookies perfect for parties, gifting, or anytime you want to add a little pizzazz to dessert.
Soft and chewy texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance between being pillowy soft and chewy in the center.
Simple to make: With a straightforward recipe and basic ingredients, you can have these beauties ready in under an hour.
Customizable flavor: While the recipe calls for classic vanilla and a hint of cocoa, you can easily add white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even a cream cheese frosting for extra flair.

Once you try them, you’ll want to make these cookies for every special occasion—or just because they’re that good. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Pink Velvet Cookies lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to create the perfect flavor, texture, and color.

Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for a creamy base. This gives the cookies a soft, rich texture without being overly greasy.
Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar ensures the right balance of sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note and moisture.
Egg: One large egg binds the ingredients together and helps achieve that soft, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A generous amount of pure vanilla extract brings out the classic velvet cake flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Just a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth to the flavor without overpowering the pink color.
Food Coloring: To achieve that signature pink hue, you’ll need a few drops of gel food coloring. Gel works better than liquid for vibrant, consistent color.
Flour and Baking Soda: These pantry staples provide the structure for the cookies, ensuring they rise just right.

Special equipment isn’t necessary, but a cookie scoop helps achieve perfectly even cookies, while a stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.

How To Make These Pink Velvet Cookies

Making these Pink Velvet Cookies is as enjoyable as eating them! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you whip up the perfect batch.

Prepare the dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for soft cookies, so don’t rush it!
Add the wet ingredients
Mix in 1 large egg and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined. Then, add your pink gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing until you achieve the desired shade of pink.
Incorporate the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Shape and bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up while staying irresistibly soft in the middle.

Storage Options

These cookies are so good, they probably won’t last long! But if you do need to store them, here’s how to keep them fresh.

Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain their softness.
Freezing baked cookies: Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Freezing the dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of these Pink Velvet Cookies means you can get creative with endless variations. Here are a few ideas to try:

White chocolate chips: Stir in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast to the pink dough.
Sprinkles: Mix in festive sprinkles for themed cookies, perfect for holidays or parties.
Cream cheese frosting: Turn these cookies into sandwich cookies with a layer of tangy cream cheese frosting in between.
Different colors: Swap the pink gel food coloring for red, blue, or purple to match your event’s theme.
Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to making these cookies your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your personal touch.

Final Thoughts

These Pink Velvet Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a way to spread joy with their beautiful color and scrumptious taste. Whether you’re baking them for loved ones or indulging in a little self-care, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let the pink magic begin!