Vegan Red Velvet Cookies
If you’re craving something sweet, vibrant, and oh-so-decadent, these Vegan Red Velvet Cookies are here to satisfy your sweet tooth without any animal products. With their rich cocoa flavor and stunning red hue, they make for the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just treating yourself, these cookies will surely impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and see what makes these cookies a must-bake!
Why It Deserves a Spot
Vegan Red Velvet Cookies deserve a place in your baking repertoire for several reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Secondly, the combination of flavors—from the deep cocoa to the sweet vanilla—creates a delightful cookie that is hard to resist. Plus, these cookies are visually stunning, making them a hit at gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. And did I mention they’re packed with white chocolate chips? Yes, please!
Your Shopping Guide
When gathering your ingredients, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- Vegetable oil (I used sunflower oil for a light flavor)
- Dark brown sugar (adds moisture and a deep flavor)
- Granulated sugar (for that perfect sweetness)
- Unsweetened apple sauce (a great egg substitute)
- Vanilla extract (for a hint of sweetness)
- Cinnamon (optional, but enhances the flavor)
- All-purpose flour or GF flour blend (for a gluten-free option)
- Cocoa powder (make sure it’s all-natural, not Dutch processed)
- Baking soda (to help the cookies rise)
- Salt (to balance the sweetness)
- White chocolate chips (for a creamy contrast)
- Red food coloring (for that iconic red velvet hue)
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready:
- Mixing bowls (for combining ingredients)
- Measuring cups and spoons (accuracy is key!)
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper for easy removal)
- Whisk or electric mixer (for blending the wet ingredients)
- Spatula (to fold in the dry ingredients)
- Cooling rack (to let your cookies cool properly)
Cooking Vegan Red Velvet Cookies: The Process
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get to the fun part: baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Vegan Red Velvet Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and chewy.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine __cup of vegetable oil, __cup of dark brown sugar, __cup of granulated sugar, __cup of unsweetened apple sauce, and __ tsp of vanilla extract. If you’re adding cinnamon, mix that in as well. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together __ cups of all-purpose flour, __cup of cocoa powder, __ tsp of baking soda, and __ tsp of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and other dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Add the Color
Now comes the fun part: adding the red food coloring! Mix in __ tsp of red food coloring, adjusting the amount until you achieve your desired shade of red.
Step 6: Fold in the White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in __ cups of white chocolate chips into the cookie dough. This will add a delicious creaminess to each bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm, or store them for later!
Make It Your Way
These Vegan Red Velvet Cookies are versatile, so feel free to customize them to your liking:
- Add in some nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.
- Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even vegan chocolate chips.
- Experiment with different extracts, like almond or peppermint, for a unique flavor twist.
- Try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
- For a deeper red color, consider using a gel-based food coloring; it tends to produce a more vibrant hue.
- Let the cookies cool completely to achieve the perfect texture; they will firm up as they cool.
- If you’re using a gluten-free flour blend, make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- These cookies can also be made into a cookie cake by spreading the dough into a round cake pan and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
- You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.
- The dough can also be frozen! Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Quick Q&A
Can I use oil other than sunflower oil?
Absolutely! Any neutral-flavored vegetable oil will work perfectly in this recipe, such as canola or grapeseed oil.
Is there a substitute for apple sauce?
Yes! You can use mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or even a flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for the best results.
How do I store these cookies?
Store your Vegan Red Velvet Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
See You at the Table
There you have it! A delightful recipe for Vegan Red Velvet Cookies that will have your friends and family begging for more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to indulge, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy some cookie magic!
Baking can be a joyful experience, especially when you share it with others. So why not whip up a batch or two of these Vegan Red Velvet Cookies today? Happy baking!
Vegan Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, unsweetened apple sauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Mix in red food coloring until desired shade is achieved.
- Step 6: Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Step 7: Drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 8: Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For a deeper red color, use gel-based food coloring.
- Let cookies cool completely for the best texture.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for best results.
