Name: Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies: Irresistibly Chewy Delights
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 46 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Acts as a leavening agent.); 1/2 teaspoon Fine Salt (You can use kosher salt if preferred.); 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (Optional but highly recommended.); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Make sure it's at room temperature for easy creaming.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens and helps the cookies spread beautifully.); 1 large Egg (Binds all the ingredients together.); 1/4 cup Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder (Essential for deep chocolate flavor.); 1 tablespoon Red Food Coloring (Gel-based preferred.); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (Enhances the overall flavor profile.); 4 oz Cream Cheese (Must be softened.); 1 cup Holly Sprinkles (Optional decorative touch.)

As I whisked together the ingredients for these Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies, a warm, inviting aroma filled the kitchen, promising a treat that’s too good to resist. With a delightful blend of cocoa and rich vanilla, these festive cookies come alive with an unbeatable texture – chewy centers and beautifully ruffled edges. Perfect for your holiday gatherings, they’re not only easy to make but also guarantee smiles from friends and family alike. Plus, with a gluten-free option available, everyone can indulge in this delicious twist on a classic. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?

Unforgettable Flavor: The rich cocoa and aromatic vanilla combine to create a taste that lingers deliciously on your palate, making each cookie a true delight.
Unique Technique: The pan-banging method ensures beautifully ruffled edges, enhancing both texture and visual appeal.
Versatile Option: Whether you’re looking for a festive treat or a comforting dessert, these cookies fit the bill perfectly!
Easy to Make: With simple, accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.
Crowd-Pleasing: Bring these to your next holiday gathering, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “red velvet”! Don’t forget to check out these Brownie Mix Cookies for another easy yet delightful treat!

Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring a lighter texture.
• Fine Salt – Enhances flavor; you can use kosher salt if preferred.
• Cream of Tartar – Contributes to texture; optional but highly recommended.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps the cookies spread beautifully during baking.
• Egg – Binds all the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
• Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder – Essential for that deep chocolate flavor of the red velvet.
• Red Food Coloring – Gel-based preferred for achieving a vibrant red hue.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile of these delicious cookies.

For the Icing
• Cream Cheese – Must be softened; brings an extra layer of richness to the icing.
• Holly Sprinkles – An optional decorative touch to make these cookies festive for the season.

With these ingredients at hand, you’re all set to create unforgettable Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies that will have everyone clamoring for a second helping!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven heats, line three sheet pans with parchment paper, ensuring they are ready for your cookies. Carefully measuring each step ensures a smooth baking process, setting the stage for your delicious Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine salt, and cream of tartar, blending them well. This mixture provides the essential structure for your cookies. Set it aside, allowing the dry ingredients to shine when combined with the wet ingredients in your upcoming steps.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter until creamy, taking about 2 minutes. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, continuing to mix for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture for your Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Incorporate the egg, Dutch-process cocoa powder, red food coloring, and pure vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat the mixture together until it is well combined and smooth. This colorful step is where the iconic red velvet hue comes alive, lifting your spirits in the kitchen!

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined, avoiding over-mixing. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is normal for Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies. At this stage, you want to ensure all components are blended and ready for shaping into cookies.

Step 6: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out 3 oz balls of dough and space them evenly on your prepared sheet pans, leaving enough room for the cookies to spread during baking. This step guarantees that each cookie will be uniform in size and shape, ensuring delightful bites of red velvet goodness.

Step 7: Bake and Bang
Place the cookie-filled sheet pans in the preheated oven and bake for 13-16 minutes. Every few minutes, carefully bang the pans against the oven rack to create those signature ruffled edges. This unique technique is what makes these Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies truly special, enhancing their texture and appearance.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the sheet pans for about 10 minutes. They should be soft in the center and slightly underbaked to retain their chewiness. Once cooled, transfer them to a wire rack to continue cooling completely, giving you time to prepare the icing.

Step 9: Make the Icing
In a small saucepan, melt some unsalted butter over low heat, then whisk in softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy. This luscious icing adds a perfect finishing touch to each Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookie, making them even more irresistible.

Step 10: Decorate the Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely, dip half of each cookie into the creamy icing and sprinkle with holly sprinkles for a festive touch. Allow the icing to set before serving, ensuring that every bite is a delightful combination of chewy cookie and sweet icing, perfect for sharing at your holiday gatherings.

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; they’ll stay soft and chewy, perfect for snacking anytime.

Fridge: If iced, refrigerate the cookies for up to 7 days to maintain freshness, preventing the icing from melting or becoming too soft.

Freezer: Freeze Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.

Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; this will revive their delicious, chewy texture.

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth, creamy mixture that blends efficiently with the sugars, enhancing dough consistency.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
Use Gel Food Coloring: For a vibrant red hue, opt for gel-based food coloring instead of liquid to maintain a strong, beautiful color without affecting the cookie’s texture.
Manage Dough Stickiness: If your dough feels too sticky, simply refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle and shape into cookie balls.
Even Cookie Sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size for your Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies. This guarantees they bake evenly and look professional.

Make Ahead Options

These Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked cookies without the stress on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop out the dough onto parchment-lined sheets and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This not only helps maintain quality but also ensures they are just as delicious when baked fresh. Additionally, you can make the icing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just before serving, warm the icing slightly for easy dipping, and then decoratively sprinkle with holly sprinkles. By prepping ahead, you can have these delightful Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies ready to impress your family with minimal effort!

Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies your own! The sweet scent wafting through your kitchen is just the beginning of the fun.

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese for icing, keeping the creamy richness intact.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. The added texture pairs beautifully with the soft interiors.
Chocolate Lovers: Include chocolate chips for an extra layer of decadence. These create a lovely surprise in every bite—a real treat for chocolate aficionados!
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs while maintaining that classic flavor.
Flavored Icing: Infuse icing with almond or hazelnut extract for extra deliciousness. The nutty notes elevate your cookies to gourmet status.
Fruit Fusion: Add dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet-tart element. The pop of fruitiness brings extra festivity and intrigue to each cookie.

If you’re eager for more delightful cookie recipes, check out these Brownie Mix Cookies and Zebra Cookies Discover—your baking adventures await!

What to Serve with Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies

Indulge your festive spirit with delightful pairings that elevate these scrumptious cookies to new heights.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, rich texture of vanilla ice cream complements the chewy cookies beautifully and offers a delightful contrast in temperature. A scoop on the side warms up every bite and enhances the sweet chocolatey flavor.
Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of thick hot cocoa adds a velvety richness that pairs perfectly with the sweet and slightly tangy icing. It’s like a comforting hug on a chilly day!
Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk balances the sweetness of the cookies while enhancing their flavor. It’s a nostalgic and satisfying option that brings back childhood memories.
Coffee: The slight bitterness of a freshly brewed coffee complements the rich chocolate undertones of the cookies, providing a gourmet twist to your dessert experience.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai add a cozy touch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and soft cookies. This pairing evokes a sense of comfort and festivity.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries and citrus brightens up the dessert table, providing a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the rich, chocolatey cookies.
Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds an airy lightness and sweet creaminess that elevates each bite into a more luxurious treat.
Brownies: Serve alongside fudgy brownies for a stacked dessert experience that chocolate lovers won’t resist. The dual chocolate flavors make for an indulgent pairing!
Festive Spritz Cookies: Offer a colorful array with spritz cookies for variety. Their buttery flavor and crunch create a contrast that makes for an exciting cookie platter.

Devour these Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies with any of these delightful options for a well-rounded holiday treat that’s sure to impress!

Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, use unsalted butter that is at room temperature (about 65°F or 18°C) to ensure it creams well with the sugar. Make sure your egg is also at room temperature for better emulsification. This contributes to a delightful texture in your cookies.

How should I store the cookies and for how long?
You can store your Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. However, if they are iced, it’s best to refrigerate them for up to 7 days to keep the icing firm and prevent it from melting.

Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Red Velvet Pan-Banging Cookies for up to 3 months! Just layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up.

What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread more than desired, they may not have enough flour or were over-mixed. Ensure you measure your flour accurately and mix just until combined. Also, you can refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help control the spread.

Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
While these cookies contain gluten and dairy, you can easily adapt them for dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If you need a dairy-free version, use coconut oil in place of butter and dairy-free cream cheese for the icing. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure they fit your dietary requirements!