Vegan Red Velvet Cookies
These Vegan Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, merging the rich, decadent flavors of red velvet cake with the convenience of a cookie. With a soft and chewy interior, these cookies will surely impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are a must-try.
Imagine the bright red hue of these cookies complemented by the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips. The best part? They are completely vegan, making them suitable for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the details that will make your baking experience a success!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Vegan Red Velvet Cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. The combination of dark brown sugar and granulated sugar gives them a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cocoa powder. The addition of white chocolate chips adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. These cookies are perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or just a cozy night in. Plus, the vibrant color makes them a showstopper on any dessert table!
Ingredient Notes
To ensure your Vegan Red Velvet Cookies turn out perfectly, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need:
- Vegetable oil: I used sunflower oil, which keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- Dark brown sugar: This adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and to help with the cookie’s structure.
- Apple sauce: Unsweetened apple sauce acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Cinnamon: Optional but recommended for a warm, spicy note.
- All-purpose flour: You can use a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
- Cocoa powder: All-natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed) is essential for that rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking soda: Provides lift and helps the cookies rise.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- White chocolate chips: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Red food coloring: Gives the cookies their signature red hue.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Spatula: For folding in the white chocolate chips.
- Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning out the cookie dough evenly.
- Oven thermometer: Ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
Vegan Red Velvet Cookies — Do This Next
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Vegan Red Velvet Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sunflower oil, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of unsweetened apple sauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of all-natural cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (if using). Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Color the Dough
Add 3 teaspoons of red food coloring to the dough. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 5: Fold in White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Vegan Red Velvet Cookies with a glass of almond milk or your favorite plant-based beverage!
Adaptations for Special Diets
If you need to make adjustments for specific dietary needs, here are some suggestions:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Nut-Free: Ensure that your white chocolate chips are nut-free and use sunflower oil instead of nut oils.
- Less Sweet: Omit the white chocolate chips or substitute with dark chocolate chips for a less sweet option.
Avoid These Traps
While making Vegan Red Velvet Cookies, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder will change the flavor and color of the cookies. Stick with all-natural cocoa powder.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can throw off the balance of the recipe. Use proper measuring tools.
- Don’t skip the cooling step! Letting them cool properly helps them maintain their shape and flavor.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Vegan Red Velvet Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Reader Q&A
Can I substitute the apple sauce with something else?
Yes! You can use mashed bananas or a plant-based yogurt as a substitute for apple sauce, keeping in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you don’t have red food coloring, you can use beet juice or powder for a natural alternative, although it may result in a different shade of red.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for the best results.
How do I make these cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, try adding a bit more apple sauce or reducing the flour slightly. Baking them for a shorter time can also help retain moisture.
Because You Liked This
If you enjoy these Vegan Red Velvet Cookies, you might also like:
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful treat that will bring joy to your dessert table. With their rich flavor, soft texture, and eye-catching color, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re easy to make and customize to fit your dietary needs. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a batch of these scrumptious cookies. Happy baking!
Vegan Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sunflower oil, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of unsweetened apple sauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: To the wet mixture, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of all-natural cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (if using). Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 4: Add 3 teaspoons of red food coloring to the dough. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Step 5: Gently fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked.
- Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Vegan Red Velvet Cookies!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before enjoying.
