There's something magical about biting into a pink velvet cookie—soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with a subtle hint of vanilla and cocoa. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet, offering the same rich flavors in a cheerful pink hue that's perfect for special occasions or just to brighten your day.

I first made these cookies for a Valentine’s Day gathering, and they were such a hit that they've become a year-round favorite in our home. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving something special, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Pink Velvet Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these cookies that are as fun to bake as they are to eat. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

1. Stunning Presentation
The soft pink color makes these cookies perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or holidays like Valentine’s Day. They're as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious!

2. Irresistibly Soft and Chewy
The texture of these cookies is simply dreamy. Thanks to the perfect balance of butter and a hint of cream cheese, every bite is tender and melts in your mouth.

3. Easy to Make
This recipe requires simple pantry staples and minimal prep. From mixing to baking, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes!

4. Kid-Friendly and Fun
Kids love the playful pink color, and they’ll have a blast helping you roll the dough into sugar for that sparkly finish. Baking these cookies is a family-friendly activity everyone will enjoy.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these cookies are a foolproof way to bring a little extra joy to your dessert table.

Ingredient Notes

The magic of pink velvet cookies lies in their simple ingredients, each contributing to their irresistible flavor and texture.

1. Butter
Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for a rich and creamy base. Butter adds that signature tenderness and buttery flavor you want in a cookie.

2. Cream Cheese
Just a small amount of softened cream cheese enhances the cookies' texture, giving them a slight tang and keeping them moist for days.

3. Granulated Sugar
This recipe uses granulated sugar for sweetness and helps create the perfect chewy texture when combined with the butter and cream cheese.

4. Pink Food Coloring
To achieve the vibrant pink hue, a few drops of gel food coloring work best. Gel coloring gives a more intense color without thinning the dough.

5. Cocoa Powder
A touch of unsweetened cocoa powder brings the classic velvet flavor. It’s subtle but essential to the recipe's unique taste.

6. Cornstarch
Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch ensures the cookies stay soft and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.

You’ll also need basic pantry staples like eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and baking powder. For the finishing touch, roll the dough in powdered sugar before baking for a crackled, sparkling effect.

Special Equipment: A hand or stand mixer makes creaming the butter, sugar, and cream cheese easier, but you can mix by hand with a little extra effort.

How to Make Pink Velvet Cookies

Baking these cookies is as easy as it is fun. Here’s how to bring them to life:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

2. Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter, 2 ounces cream cheese, and 1 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a few drops of pink gel food coloring. Adjust the color until you achieve the perfect pink hue.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

5. Roll in Sugar

Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball in powdered sugar for a beautiful crackled appearance.

6. Bake and Cool

Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage Options

These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked feel.

Variations and Substitutions

These cookies are as versatile as they are delicious! Here are some ideas to make them your own:

1. Red Velvet Version
Swap the pink food coloring for red to create traditional red velvet cookies.

2. Chocolate Lover’s Twist
Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.

3. Sprinkle Fun
Roll the dough in pink or multicolored sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for a festive twist.

4. Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. The cookies will still bake up soft and chewy.

5. Cream Cheese Glaze
Drizzle the cookies with a simple cream cheese glaze made from powdered sugar, cream cheese, and a splash of milk for added decadence.

These pink velvet cookies are the perfect combination of charm and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to delight. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake some magic!