Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (2024)

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Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies are vibrate red, rich with chocolate flavor, and perfectly sweetened with white chocolate chips. These easy and festive sourdough cookies are slightly crispy on the edges with a chewy center and are the perfect dessert for all of your Valentine’s Day celebrations!

Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (1)

Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful twist on a classic favorite – our Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies.

Perfect for any time of year, these treats capture the essence of the beloved Red Velvet dessert in a portable, cookie form.

The subtle chocolate undertones in the dough elevate the experience, providing a satisfying balance of sweetness and depth. Inspired by the iconic flavor of Red Velvet Cake, these cookies offer a comforting and nostalgic taste that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Much like the beloved Red Velvet Cupcakes and the timeless appeal of Sourdough Red Velvet Cake, these cookies bring that same rich, vibrant hue and irresistible flavor to your table.

The addition of sourdough starter discard not only infuses a subtle tang but also contributes to a chewy texture that perfectly complements the cookie’s visual allure.

So, whether you’re craving a delightful treat for a special occasion or simply indulging in a bit of baking therapy, Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful choice that promises to satisfy your dessert cravings.

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Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (2)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Festive

If you’re looking for a simple way to add a little more love to your Valentine’s Day, these Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies are the way to do it! The vibrant red color will be perfect for any classroom party, kid’s lunch, staff room treat, or romantic date dessert.

Flavor

With just a few simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry, you will be able to create the sweetest, most chewy cookies! These Red Velvet Sourdough Cookies are rich in chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder and sweetened with white chocolate chips.

Easy

You can’t get easier than this red velvet cookie recipe! The dough comes together quickly in a stand mixer and the cookie dough only needs a short 30 minutes chill time before baking. These easy red velvet cookies are a sweet and simple way to celebrate the day of love, or any day for that matter!

Flour –I used all-purpose flour for this recipe.

Cocoa Powder –I prefer using unsweetened natural cocoa powder over Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Unsweetened natural cocoa powder has more acidity and helps to aid in these cookies’ natural red tint.

Baking Soda –Since we are using sourdough discard, baking soda will help to leaven these Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies.

Salt –Any unrefined salt will do, but my favorite isRedmond’s unrefined saltfor some extra minerals!

Butter –Unsalted butter adds a rich and creamy flavor to the cookies. Make sure it is at room temperature for easy mixing!

Sourdough Starter –For sweet recipes, like these cookies, I prefer to use sourdoughdiscard that is no older than two weeks.

Egg –Adds moisture to create the most delicious and chewy cookie!

Vanilla Extract –For the best flavor, I suggest using pure vanilla extract over imitation.

Red Food Coloring –To create a vibrant red color for this cake, I used liquid food coloring, but you can also use gel food coloring. Some have substituted this ingredient for strawberry or red beet powder or omittedit altogether.

Chocolate Chips –Absolutely! I love the pop of color white chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks have against the Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies, but milk or dark chocolate chips would be just as heavenly in this cookie dough.

Supplies

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

Baking Sheet

Parchment Paper

Cookie Scooper

Wire Rack

How to Make Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies

DRY INGREDIENTS

In a large bowl, gently whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set to the side.

WET INGREDIENTS:

In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter and the brown sugar together, for about 2 minutes, at medium speed.

Add the egg, scraping the sides of the bowl when necessary. Mix for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is soft and fluffy.

Stir in the sourdough discard, red coloring, and vanilla extract until combined.

Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (3)

COMBINE

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture while the mixer is stirring at low speed. Stop mixing when the flour is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, otherwise, the cookies will be dense.

Pour in the white chocolate chips and stir in by hand.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

BAKE

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees f and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Each cookie dough ball will be about 2 Tablespoons or 45g. Roll the portioned dough into a rounded ball shape, then place them at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the center is just soft and golden brown.

Helpful Hint: While baking, the cookies will puff up. Once they cool, the cookies will flatten.

While the cookies are cooling, top them with more white chocolate chips.

Keep the Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies on the parchment-lined baking sheet for an extra 5 minutes. Prepare the next batch of cookies during this time. Then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (4)

How to Store

Store leftover Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

You could also freeze cookie dough balls for an easy dessert in a pinch! Scoop 2 T of cookie dough and place it on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Place the baking sheeting in the freezer to quickly flash-freeze the cookie dough. Once solid, remove the frozen mounds off the baking sheet and store them in a freezer-safe bag until ready to bake. Bake for 2-3 extra minutes.

Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (5)

FAQs:

What kind of cocoa powder should I use for Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies?

I prefer using natural cocoa powder over Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Natural cocoa powder has more acidity and helps to aid in these cookies’ natural red tint. Natural cocoa powder also has a richer flavor.

Can I substitute chocolate chips for the white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! I love the pop of color white chocolate chips have against the Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies, but milk or dark chocolate chips would be just as heavenly in this cookie dough.

Why are my Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies cakey/not spreading at all?

The most common culprit for cakey cookies is too much flour. Therefore, I highly suggest using a kitchen scale when you are prepping this cookie dough. It will give you the most exact measurement of flour every single time. If you do not have a cookie scale, be sure to fluff the flour and place it into the measuring cup with a spoon. This will give you a more accurate measurement of flour.

Happy baking!

Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (6)

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Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (7)

Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe

Yield: 20 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 57 minutes

Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies are vibrate red, rich with chocolate flavor, and perfectly sweetened with white chocolate chips. These easy and festive sourdough cookies are slightly crispy on the edges with a chewy center and are the perfect dessert for all of your Valentine's Day celebrations!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (175g)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (3g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (3g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (240g)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard (140g)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (6g)
  • 2 teaspoon red food coloring (8g)
  • 1 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

DRY INGREDIENTS

In a large bowl, gently whisk together 1 1/4 c all-purpose flour, 1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set to the side.

WET INGREDIENTS:

In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream 1 stick of butter and 1 c brown sugar together, for about 2 minutes, at medium speed.

Add one egg, scraping the sides of the bowl when necessary. Mix for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is soft and fluffy.

Stir in 1/2 c sourdough discard, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tsp red coloring until combined.

COMBINE

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture while the mixer is stirring at low speed. Stop mixing when the flour is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, otherwise, the cookies will be dense.

Pour in 1 1/2 c white chocolate chips and stir in by hand.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

BAKE

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees f and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Each cookie dough ball will be about 2 Tablespoons or 45g. Roll the portioned dough into a rounded ball shape, then place them at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the center is just soft and golden brown.

Helpful Hint: While baking, the cookies will puff up. Once they cool, the cookies will flatten.

While the cookies are cooling, top them with more white chocolate chips.

Keep the Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies on the parchment-lined baking sheet for an extra 5 minutes. Prepare the next batch of cookies during this time. Then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

How to Store

Store leftover Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

You could also freeze cookie dough balls for an easy dessert in a pinch! Scoop 2 T of cookie dough and place it on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Place the baking sheeting in the freezer to quickly flash-freeze the cookie dough. Once solid, remove the frozen mounds off the baking sheet and store them in a freezer-safe bag until ready to bake. Bake for 2-3 extra minutes.

FAQs:

What kind of cocoa powder should I use for Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies?

I prefer using natural cocoa powder over Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Natural cocoa powder has more acidity and helps to aid in these cookies' natural red tint. Natural cocoa powder also has a richer flavor.

Can I substitute chocolate chips for the white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! I love the pop of color white chocolate chips have against the Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies, but milk or dark chocolate chips would be just as heavenly in this cookie dough.

Why are my Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies cakey/not spreading at all?

The most common culprit for cakey cookies is too much flour. Therefore, I highly suggest using a kitchen scale when you are prepping this cookie dough. It will give you the most exact measurement of flour every single time. If you do not have a cookie scale, be sure to fluff the flour and place it into the measuring cup with a spoon. This will give you a more accurate measurement of flour.

Did you make this recipe?

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Easy Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to sourdough? ›

The secret to sourdough is simple: water. The more water you add to your dough will affect how open the crumb (bigger holes and softer texture) will be once it's baked.

What are red velvet cookies made of? ›

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and red food coloring and mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed, just until combined.

Why bake with sourdough starter? ›

Sourdough starter is essential for making sourdough breads. The starter contains the wild yeasts and bacteria that will both leaven and flavor the bread.

How to bake packaged cookie dough? ›

HEAT oven to 350°F (or 325°F for nonstick cookie sheet). PLACE cookie dough rounds about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. BAKE 10 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown. COOL 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet.

What not to do with sourdough? ›

Here are the big errors to avoid when working with sourdough.
  1. You Bake Too Soon. ...
  2. You Use Unfiltered Tap Water. ...
  3. You Use Water That Is Too Hot or Too Cold. ...
  4. You're Impatient. ...
  5. You Don't Autolyse Your Dough. ...
  6. You Don't Let Gluten Develop Properly. ...
  7. You Don't Let the Bread Proof Long Enough. ...
  8. You Don't Form the Bread Correctly.
Apr 1, 2022

What is the best flour for sourdough bread? ›

High-protein white bread flour is one of the many classes of flour that can be used for baking sourdough bread.

Do you have to discard sourdough starter every time you feed it? ›

Do I have to discard my sourdough starter? It would be best if you discarded some portion of your starter each time you feed it unless you want to continue to let it grow. Eventually, you need to discard the used “food” (flour and water) that's been used to sustain your starter during the last fermentation period.

When should you not use sourdough starter? ›

After a few days, your daily 1/4 cup flour and water won't be enough to sustain your entire jar of starter, and your starter will be slow and sluggish, not much better than discard itself. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you want to bake with it.

Why do you chill sourdough before baking? ›

Ideally, you can proof sourdough in the fridge for up to 36 hours, or even longer if your dough will tolerate it. You don't want to have the gluten structure break down or for the dough to use up all of its energy before it hits the oven. This will result in poor oven spring.

How to doctor up store bought cookie dough? ›

No one will even suspect they're store-bought (and we won't tell anyone!).
  1. Add brown sugar. ...
  2. Experiment with extracts. ...
  3. Mix in different candies and snacks. ...
  4. Add espresso or coffee grounds. ...
  5. Deepen the flavors by refrigerating the dough. ...
  6. Salt before baking the cookies. ...
  7. Reduce baking time for extra soft cookies.

Should refrigerated cookie dough be brought to room temperature before baking? ›

You're aiming for a cookie that spreads.

Bake right after mixing or allow chilled dough to come back to room temperature before baking if you prefer a flat, crispy, or crunchy cookie.

Should I press down cookie dough before baking? ›

If the dough is chilled before baking then the cookies will be slightly more rounded, so if you want slightly flatter cookies then bake them as soon as you have mixed up the dough. But we would not recommend flattening the cookies completely as this will affect the texture.

What is the secret behind the sour of sourdough bread? ›

There are two main acids produced in a sourdough culture: lactic acid and acetic acid. Acetic acid, or vinegar, is the acid that gives sourdough much of its tang. Giving acetic acid-producing organisms optimal conditions to thrive and multiply will produce a more tangy finished product.

What makes sourdough bread better? ›

Sourdough relies on a mix of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, rather than baker's yeast, to leaven the dough. It's richer in nutrients, less likely to spike your blood sugar, contains lower amounts of gluten, and is generally easier to digest than bread made with baker's yeast.

What is the secret to fluffy sourdough? ›

Keeping the lid on for the first part of baking allows steam to expand between the gluten fibers to rise the bread and create a fluffy loaf. Step 4: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 12-14 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden brown. Once you take the lid off, the bread likely won't rise anymore.

What makes sourdough more or less sour? ›

Water temperature: The higher the temperature of fully kneaded dough, the more likely your resulting bread will be more (rather than less) sour. The principal way bakers can influence the temperature of fully kneaded dough is through the temperature of the water used to mix the dough.

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