Few desserts feel as instantly festive, romantic, and downright irresistible as Easy Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Hearts. With their deep crimson color, soft-baked texture, and creamy white chocolate center, these cookies are designed to turn heads before anyone even takes a bite. They’re the kind of treat that feels bakery-worthy yet approachable enough for a casual home baking session.

Red velvet has long been associated with celebrations, love, and indulgence. Traditionally found in cake form, red velvet translates beautifully into cookies—especially when paired with sweet white chocolate hearts that melt slightly into the warm dough. The result is a cookie that’s chewy on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and visually stunning without requiring advanced baking skills.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. These cookies come together in one bowl, require minimal chilling, and bake quickly. That makes them ideal for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, holiday cookie boxes, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special but doesn’t take all day to make. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing treats for a party, or just craving something red velvet-inspired, this recipe delivers every single time.

Another reason these cookies shine is their balance of flavor. A touch of cocoa powder adds that classic red velvet depth without overpowering the sweetness. Vanilla rounds everything out, while the white chocolate hearts bring a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the subtle chocolate notes. The texture is soft, rich, and indulgent—exactly what a red velvet dessert should be.

These Easy Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Hearts are also incredibly versatile. You can dress them up with sprinkles, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or keep them simple and elegant. They store well, freeze beautifully, and make fantastic edible gifts. Once you bake them, don’t be surprised if they become a permanent part of your dessert rotation.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
1 cup white chocolate hearts (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until fully combined and evenly colored.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Gently fold in the white chocolate hearts.
Scoop the dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Immediately press an extra white chocolate heart into the center of each warm cookie.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies

Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red without thinning the dough.
Do not overbake—red velvet cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven.
Press the white chocolate hearts in while the cookies are still warm so they adhere smoothly.

Fun Variations

Cream Cheese Filled: Add a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the center before baking.
Double Chocolate: Mix in white chocolate chips and drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking.
Holiday Twist: Swap heart shapes for seasonal chocolates for Christmas or birthdays.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies slightly warm with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a creamy latte. They also look beautiful packaged in clear treat bags tied with red ribbon—perfect for gifting or bake sales.

Why Red Velvet Is So Loved

Red velvet desserts originated in the early 20th century and became iconic for their subtle cocoa flavor and dramatic color. Today, red velvet symbolizes celebration and indulgence, making it the perfect base for a cookie that’s meant to impress without intimidation.