Thursday, December 10, 2009

Red Velvet …The Easy Way

I’ve been away from Foodie Friday too long..not that I haven’t been cooking. I am glad to be joining Michael again at Designs by Gollum. It’s been a long busy day here. The soup and salad luncheon was a success. The weather was very cold and just right for hot mugs of soup followed by dessert by a roaring fire…the real kind :)

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We love red velvet cake and there is nothing more festive for the holidays, but frankly, it’s a lot of trouble. I found this recipe that has all the taste and none of the three layer hassle. It was pronounced a hit by the luncheon group and put in my “keeper” file ! These cookies are slightly bigger than the usual cookie, but you can make them whatever size suits you.

Red Velvet Cookies

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 large eggs

2 Tbsp. liquid red food coloring

2 Tbsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup buttermilk

Parchment paper

Cream cheese frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first five ingredients in a bowl. Beat butter (separate bowl) at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar and beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat after each addition. Beat in food coloring and vanilla. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Beat on low speed until blended. Drop by 1/4 cupsful three inches apart onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spoon to spread into three inch rounds. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until tops are set. Cool on baking sheets for five minutes and transfer to wire racks until cooled completely. Spread cream cheese frosting onto cookie and garnish. Crumble one cookie into fine crumbs to use for garnish.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 ( 8 0z) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Dash of salt

16 oz powdered sugar

Beat first four ingredients until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat at low speed until smooth.

This recipe is long; don’t be intimidated. It couldn’t be easier!

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I thought you might enjoy seeing my co-hostess for the luncheon. I don’t know that I‘ll ask her again. She’s not much of a cook and hates doing dishes :). She does make up for it in her sense of fashion though! Click on the Foodie Friday button for more recipes and fun!

26 comments:

  1. Oh my...look at that little dress. My beagle girl won't even keep a sweater on, she would run away from home if I put her in a dress!

    The cookies sound great. I'm keeping this one. I'm making red velvet cupcakes for our first Christmas here on Saturday. I'm cheating and using a mix with homemade frosting. Your would taste better!

    Sue

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  2. Oh Susan, I must try that recipe! Thanks for sharing. As for doing the dishes, you just aren't doing it right ~ my little Shih Tzu Rosie will do them gladly, but only if I let her lick!! JK!!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  3. I'm making these for sure!! I love red velvet cake! And your cohostess is just fabulous dahling! love ya! Lauralu :)

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  4. I love the cookies, they look amazing. Sorry. Jessie stole the show. She is just adorable in her little frock. Hub won't let me put a dress on Little Buddy, so I will have to find him something suitably cute. I am glad that you had a wonderful day.

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  5. Awww!!! Look at that adorable doggy in her dress!!!! Don't blame her - If dressed up like that, why should she do dishes and help cook! :-)
    Those cookies look so good. Have never heard of Red Velvet cookies. Need to show that to my SIL - as he loves Red Velvet cake. Glad your luncheon was a hit. YES!!! It is COLD! :(

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  6. Mister is in LOVE. Isn't that the cutest dress, and what a darling model! I am so happy to have a recipe for Red Velvet cookies! I do love RV cakes, but they are daunting!
    Wish I could have come to the luncheon.

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  7. Susan, no wonder you asked your little hostess to be a part of your luncheon. Her cuteness factor is off the charts! Adorable, and she has great fashion sense. The cookies look great. I could have used them last week. I'll tag them to make for valentines day. Wouldn't they be a great dessert?
    Thanks!
    Yvonne

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  8. When I first opened your post and saw the pic, I thought, "Are these Red Velvet Cookies?" I've never had them, never heard of them, but the color is so distinctive. I am definitely making these for Christmas, but I already know I'm going to make them for my family reunion next year in Georgia. I'm printing it out now and adding it to my reunion file. Thanks!

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  9. I copied/paste this recipe, sounds/looks good and easy too!....

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  10. I love the idea of red velvet cookies. I'll have to give these a try :)

    Thanks for the visit. Visit often :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  11. Your cookies look wonderful! Never saw a recipe for Red Velvet Cookies before......I will be making them soon. Love the dress on your dog:)

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  12. The cookies are, of course, wonderful, but your hostess helper stole the show. That photo is just too cute for words. Have a great Foodie Friday.

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  13. Jessie is adorable in her sweet little Christmas dress!

    Your cookies look good. I've been wanting to try making some red velvet cake balls that I saw on another blog. Red velvet in any form is delish.

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  14. Wow, I've seen red velvet cakes and cupcakes, but this is my first cookie. Can't wait to try it. Oh, and your little hostess must have stolen the show. Too cute!!

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  15. Jessie is the cutest thing!!!
    When I was in college, my best friends mom would send red velvet cake and we would devour it in no time! Thank you so much for this cookie recipe. I want to try this soon. Hope you have a nice weekend.

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  16. Ahhhhhhhhh, she should come over and play with my Precious! I've always wanted to make a Red Velvet Cake, I've never even tasted one! I may try these.

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  17. They sound and look wonderful!
    I love plaid..:)

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  18. Hi Susan,

    Many thanks for sharing this recipe, I have not heard of Red Velvet cake before.
    How sweet your little co-hostess is in her pretty tartan frock... so cute!

    Happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  19. I was interested in the recipe but when I saw that dog - well, my heart melted. I so love my animals and seeing such a well loved and well cared for one always warms my heart. Give her a hug and kiss for me♥

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  20. I've never tried red velvet cake but I bet the cookies were delicious, especially if your little helper lent a hand.
    Maggie

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  21. I love red velvet cake and would like the cookies as well. They are so festive for the holiday. What an adorable little helper!

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  22. Susan, forget the cookies, look at your co-hostess in that Christmas dress!!! She's a show stealer for sure. What a cutie pie!

    Now, back to the cookies... they really look GREAT. Glad your party was fun.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  23. Susan, your co-hostess is an absolute doll! However did you get her to wear that precious Christmas dress and pose that way with her "hands" on the chair. I'm in love with her! I'm definitely going to try the cookies. laurie

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  24. Hi Susan, Ok, I'm thinking I MUST make these cookies. Love your little c-hostess!

    Bonnie

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  25. Can't wait to impress my friends wih the red velvet cookies. How clever!

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  26. love those cookies and I will make again, love the co hostess, I need her this season, do you think we can arrange that, love her dress...

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