why make this recipe
Red Hot Cookies are a fun and tasty treat that add a little kick to your usual cookie lineup. With a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, these cookies are sure to impress anyone you share them with. They’re great for parties, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to enjoy something unique. Plus, they are easy to make!
how to make Red Hot Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup red hot candies (crushed)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar for 2-3 minutes until fully combined.
- Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is fluffy.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. The mixture will be crumbly, so continue to beat until a cookie dough ball forms.
- Stir in the crushed red hot candies until they are evenly mixed into the dough.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Lightly tap the tops of each cookie with a spatula to prevent them from doming. This helps with even baking.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes until the edges are just starting to brown. Remove from the oven and use the back of a spoon to push any melted red hots or misshapen cookies back into place.
- Let the cookies cool on the pans for about 5 minutes, then move them to a parchment paper lined wire cooling rack to cool completely.
how to serve Red Hot Cookies
These cookies are delicious when served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or with a glass of milk. For an extra touch, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
how to store Red Hot Cookies
To store your Red Hot Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing.
tips to make Red Hot Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
- Crush the red hot candies lightly to avoid large chunks in the cookies.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; removing them from the oven when the edges are just starting to brown will keep them soft.
- Use a spatula to gently press down the tops before baking to help them spread evenly.
variation
If you want to switch things up, you can mix in some chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. You can also try using different flavored candies if you prefer a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it to bake later.
Q: Are these cookies spicy?
A: They have a slight kick from the red hots, but the sweetness balances it out. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of red hot candies.
