Red Hot Cookies
Every time I make Red Hot Cookies, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, filled with the aroma of sweet treats baking in the oven. These cookies are not just a dessert; they are a memory wrapped in sugar and spice. I remember the first time I bit into one—my taste buds were met with the delightful crunch of candy mixed with the soft, buttery dough. It was an explosion of flavors that I knew I had to recreate. Now, each time I bake them, I relive that moment of joy, and I can’t help but share them with friends and family. They make any gathering feel warm and inviting, and everyone leaves wanting the recipe. You can’t help but smile when you see their vibrant red color peeking through a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a celebration in every bite!
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
20 mins
10 mins
Medium
120 kcal
1 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
6 g
Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet, Oven, Mixing Bowl
Why This Red Hot Cookies Is So Good
Irresistible Flavor Combination
There’s something truly magical about the combination of flavors in Red Hot Cookies. The surprising crunch of crushed red hots mingling with the soft, buttery cookie base creates a taste sensation that keeps everyone coming back for more. I love how the heat of the red hots contrasts with the sweetness of the sugar, offering a delightful twist that’s hard to resist. It’s that perfect balance of spicy and sweet that makes these cookies stand out from the crowd.
Fun to Make
Baking Red Hot Cookies is a fun activity, whether you’re doing it alone or with loved ones. The process of crushing the red hots is especially entertaining—there’s something satisfying about getting those little candies into a fine powder. Mixing the ingredients together is a sensory delight, and then rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar adds a touch of excitement that resembles a playful art project! Plus, watching them bake and turn into puffy clouds of deliciousness in the oven is simply rewarding.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply want to treat yourself after a long day, they fit every occasion perfectly. They can be made in large batches, and their vibrant color makes them eye-catching on any dessert table. I especially love serving them during festive seasons, where their bright color adds to the celebratory mood.
Easy to Customize
While the classic Red Hot Cookies are fantastic as they are, they’re also easy to customize. You can experiment with different types of red hots for varying heat levels or swap in other mix-ins like chocolate chips to create your own twist. You could even make them a bit more decadent by drizzling some melted chocolate on top once they cool. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to put your personal touch on a classic cookie.
Makes the Perfect Gift
If you’re looking for a unique gift, a batch of Red Hot Cookies is sure to impress. Just package them in a beautiful box or tin, and you have a thoughtful, homemade present that anyone will appreciate. It’s a delicious way to show someone you care.
Ingredients for Red Hot Cookies
When it comes to making Red Hot Cookies, the ingredients are not only simple, but they also work together to create something truly delightful. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. The key players include the ever-important butter which adds richness, the sugar which sweetens and creates that lovely cookie texture, and of course, the distinctive Red Hots that give these cookies their signature spicy kick. Let’s dive into the full list of ingredients that make these cookies unforgettable.
- 3 tbsp Red Hots, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 whole egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Preparation Steps for Red Hot Cookies
Making Red Hot Cookies is a delightful experience that brings a sense of joy to the kitchen. From the moment you start until you take that first bite, it’s a journey filled with sweet anticipation. Follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll have a delicious batch of cookies to share.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. This step is crucial as it prepares your baking environment. The right temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly, so don’t skip this part. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheets. Use light-colored trays for the best results; grease them with non-stick cooking spray, or line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Take the Red Hots and place them in a plastic food storage bag. This is a fun step! Use a rolling pin to crush the candies into smaller pieces. You want them to be well crushed but not turned into a powder. Set these aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture here, which usually takes about two to three minutes. Once it’s creamy and pale, add in the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until just incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is blending together well.
- In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients except for the powdered sugar. This includes the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give them a quick stir to mix thoroughly. Slowly add this to the wet ingredient mixture, mixing gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; you want it to be a little lumpy.
- Now, fold in the crushed Red Hots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the fun begins as the bright color and unique crunch of the candies mix into the soft, buttery dough.
- Next, pour the powdered sugar onto a large plate. Using a heaping teaspoon, roll the dough into balls and then roll those balls in the powdered sugar. This gives the cookies a lovely sweet coating that adds to their charm. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to barely brown and the tops look matte rather than shiny. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about three minutes. This cooling time is essential, as it allows them to set before transferring them to a cooling rack. After that, you can enjoy them warm or allow them to cool completely.
Things Worth Knowing
- Check the consistency: Make sure the dough is not too sticky or dry; it should hold together nicely while still being soft.
- Color matters: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should not get too brown; you want them to retain a pale, almost white appearance, with just a hint of golden on the bottom.
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make rolling them easier.
- Perfect timing: Every oven is different, so it’s a good idea to check on the cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time.
- Store wisely: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Change It Up
If you’re looking to shake things up a bit with your Red Hot Cookies, here are some fun ideas that can add a personal twist to this delightful recipe.
- Mix in chocolate: Consider adding some chocolate chips to the dough for a rich contrast to the spiciness of the Red Hots.
- Spice it up: If you’re a fan of heat, try increasing the amount of crushed Red Hots for an extra kick.
- Holiday flair: Add festive sprinkles or colored sugar to the top before baking to make them even more festive.
- Flavor enhancements: Using different flavored extracts, such as almond or peppermint, can add an interesting twist to the flavor profile.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Sandwich cookies: Consider making these cookies into sandwich cookies by adding a sweet cream filling in between two cookies.
What to Serve With Red Hot Cookies
When it comes to serving Red Hot Cookies, the options are as fun as the cookies themselves. They’re a unique treat that can be paired with various beverages and dishes.
- Milk: A classic pairing, a glass of cold milk perfectly complements the sweetness and spiciness of the cookies.
- Coffee: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness nicely.
- Ice cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert.
- Fruit platter: For a refreshing touch, offer a side of sliced fruits. The freshness contrasts well with the sweet cookies.
- Picnics: They make an excellent addition to any picnic basket, adding a sweet touch to a savory spread.
- Gift giving: Package them in a decorative box for a thoughtful gift to friends and loved ones, making them perfect for any occasion.
FAQ
Conclusion
What makes Red Hot Cookies so special is their delightful combination of flavors that brings joy to every bite. I encourage you to try making them for your next gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. They are sure to be a hit and will leave you with happy memories, just like they do for me.
Red Hot Cookies
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Red Hots crushed
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 whole egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. This step is crucial as it prepares your baking environment. The right temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly, so don’t skip this part. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheets. Use light-colored trays for the best results; grease them with non-stick cooking spray, or line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Take the Red Hots and place them in a plastic food storage bag. This is a fun step! Use a rolling pin to crush the candies into smaller pieces. You want them to be well crushed but not turned into a powder. Set these aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture here, which usually takes about two to three minutes. Once it’s creamy and pale, add in the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until just incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is blending together well.
- In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients except for the powdered sugar. This includes the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give them a quick stir to mix thoroughly. Slowly add this to the wet ingredient mixture, mixing gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; you want it to be a little lumpy.
- Now, fold in the crushed Red Hots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the fun begins as the bright color and unique crunch of the candies mix into the soft, buttery dough.
- Next, pour the powdered sugar onto a large plate. Using a heaping teaspoon, roll the dough into balls and then roll those balls in the powdered sugar. This gives the cookies a lovely sweet coating that adds to their charm. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to barely brown and the tops look matte rather than shiny. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about three minutes. This cooling time is essential, as it allows them to set before transferring them to a cooling rack. After that, you can enjoy them warm or allow them to cool completely.
Notes
- Tip: If using a darker nonstick baking tray, reduce baking time by about 2 minutes.
