Red Hot Cookies Recipe That Will Spice Up Your Baking

There’s something irresistible about cookies that have a spicy kick, and Red Hot Cookies deliver exactly that! These vibrant, cinnamon-flavored treats combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with a warm, fiery twist that tantalizes your taste buds.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want a fun, unique snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. The bright red color not only looks festive but also hints at the spicy cinnamon flavor inside.

Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all levels.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating soft, chewy cookies that balance sweetness and spice beautifully. The addition of red food coloring makes them stand out on any cookie platter, making them ideal for parties, gifts, or just treating yourself.

Ready to spice up your baking game? Let’s dive into how to make these delightful Red Hot Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red Hot Cookies are more than just a cookie—they’re an experience. The unique combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for cold weather or anytime you want a little heat in your treat.

These cookies are soft and chewy with just the right amount of spice, making them addictive from the first bite.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your taste by increasing or decreasing the cinnamon, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

The festive red color makes these cookies perfect for holiday celebrations, but they’re just as delightful any time of year.

Plus, this recipe uses common pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques, so even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing cookies for a special occasion, these Red Hot Cookies will impress everyone.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
• ½ cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (at least 2)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for cinnamon sugar mixture
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning dough

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar: using an electric mixer or hand whisk, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg, vanilla, and red food coloring: beat until fully incorporated and the dough takes on a vibrant red hue.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients: add the flour mixture in batches, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Prepare the cinnamon sugar: in a small bowl, mix ½ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for rolling the dough.
7. Shape the cookies: use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form balls of dough, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
8. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet. For a crunchier texture, bake a minute or two longer.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the dough for extra warmth and complexity.
• Chocolate twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate on top once cooled for a sweet and spicy combo.
• Natural coloring: Substitute red food coloring with beet juice powder for a natural alternative.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Red Hot Cookies are delightful on their own with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. Their spicy warmth complements creamy beverages perfectly, making them a cozy snack for chilly afternoons.

For a festive dessert platter, serve alongside classic sugar cookies or gingerbread men to offer a range of flavors and textures. You can also crumble these cookies over vanilla ice cream or layer them in parfaits with whipped cream and fresh berries for a spicy-sweet twist.

These cookies are perfect for gifting too—pack them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade treat that friends and family will love.

Conclusion

Red Hot Cookies bring a wonderful fusion of sweet and spicy to your baking repertoire. Their vibrant color and warm cinnamon flavor make them a standout choice for any occasion, from holiday parties to everyday treats.

This recipe’s simplicity means you can enjoy baking without fuss while still impressing with the unique, festive cookies you create.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and highly rewarding. Experiment with the spice levels and add-ins to make the cookies your own.

Once you try these, they’ll become a go-to for when you want that cozy, spicy-sweet treat. Happy baking!

Looking for more delightful baking ideas? Check out these recipes: Classic Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, and Snickerdoodle Cookies for delicious inspiration!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Red Hot Cookies”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Spicy and sweet cookies with a cinnamon kick, perfect for holiday treats. These cookies combine the warmth of red hot candies with a soft, chewy texture.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT12M”, “totalTime”: “PT27M”, “recipeYield”: “24 cookies”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup unsalted butter, softened”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “1/2 cup brown sugar, packed”, “2 large eggs”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 teaspoon baking soda”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper”, “1 cup crushed Red Hots candies”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in crushed Red Hots candies.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “2 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “22 g”}}