Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies with Peppermint Kisses

Published December 12, 2012. Updated April 19, 2024

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Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies – a perfect holiday treat with it’s beautiful red color and festive peppermint flavor. They just scream Christmas with the way they look, smell, and taste. Whip these up for a Christmas cookie swap, holiday party, or neighbor gifts!

Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies

Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies

So when was it that peppermint became associated with the color red? Especially considering it comes from green leaves. Not sure who came up with the color choice but for some reason it’s as if it were meant to be.

If you ask me, the flavors of peppermint should most definitely be associated with the color red. They are vibrant, warm and bold just like the color red, and the obvious answer – the peppermint flavor always reminds me of the Christmas season. This got me thinking that their should be a peppermint red velvet dessert.

I saw these cookies on Pinterest (yes another Pinterest find, I’m an addict) and decided to make them in a peppermint version with a slightly more vibrant red for the holidays.

I simply reduced the cocoa powdered (and replaced the cocoa powder reduction with flour, hence the + 2 tbsp flour) and replaced the brown sugar with granulated sugar to reduce the brown hues in the cookie and I actually used 1 less tsp of the red food coloring because I didn’t think it needed a full tbsp.

I also didn’t think the cookies needed a full 12 minutes of baking, my first batch was so dry after baking for 12 minutes so the second I cut clear back to 8 and they were perfect. Moist and chewy on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside. Enjoy!

Christmas Cookie Recipes to Try

Do you go to Christmas cookie swaps? Exchange holiday treats with neighbors? Attend a lot of festive gatherings during December? I’ve got you. Here are a handful of my favorite Christmas cookies for you to try:

16 Quick & Easy 30 Minute Recipes! (plus weekly recipe updates)

5 from 2 votes

Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies with Peppermint Kisses

A perfect holiday treat with it's beautiful red color and festive peppermint flavor.
Servings: 36
Prep25 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Ready in: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt, set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together vegetable oil and sugar on medium speed until mixture is creamy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg. Add in food coloring, vinegar, vanilla extract and peppermint extract and mix until well blended.
  •  With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix just until combine. Roll dough into balls about 1 scant Tbsp each and place on Silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheets. Bake in preheated oven about 8 - 9 minutes. 
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool 30 seconds then lightly press 1 chocolate Kiss onto each cookie and immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. 
  • Allow Kisses on cookies to set at room temperature (or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until chocolate has set then return to room temperature before enjoying or enjoy warm out of the oven and slightly melted). Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • *Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes and don't remove from freezer until removing cookies from oven. If using Hugs or Milk Chocolate Kisses I would recommend increasing peppermint extract to a full 1 tsp.

Notes

Recipe Source: adapted slightly from
Cuisine at Home
Nutrition Facts
Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies with Peppermint Kisses
Amount Per Serving
Calories 112 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 56mg2%
Potassium 18mg1%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 7IU0%
Calcium 12mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

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21 Comments

  • Las Vegas Michael

    Hands down the best cookies ever! Eat them fresh or seal them in a container they are light and chewy or leave some out on the counter for a day and they get crispy and crunchy for those odd family members who like them that way. Not everyone like the peppermint kiss so I might do some with just a plain chocolate one or no kiss at all. The peppermint flavor in the cookie is just right. Not too much, just a hint. In fact I’m keeping this as my go to cookie recipe even without the kiss. In fact I want to try some with the icing from the “peppermint meltaway cookies” recipe.

  • Devon

    Just made these for a family event and they turned out fantastic, both in appearance and taste. I ran out of peppermint extract after just one teaspoon but they were still really red. I love this twist on a classic cookie!

  • Candice Wilson

    Hello,
    How far in advance can I make these cookies and have them still taste fresh? Thanks! I love all your recipes!

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      So glad to hear you like my recipes! I’d say with these cookies probably 3 days in advance for best results.

  • Riki

    We loved this recipe! I made it at home, with no planning so I didn’t have peppermint extract but I added crushed peppermints to the batter and it was delicious! Thanks for sharing!

    • Shawna

      These look amazing and I really want to make them but I don’t have a stand mixer Can you use a hand mixer with regular attachment for this recipe?

      • Jaclyn

        Jaclyn Bell

        That should be fine. Then if dough gets to thick when adding flour you can continue to stir by hand.

  • Jo

    Do you have a recommendation for cocoa powder? I used the Hershey’s extra special and our cookies turn out more purple than bright red.

  • Bridgit

    Jaclyn,

    I am in love with your website. I have yet to make one of your recipes that isn’t a big hit. Everything always turns out just like your pictures, and my family always loves it. I especially like that your ingredients are never unusual, but yet somehow the result is something so tasty and classy. Thank you for making my life easier in the kitchen!

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      Thanks so much for your nice comment Bridgit! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the recipes!