Red Hot Cookies Recipe

If you are craving something truly unique and bursting with a little kick, the Red Hot Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These cookies bring together the comforting sweetness of a classic sugar cookie with an exciting little pop of spicy cinnamon heat from crushed Red Hot candies—creating a delightful flavor combination that keeps you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion, sharing with friends, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is guaranteed to warm hearts and taste buds alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Red Hot Cookies lies in their simplicity and the perfect balance of ingredients that give them their distinct flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter to the spicy crunch of the candies, coming together to form these unforgettable treats.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): Provides a creamy base and helps achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly, caramelizing slightly during baking for a golden edge.
• 2 egg yolks: Adds richness and binds the dough together for a chewy yet soft bite.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Lends warmth and depth to balance the cinnamon heat.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation, giving structure and bulk to your cookies.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the dough slightly to keep your cookies light and airy.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from being overpowering.
• ½ cup red hot candies, crushed: The star ingredient that scatters bursts of spicy cinnamon heat throughout every bite.

How to Make Red Hot Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to get the heat just right so your cookies bake evenly. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready before mixing keeps the process smooth and stress-free!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it aerates the mixture, resulting in light, fluffy cookies with a tender crumb. You’ll notice the texture change to a pale and smooth consistency, signaling that you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg yolks and pure vanilla extract until the batter is fluffy and well combined. These ingredients enrich the dough, layering in deeper flavors and a silky texture that will make each bite irresistible.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now for the foundation! Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt to the bowl. Initially, the dough will look crumbly, but keep beating until it forms a cohesive ball. This is when you’ll get just the right consistency to scoop and shape your cookies without them falling apart.

Step 5: Stir in the Crushed Red Hot Candies

Gently fold in the crushed Red Hot candies, spreading those delightful bursts of cinnamon heat evenly throughout the dough. This step brings the recipe to life, turning ordinary cookies into a festive, flavor-packed batch that’s both sweet and spicy.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet. Then, gently tap the tops of each cookie with a spatula to flatten them slightly and prevent doming. This little trick ensures your cookies bake evenly and have a beautiful shape.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Bake your cookies for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges just start to brown, signaling they’re perfectly done. As soon as they come out of the oven, use the back of a spoon to push any melted red hots back into place if they’ve shifted, and reshape any cookies that look misshapen. Let them cool for about 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Red Hot Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of powdered sugar on top or adding a small drizzle of white chocolate. These garnishes complement the spicy cinnamon flavor beautifully and make your cookies look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk to balance the heat or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea, making them perfect for cozy afternoons.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual Red Hot Cookies in decorative cellophane bags tied with a bright ribbon for gifting. For parties, arrange them on a platter with cinnamon sticks and mini marshmallows for a charming holiday display that invites everyone to enjoy the spicy sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Red Hot Cookies will stay fresh if stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps the cookies soft while maintaining the candy’s delightful crunch inside.

Freezing

If you want to savor these spicy treats later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen Red Hot Cookies, thaw them at room temperature and then warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes. This revives their freshly-baked warmth perfectly, along with that exciting tingle from the cinnamon candies.

FAQs

Can I use other candies instead of Red Hot candies?

While the signature cinnamon heat comes from Red Hot candies, you can experiment with similar cinnamon-flavored candies. Just be mindful of sweetness and spice levels, as they may alter the classic flavor profile.

Why are egg yolks used instead of whole eggs?

Egg yolks contribute richness and moisture that help create a chewier cookie texture. Using yolks instead of whole eggs results in a more tender and decadent bite, which pairs beautifully with the spicy candy.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that measures cup for cup works well. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can lightly grease your baking sheet with butter or nonstick spray, but parchment paper is best for even baking and easy cleanup, especially with sticky Red Hot candies melting on top.

How spicy are these cookies?

The spice level is moderate and pleasantly surprising. The crushed Red Hot candies offer a warm cinnamon heat that adds excitement without overpowering the sweet, buttery cookie base—perfect for all spice lovers!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Red Hot Cookies Recipe that makes it stand out from the usual cookie repertoire. The blend of sweet, soft cookie with fiery cinnamon candy bits creates a festive treat that’s impossible not to enjoy. I encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll find it’s a spicy-sweet hug in cookie form that’s perfect for sharing and savoring, anytime you want a little extra warmth in your day.

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