Indulge in Homemade Excellence: The Ultimate Red Velvet Levain Cookies Recipe

Prepare to be captivated by our extraordinary recipe for super-thick, intensely flavorful Red Velvet Levain Cookies. These homemade bakery-style delights strike the perfect balance between classic red velvet richness and a subtle hint of cocoa, all crafted from scratch. If you’re ready to elevate your baking game and create cookies that rival those from famous bakeries, you’ve come to the right place. Get set to experience a truly addictive treat!

Each colossal cookie promises a symphony of textures: delightfully crisp edges, a satisfyingly chewy exterior, and an irresistibly gooey, soft center. Whether you choose to fold in luscious white chocolate chips or crown them with a dreamy marshmallow frosting, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new favorite. They’re so incredibly good, one batch might not be enough!

We believe in versatility and enjoyment, which is why we often prepare these gems in two delightful ways from a single batch! Half are studded generously with creamy white chocolate chips, while the other half are lovingly topped with our incredible homemade marshmallow cream frosting. The result? Pure bliss! You simply won’t be able to get enough of these.

What Makes These Red Velvet Levain Cookies Irresistible?

These aren’t just any red velvet cookies; they are an experience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your baking repertoire:

• Effortless Baking: No Chilling Required (Mostly)! We know that sometimes, patience is a virtue you just don’t have when a cookie craving strikes. This recipe allows you to whip up a batch of these delectable cookies straight away, with no lengthy dough chilling needed. If you prefer to prepare ahead, simply scoop your cookie dough balls before refrigerating them in a sealed container for later baking.
• A Perfectly Romantic Red Hue: Achieve that iconic, deep crimson color that red velvet is famous for. By using a high-quality red food coloring, your cookies will boast a stunning, vibrant shade, making them absolutely perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s celebrations, or even the 4th of July! Their visual appeal is undeniable.
• Customizable Chocolate Add-ins: Whether you’re a fan of the classic pairing with white chocolate chips, a lover of rich dark chocolate, or prefer the creamy indulgence of milk chocolate, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to mix and match or even combine different types of chocolate chips and chunks for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• The Perfect Frosting Companion: Our easy homemade marshmallow frosting is the ideal partner for these red velvet beauties. Its light, fluffy, and sweet profile perfectly complements the subtly chocolatey, tangy cookie base. For an added festive touch, sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles or delicate chocolate shavings!
• Jumbo Size, Jumbo Flavor: This recipe yields 10-12 generously sized, jumbo cookies that are designed for maximum indulgence. Their substantial size means more to love, making them even more satisfying than standard cookies. Be warned, they are incredibly addictive – you might want to double the batch if you’re sharing with a crowd!

Understanding the Levain Cookie Phenomenon

Our red velvet cookies are crafted in the style of the famed Levain Bakery, known for its colossal, thick, and incredibly delicious cookies. This distinctive style isn’t just about size; it’s about a specific approach to baking that results in their signature texture and rich flavor profile.

The Secret to Their Impressive Thickness: A key characteristic of Levain-style cookies is their remarkable thickness, which we achieve by carefully adjusting the sugar-to-flour ratio. Sugar is a primary factor influencing how much a cookie dough spreads during baking. By slightly reducing the sugar relative to the flour, we ensure that these cookies maintain their height and don’t flatten out excessively in the oven. Additionally, using cool, rather than softened, butter helps to create a firmer dough that holds its shape, contributing to that desirable thick and chewy texture.

Perfect Portioning for Bakery-Style Results: For truly authentic Levain-style cookies, we recommend using approximately ¼ cup of dough per cookie, or a generously full ice cream scoop. This generous portioning is crucial for achieving their iconic jumbo size and ensuring that the centers remain wonderfully gooey. While you can certainly make them larger (up to ⅓ or even ½ cup, with adjusted baking times), or opt for smaller versions, the jumbo size is what truly defines the Levain experience. Smaller cookies will still be thick and chewy, but they won’t have the same dramatic, defined structure as their larger counterparts.

Essential Ingredients for Your Red Velvet Masterpiece

Crafting these extraordinary cookies begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor, texture, and vibrant color.

For the Red Velvet Levain Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure for our thick cookies.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: A touch of cocoa is essential for the classic red velvet flavor, adding depth without making them overtly chocolatey. Brands like Hershey’s work beautifully.
• Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, crucial for a soft rise and perfectly chewy texture.
• Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for extra softness and chewiness, preventing the cookies from becoming too crispy.
• Unsalted Butter (Cool Temperature, Not Softened): This is key! Using cool butter helps maintain the cookies’ shape and thickness, contributing to the distinct Levain texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the chewy quality.
• Granulated Sugar: Contributes to the overall sweetness and helps create those delightful crisp edges.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, adding structure and richness to the dough.
• Red Food Coloring (Super Red Soft Gel is Amazing!): Essential for achieving that signature, vibrant red velvet color. Gel colors are highly recommended for intense pigmentation without thinning the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements both the cocoa and red velvet notes.
• White Chocolate Chips: The traditional pairing for red velvet, adding creamy sweetness. Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even chocolate chunks as a delicious alternative.

For the Easy Marshmallow Frosting:

This light and airy frosting perfectly complements the rich cookies.

• Salted Butter (Softened): Provides the creamy base for the frosting. If using unsalted, you’ll add a pinch of salt separately.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives the frosting its smooth texture and sweetness. Adjust to your preferred consistency.
• Marshmallow Creme: The star ingredient that gives this frosting its distinctive fluffy texture and delightful marshmallow flavor. Add generously for an intense marshmallow experience!
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet and creamy notes of the frosting.

Mastering the Art of Red Velvet Levain Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of bakery-quality red velvet cookies at home:

1. Prepare Your Baking Environment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with a silicone mat or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and cornstarch until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the cool unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes. Mix until the sugars are well incorporated into the butter and the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the cookie’s texture.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and the color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Slowly add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just a few streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: If you’re adding white chocolate chips (or any other mix-ins), gently fold them into the dough using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop and Space: Using a ¼ cup measure, a large cookie scoop, or an ice cream scoop, portion out the dough. Place the scooped dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. This recipe typically yields 10-12 jumbo cookies.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for approximately 17 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still appear soft and slightly underbaked. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool. When in doubt, it’s better to underbake slightly for a chewier center.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them as is, or prepare your marshmallow frosting for a truly decadent treat!

How to Make Dreamy Marshmallow Frosting

This simple yet spectacular frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful texture to your red velvet cookies.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened salted butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow creme, and vanilla extract. (If using unsalted butter, add ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of fine salt to balance the sweetness).
2. Beat Until Creamy: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it is smooth, light, and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar.
3. Chill and Apply: Store the frosting in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Once cooled, you can spread it onto your Red Velvet Levain Cookies with a spatula or pipe it on using a piping bag for a more decorative finish.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While these Red Velvet Levain Cookies are phenomenal on their own, don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins and toppings to suit your taste or occasion!

• Chocolate Lover’s Paradise: Beyond white chocolate chips, consider dark chocolate chunks for a more intense cocoa experience, milk chocolate chips for classic sweetness, or even a mix of all three for a truly decadent cookie.
• Nutty Indulgence: Add finely chopped nuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor. Pistachios can lend a beautiful festive color for holidays, while walnuts or pecans offer a classic, comforting taste. Toasting the nuts lightly beforehand can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Seasonal Sprinkles and Toppings: Elevate your frosted cookies with a sprinkle of festive colors for holidays, edible glitter for a touch of sparkle, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for sophisticated flair. Crushed candy canes can be a fun addition for Christmas!

Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Levain Cookies

Achieve bakery-quality results every time with these simple baking tips:

• Do Not Overmix: Once the flour mixture is added, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, dense cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
• Quality Red Food Coloring Matters: For the most vibrant red color, invest in a good quality gel food coloring. Liquid food coloring can require larger quantities, potentially altering the dough’s consistency.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to gooey centers is to take the cookies out of the oven when they still look slightly underbaked in the middle. They will continue to cook from residual heat as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up and prevents them from breaking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients (Mostly): While the butter for the cookies is cool, ensure your egg is at room temperature. This helps it emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother dough. For the frosting, softened butter is a must for a creamy texture.

Storing Your Red Velvet Levain Cookies

Proper storage ensures your delicious cookies remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible:

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If frosted, they are best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days due to the perishable nature of the frosting.
• Refrigerator: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Frosted cookies should also be refrigerated and will keep for about 3-5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, both baked and unbaked cookie dough balls freeze beautifully.
  • Baked Cookies: Allow fully baked cookies to cool completely. Store them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for a “freshly baked” experience.
  • Unbaked Dough: Scoop the cookie dough into balls and flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

In conclusion, these Red Velvet Levain Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. With their bold, rich taste, luxuriously soft and chewy texture, and stunning crimson color, they are guaranteed to impress. The satisfaction of biting into a thick, gooey center, complemented by crisp edges, is truly unmatched.

As the ultimate symbol of romance and indulgence, these red velvet cookies are the perfect way to express affection to a loved one or simply treat yourself to something truly special. Don’t hesitate to bake a batch; everyone deserves a little love, and these sweet, homemade treasures are the perfect way to show it!

More Decadent Red Velvet Dessert Ideas

If you’re as enamored with red velvet as we are, explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Red Velvet Cream Cheese Poke Cake
• Valentine Red Velvet Party Blast Cookie Pie
• Red Velvet Cookie Bars
• 25 Drool Worthy Red Velvet Dessert Recipes
• Mini Red Velvet Brownies
• Valentine’s Day Round Up of Desserts
• “American Beauty” Retro Red Velvet Cake
• Red Velvet Cake Donuts
• Red Velvet Luv Truffles
• Easy Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Brownies – 5 Ingredients

Red Velvet Levain Cookies

Recipe by Kim Lange

These easy, super-thick, and delicious Red Velvet Levain Cookies feature the perfect balance of red velvet flavor with a touch of cocoa, all made from scratch. Expect crisp edges, a chewy texture, and gooey, soft centers – truly addictive!

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
17 mins

Course:
Dessert

Servings:
10-12 Cookies

Ingredients

Red Velvet Levain Cookies

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (like Hershey’s)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (cool temperature, not softened)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (super red soft gel is amazing!)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or any add-ins you wish)

Easy Marshmallow Frosting

• ½ cup salted butter (softened)
• 1 to 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 7 ounce jar marshmallow creme
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Red Velvet Levain Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 large baking sheets with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and cornstarch in a medium bowl; set aside.
3. Using a mixer, beat butter and sugars for 1–2 minutes until well combined. Add eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla, and mix on medium-low speed.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips, if using, with a rubber spatula.
5. Scoop 1/4-cup portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart (makes 10–12 jumbo cookies).
6. Bake for 17 minutes, or until cookies are soft to the touch around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Easy Marshmallow Frosting

1. Beat softened butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow creme, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. If using unsalted butter, add ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt.
2. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar if needed to thicken, or a tablespoon of milk if needed to thin it out.
3. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Frost on cooled cookies with a spatula or add to a piping bag and frost decoratively.

Keywords: chocolate chip, cookies, marshmallow, marshmallow frosting, red velvet, white chocolate, Levain cookies, thick cookies, homemade cookies