Red glitter cookies
Add a touch of sparkle to your holiday baking with these stunning Red Glitter Cookies! This easy recipe transforms classic sugar cookies by rolling them in red crystal sugar for a dazzling, glittering effect that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas cookie exchanges, or any festive occasion. Simple to make ahead and utterly delicious
These Red Glitter Cookies aren’t just stunning—they’re absolutely delicious and sure to delight everyone’s taste buds!
Made with a simple sugar cookie dough rolled in vibrant red crystal sugar before baking, they get their dazzling sparkle from this easy extra step. We started with our favorite refrigerator sugar cookie recipe and transformed it into these gorgeous, glittery treats.
They’re incredibly simple to make, and perfect for busy schedules. If you can’t bake them all in one day, just prepare the dough ahead—refrigerate it for later use, or freeze the wrapped log for up to 2-3 months. Slice, coat, and bake whenever you’re ready!
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These easy-to-bake sparkle cookies are the perfect festive touch. They are ideal for a sweet Valentine’s Day surprise or to shine at your Christmas cookie exchange. Rolled in vibrant red coarse sugar crystals before baking, they emerge with a stunning, sparkling red finish that makes them utterly irresistible. Sometimes, a simple extra step like this can truly elevate any treat. And these glittering cookies are proof that effortless baking can produce beautifully impressive results!
Red Glitter Cookie Recipe:
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red sugar crystals
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing Bowls
- Mixer
- Dough Mat
- Clear Wrap
- Parchment Paper or silicone baking mats
- Baking Sheets
- Cookie Cooling Racks
🥣 Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough thoroughly: After forming the dough into a log and wrapping it, refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). This makes it easier to slice clean, even cookies and helps them hold their shape while baking.
- Get maximum sparkle: Pour plenty of red sugar crystals onto a plate, roll the entire chilled log in them first, then after slicing, gently press the top and sides of each cookie into the sugar for full, even coverage and that dazzling glitter effect.
- Make ahead for convenience: The dough can be prepared in advance—refrigerate for up to a few days or freeze the wrapped log for 2-3 months. Just thaw slightly before slicing and coating in sugar when you’re ready to bake.
How to make these Sparkle Cookies:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue beating until fully incorporated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until everything is completely combined and a soft dough forms.
- Once the dough is mixed, lightly knead it for about 1 minute until smooth. Shape it into a log (about 2 inches in diameter), wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to firm up.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Spread a generous amount of red sugar crystals onto a dinner plate.
- Remove the chilled cookie log from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and roll the entire log in the sugar crystals to coat the outside evenly.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds.
- For extra sparkle, gently press the top and sides of each sliced cookie into the remaining sugar crystals to ensure they’re fully coated.
- Arrange the coated cookie slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden (be careful not to overbake for the best soft texture).
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Serve these dazzling Red Glitter Cookies as a delightful afternoon snack, perfect party favors for Valentine’s Day, or a standout addition to your holiday gatherings and Christmas cookie exchanges.
Pair them with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa for cozy winter nights, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea to complement their sweet, crunchy sparkle. They’re also wonderful alongside ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
These Red Glitter Cookies are the perfect way to add a festive sparkle to your holiday celebrations. Whether for Valentine’s Day treats, Christmas cookie exchanges, or just a fun baking day. Easy to prepare ahead and always a crowd-pleaser. They’ll dazzle everyone with their glittering red finish and delicious sugar cookie flavor. Give the recipe a try and watch them disappear fast!
🥣 Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red sugar crystals
Instructions
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue beating until fully incorporated
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until everything is completely combined and a soft dough forms.
- Once the dough is mixed, lightly knead it for about 1 minute until smooth. Shape it into a log (about 2 inches in diameter), wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to firm up.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Spread a generous amount of red sugar crystals onto a dinner plate. Remove the chilled cookie log from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and roll the entire log in the sugar crystals to coat the outside evenly.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds. For extra sparkle, gently press the top and sides of each sliced cookie into the remaining sugar crystals to ensure they’re fully coated.
- Arrange the coated cookie slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden (be careful not to overbake for the best soft texture)
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to the cooling wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve these dazzling Red Glitter Cookies as a delightful afternoon snack, perfect party favors for Valentine’s Day, or a standout addition to your holiday gatherings and Christmas cookie exchanges.
Nutrition
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