There's something so delightful about biting into a soft, chewy Pink Velvet Cookie—a perfect balance of vanilla sweetness with a subtle tang, wrapped in a beautiful pink hue. These cookies are tender, buttery, and have a hint of cocoa, making them a stunning treat for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any time you want to add a little color to your dessert spread.

I first made these cookies when I wanted a fun twist on the classic red velvet flavor. Instead of a deep red, I opted for a soft pink shade that makes them feel extra special. They’ve since become a favorite in my kitchen, bringing smiles with every bite!

Why You’ll Love These Pink Velvet Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these gorgeous Pink Velvet Cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress!

First, they are incredibly soft and chewy. Thanks to the perfect mix of butter, sugar, and just a hint of cornstarch, each bite melts in your mouth with a delicate crumb.

They also have the perfect balance of flavors. With vanilla, a touch of cocoa powder, and a hint of tangy buttermilk, they capture that classic velvet taste in every bite.

And let’s not forget their stunning pink color! The soft pastel hue makes them a standout treat for birthdays, bridal showers, or even as a sweet gift for someone special.

Best of all, these cookies are so easy to make. No complicated techniques—just mix, chill, and bake for a foolproof treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredient Notes

The magic of Pink Velvet Cookies comes from a handful of carefully selected ingredients that work together to create the perfect texture and flavor.

Butter – Softened unsalted butter gives these cookies a rich, creamy taste. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.
Sugar – A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar creates the ideal balance of sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture.
Egg – Helps bind everything together while keeping the cookies light and fluffy.
Vanilla Extract – Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It enhances the classic velvet taste and pairs beautifully with the cocoa.
Cocoa Powder – Just a tiny bit of unsweetened cocoa powder gives these cookies their signature “velvet” depth without making them chocolatey.
Buttermilk – Adds a subtle tang and extra tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding ½ teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.
Pink Gel Food Coloring – For that lovely pastel pink hue. Gel food coloring is preferred because it gives a vibrant color without adding extra liquid to the dough.
Flour – All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure. Be sure to measure correctly by spooning and leveling it into your measuring cup.
Cornstarch – Helps keep the cookies extra soft and gives them a light, tender texture.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – The combination of both ensures the perfect rise and softness.
Salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Pink Velvet Cookies

Making these cookies is as easy as mixing, chilling, and baking. Follow these simple steps for the perfect batch!

Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes and is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and pink food coloring. Beat until well combined and evenly colored. The buttermilk adds moisture and that signature “velvet” flavor, while the food coloring brings the cookies to life!
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before mixing into the wet ingredients.
Combine and Chill
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be soft but slightly sticky. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will continue to set as they cool, leaving you with the softest, most delightful pink velvet cookies!

Storage Options

If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature – Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them extra soft.
Refrigerator – These cookies stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer – Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months in a sealed bag or container. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh as needed!

To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, and it will taste like it just came out of the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative with these fun variations!

Make Them Red Velvet – Swap the pink food coloring for red to create classic red velvet cookies.
Add White Chocolate Chips – For a creamy contrast, mix in ½ cup of white chocolate chips before baking.
Frosted Pink Velvet Cookies – Top cooled cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free alternative.
Lemon Pink Velvet Cookies – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a subtle citrusy twist.

However you make them, these cookies are always a hit. So go ahead—mix, bake, and share these beautiful Pink Velvet Cookies with someone you love!