If you’re craving something delightfully spicy and sweet that dances on your taste buds, this Red Hot Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. The blend of cinnamon and crushed Red Hot candies brings a playful heat that perfectly balances the buttery, soft cookie base, creating a magical treat that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re looking for a twist on the classic sugar cookie or a unique dessert that surprises, these cookies will become an instant favorite for everyone lucky enough to get one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, each playing a crucial role in crafting cookies with the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and color. The cinnamon and Red Hot candies add that signature spicy kick, while the sugars and butter keep everything soft, chewy, and irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and chewiness in your cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with spreading during baking.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the cookie texture.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that complements the Red Hot candies beautifully.
- 1 cup crushed Red Hot candies: The star ingredient for a fiery burst of cinnamon flavor in every bite.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your cookies rise just right.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s soft texture.
How to Make Red Hot Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off easily after baking. This simple prep sets you up for cookie success from the get-go.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and the crushed Red Hot candies. This combination creates a flavor-packed base that will make your cookies uniquely spicy and sweet.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Eggs
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that soft texture and the perfect crumb in your Red Hot Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture. Be careful not to overmix here; just blend them until everything is combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Step 5: Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart so they have room to spread without merging into one another.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once out of the oven, transfer your cookies to wire racks to cool – patience here rewards you with the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Red Hot Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun presentation, sprinkle an extra pinch of crushed Red Hot candies or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top while the cookies are still warm. This little touch adds visual appeal and an extra pop of flavor that delights the senses.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, spicy hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast that cools down the sweet heat beautifully. You can turn an everyday snack into a cozy treat with the right accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Red Hot Cookies Recipe with layers of frosting or cream cheese for a spicy cookie sandwich. Alternatively, package them in cute tins or bags as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays or special occasions – their fiery charm makes them unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and preserves that vibrant cinnamon heat, so they stay just as delicious as when freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Red Hot Cookies for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready for a spicy snack, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh the taste and soften the texture, pop your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F. This will bring back that freshly baked magic in every bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute Red Hot candies with something else?
While crushed Red Hot candies give the signature fiery cinnamon taste, you could experiment with cinnamon-flavored candy or cinnamon chips, though the heat level and crunch might differ slightly.
How spicy are these cookies?
These cookies deliver a gentle but noticeable cinnamon heat. The Red Hot candies provide warmth without overwhelming heat, making them perfect for those who like a little kick in their sweets.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Just be cautious with baking times as gluten-free dough can behave differently.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
The Red Hot Cookies Recipe yields cookies that are soft with slightly crisp edges, delivering a satisfying chew combined with just enough crunch from the baked Red Hot bits.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches. Just be sure to allow enough space on your baking sheets so the cookies don’t merge during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Red Hot Cookies Recipe is a terrific way to brighten your baking routine with a little heat and lots of heart. Once you try these spicy-sweet gems, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite whether you’re serving friends, gifting neighbors, or simply indulging yourself. Grab those Red Hot candies and get ready to bake something wonderfully unforgettable!
Print
Red Hot Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully spicy and sweet, Red Hot Cookies combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and the fiery kick of crushed Red Hot candies baked into a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for those who love a unique, bold twist on classic cinnamon sugar cookies, these treats are easy to make and sure to impress with their vibrant color and distinct taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup crushed Red Hot candies
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and crushed Red Hot candies. Mix well to distribute the spices and candy evenly.
- Cream Butter and Eggs: In another bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and egg mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing which can make the cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add an extra 1/4 cup of crushed Red Hot candies.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If desired, drizzle with white chocolate for a sweet contrast to the spice.
