Mary KellyThere’s something undeniably special about a warm cookie paired with a glass of cold milk. When it comes to indulgence, few things beat the combination. For me, it has to be a rich, soft cookie that just melts in your mouth. Take my word for it—nothing will make an afternoon pick-me-up quite like a Jimmy John’s red velvet cookie.
Its vibrant hue and irresistible taste can brighten even the dullest of days. So, as I gathered ingredients for this delightful treat, I thought about the perfect pairing: a refreshing glass of iced tea. The subtle herbal notes of mint in the tea perfectly contrast with the sweetness of the cookie. Who doesn’t love almond-flavored biscotti nibbling while you sip? Now that’s a combination that will turn brunch into a feast!
What Is Jimmy John’s Red Velvet Cookie?
Jimmy John’s is known for its sandwiches, but their red velvet cookie has gained a reputation of its own. It’s a fantastic blend of rich flavors and textures. The cookie is a beautiful crimson color, making it visually appealing. The addition of white chocolate chips adds a creaminess that balances the slight cocoa taste perfectly. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies feel like a hug in every bite.
This recipe captures the essence of that cookie, allowing you to recreate the magic in your own kitchen. Let’s explore what you’ll need.
The Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is vital. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious cookies:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
- 2 3/4 cups (385g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups (340g) white chocolate chips, divided
- 1/4 cup (60g) chopped nuts (optional)
With this list in hand, let’s dive into the process of creating these delightful cookies.
How to Make Jimmy John’s Red Velvet Cookie?
The excitement builds as you start thinking of how those cookies will taste fresh from the oven. It’s a straightforward yet enjoyable process that ensures each step keeps you engaged and eager to taste the final product.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me; the last thing you want after baking is a sticky mess to deal with.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, so be patient—good things come to those who wait.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Next, beat in the egg and egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract and red gel food coloring. The gel food coloring is key here. It’ll give those cookies that beautiful signature red hue. Mix until smooth. Don’t be surprised by the vibrant color; it’s all part of the fun!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed mixture. Fold it in gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to chewy cookies, and we want soft and tender delights.
Step 5: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Now comes the best part. Fold in one cup of the white chocolate chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add in the nuts at this stage. I usually opt for pecans for their buttery flavor, but walnuts work well too.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the remaining white chocolate chips on top of each cookie, then bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you the envy of everyone in the neighborhood.
Notes for Success
Here are some tips that I’ve gathered from multiple baking attempts:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This will help everything blend smoothly.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to bake even after being removed from the oven, so err on the side of underbaking just a touch for that perfect chewy texture.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for the best freshness.
- Chill the Dough: You can chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and control spread.
- Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different kinds of chips, like dark chocolate or even caramel bits, for a fun twist.
Storage Tips
If you’re not devouring them all right away, here’s how to store those tasty treats:
- Room Temperature: Place cookies in a sealed container. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Simply scoop out cookie balls, flash freeze them, and transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when the craving strikes!
- Baked Cookies: For baked cookies, layer parchment paper between each cookie in the container to prevent them from sticking.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to enjoy those delectable cookies:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or red velvet ice cream sandwiches between two warm cookies? Dreamy!
- Coffee Companion: They make a great pairing with your morning coffee. The rich texture complements the robust flavor of your brew.
- Dessert Platter: Create a dessert board with an assortment of treats. These cookies will shine alongside brownies and fruit.
- Holiday Treats: Perfect for holiday cookie trays. Add in some festive decorations to make them stand out.
- Dessert Dipping: Serve with a side of cream cheese frosting for dipping. This truly takes the cookies to another level!
Alternative Substitutes in Jimmy John’s Red Velvet Cookie Recipe
Sometimes you need to adjust recipes based on dietary needs or what you have on hand. Here are some substitutes you can use:
- Greek Yogurt for Cream Cheese: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. It adds protein and a hint of tanginess.
- Coconut Oil for Butter: If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil. Make sure it’s soft for ease of mixing.
- Brown Sugar for Granulated Sugar: For a deeper flavor, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar. It enhances the moistness of the cookie.
- Almond Flour for All-Purpose Flour: Swap out some of the all-purpose flour for almond flour for a gluten-free option. Just be cautious with the quantity.
- Dark Chocolate Chips for White Chips: If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips, providing a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.
Jimmy John’s Red Velvet Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me; the last thing you want after baking is a sticky mess to deal with.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, so be patient—good things come to those who wait.
- Next, beat in the egg and egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract and red gel food coloring. The gel food coloring is key here. It’ll give those cookies that beautiful signature red hue. Mix until smooth. Don’t be surprised by the vibrant color; it’s all part of the fun!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed mixture. Fold it in gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to chewy cookies, and we want soft and tender delights.
- Now comes the best part. Fold in one cup of the white chocolate chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add in the nuts at this stage. I usually opt for pecans for their buttery flavor, but walnuts work well too.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the remaining white chocolate chips on top of each cookie, then bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft.
- Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you the envy of everyone in the neighborhood.
Nutrition
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This will help everything blend smoothly.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to bake even after being removed from the oven, so err on the side of underbaking just a touch for that perfect chewy texture.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for the best freshness.
- Chill the Dough: You can chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and control spread.
- Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different kinds of chips, like dark chocolate or even caramel bits, for a fun twist.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Baking these Jimmy John’s red velvet cookies is like embarking on a delicious journey, where the road is paved with sugar and chocolate. You’ll find yourself engaged at every step, from mixing the ingredients to the sweet aroma that fills the house.
Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—either way, you’re in for a treat. This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for some cookie magic. Happy baking!
