RED VELVET COOKIES

Red Velvet Cookies image

These unique cookies have been a part of our holiday tradition for as long as I can remember. My mother made them when I was little, and now I often bake a batch for my own family.-Mindy Young, Hanover, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 43m

Yield 7-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 large eggs, separated, room temperature
2 teaspoons red food coloring
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
FROSTING:
1-1/2 cups butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg yolks and food coloring. , Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition., In another bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Fold in chocolate chips. , Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake until set, 12-14 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., In a large bowl, beat the butter, confectioners' sugar and salt until blended. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Crumble 8 cookies and set aside. , Frost remaining cookies; sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 124 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.