Looking for a fun and fiery twist on your traditional cookie recipe? These Red Hot Cookies are packed with the bold flavors of cinnamon and a kick of heat, making them a perfect treat for those who love a little spice in their sweets. Inspired by the classic Red Hots candies, these cookies combine the warm, spicy taste of cinnamon with the sweet, buttery texture of a soft cookie. With a vibrant red color and a hint of heat, they’re perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or just when you want something different.

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually striking with their red hue, making them an eye-catching addition to any dessert spread. Plus, they’re simple to make with basic ingredients, so you don’t need to be a seasoned baker to enjoy them. If you love cinnamon and want to try something unique, these Red Hot Cookies are sure to become your new favorite treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet with a Kick

These cookies offer the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, thanks to the cinnamon and the heat from the Red Hots candy pieces mixed into the dough.

2. Festive and Fun

The bright red color of the cookies makes them perfect for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any occasion that could use a splash of festive fun.

3. Unique Flavor Combination

The combination of cinnamon and spicy Red Hots gives these cookies a unique twist that sets them apart from traditional cookie recipes.

4. Soft and Chewy

The cookies have a soft, chewy texture that’s comforting and perfect for anyone who loves a melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

5. Easy to Make

Despite their unique flavor, these cookies are simple to make, with easy-to-follow steps and ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Red Hots candies (or cinnamon candies)
Optional: Red food coloring (to enhance the color)

Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll the cookie dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for an extra cinnamon kick and a slightly crisp exterior.
Chocolate Red Hot Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips or chunks to the dough to complement the spicy cinnamon flavor with a rich chocolatey twist.
Vegan Red Hot Cookies: Use a vegan butter substitute and egg replacement (like a flax egg or chia egg) to make these cookies vegan-friendly while maintaining the delicious flavor.
Red Hot Cookie Bars: Instead of making individual cookies, press the dough into a baking pan and cut into squares for a more convenient, bar-style cookie.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This helps create a tender cookie texture.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.

Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Incorporate the Red Hots

Chop the Red Hots candies into smaller pieces, or leave them whole for extra bursts of cinnamon heat. Stir them into the cookie dough.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If you want to enhance the red color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough at this stage.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chop the Red Hots: Chopping the Red Hots into smaller pieces helps them distribute more evenly in the dough, giving you that cinnamon heat in every bite.
Food Coloring Optional: If you want a more vibrant red color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough before shaping the cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: These cookies bake quickly. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, which could make them too crunchy.
Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

How to Serve

These Red Hot Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or milk. Their spicy sweetness makes them a fun and unique dessert that will definitely stand out at any event. For an extra special touch, you can drizzle them with a cinnamon glaze or dust them with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Red Hot Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain freshness, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough for later use. After scooping the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat the cookies, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to warm them up, or enjoy them at room temperature for the freshest taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cinnamon candy?

Yes, you can substitute Red Hots with other cinnamon candies that are available, such as Fireball candies, for a slightly different flavor.

2. How can I make these cookies spicier?

To add more spice, increase the amount of cinnamon in the dough or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

3. Can I make these cookies without Red Hots?

Yes, you can use cinnamon chips or cinnamon-flavored baking morsels instead of Red Hots if you prefer.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. They may still look soft when you take them out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.

6. Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, baked cookies can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

7. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

8. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can use all brown sugar or a mix of brown and white sugar for a richer, more caramel-like flavor.

9. How do I store the dough before baking?

You can store the cookie dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.

10. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Red Hot Cookies are the perfect treat for those who love a little spice with their sweet. Combining the warmth of cinnamon with the heat of Red Hots, these cookies are sure to stand out and impress at any occasion. They’re simple to make, customizable, and perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying on your own. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special celebration, or just for fun, these Red Hot Cookies will bring a sweet and spicy kick to your dessert table!