Red Hot Cookies: A Spicy Twist to Your Classic Treats

Oleh Wilma Mitchell Mei 29, 2023 Posting Komentar

Red hot cookies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a little bit of heat in their sweets. These cookies pack a punch with their spicy flavor and offer a unique twist to the classic cookie recipe. If you're looking to try something new and exciting, then red hot cookies might just be what you need. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at these fiery treats and explore everything there is to know about them.

What are Red Hot Cookies?

Red hot cookies are a type of cookie that uses cinnamon candy as an ingredient. The candy, known as "red hots," is what gives the cookies their signature spicy flavor. These cookies are typically made using a basic cookie dough recipe with crushed red hots added in.

The History of Red Hot Cookies

The origins of red hot cookies are unclear, but it's believed that they've been around for decades. The use of red hots in baking dates back to the early 1900s when they were used to make a popular candy called "cinnamon imperials." It wasn't until later that these candies were incorporated into cookie recipes.

How to Make Red Hot Cookies

Making red hot cookies is relatively easy, and the recipe can be adapted to suit your personal taste. Here's a basic recipe to get you ed:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed red hots

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the crushed red hots.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Red Hot Cookie Variations

Red hot cookies can be customized in numerous ways to create unique flavor combinations. Here are a few variations to try:

Red Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough recipe for an extra sweet and spicy treat.
Red Hot Snickerdoodles: Roll cookie dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking to give the cookies a classic snickerdoodle flavor.
Red Hot Oatmeal Cookies: Add oats to the cookie dough recipe for a heartier cookie with a chewy texture.

Health Benefits of Red Hot Cookies

While red hot cookies aren't necessarily healthy, they do offer some potential benefits. Cinnamon, the primary ingredient in red hots, has been linked to several health benefits, including:

Lowering blood sugar levels
Reducing inflammation
Boosting brain function
Preventing cancer
Improving heart health

Red Hot Cookies as Gifts

Red hot cookies make great gifts for friends and family, especially around the holidays. You can package them in a festive tin or box and tie a ribbon around it for an extra special touch. They're also perfect for cookie exchanges or bake sales.

Where to Buy Red Hots

Red hots are widely available at most grocery stores and can be found in the baking aisle. They're also available for purchase online if you're having trouble finding them in-store.

Red Hot Cookie Storage

Red hot cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Red Hot Cookies and Allergies

If you have any food allergies, it's important to check the ingredients of red hots before consuming them. While they're generally considered safe, some brands may contain allergens such as wheat or soy.

Tips for Making Perfect Red Hot Cookies

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect batch of red hot cookies:

Crush the red hots into small pieces to ensure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Don't overmix the dough once you've added the red hots. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough and dense.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will prevent them from breaking apart.

Red Hot Cookies vs. Snickerdoodles

Red hot cookies and snickerdoodles are often compared due to their similar cinnamon flavor profiles. While both cookies use cinnamon as an ingredient, red hot cookies are spicier due to the addition of red hots. Snickerdoodles, on the other hand, have a more mellow cinnamon flavor and are rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.

Red hot cookies are a fun and unique twist on the classic cookie recipe. Whether you're a fan of spicy foods or just looking to try something new, these cookies are definitely worth giving a try. With their fiery flavor and endless customization options, red hot cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use other types of candy instead of red hots in the recipe?

A: While red hots are the traditional candy used in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cinnamon candy to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make red hot cookies without eggs?

A: Yes, you can substitute the eggs in the recipe with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan-friendly version.

Q3: How many calories are in a red hot cookie?

A: The number of calories in a red hot cookie will vary depending on the size and ingredients used. On average, one red hot cookie contains around 120-150 calories.

Q4: Can I freeze red hot cookie dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze red hot cookie dough for up to three months. Simply shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they're firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

Q5: Are red hot cookies gluten-free?

A: No, red hot cookies are not gluten-free as they contain flour. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative such as almond flour.