Red Velvet Long Johns Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Special Equipment Needed:
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined. Beat in vanilla extract and red food coloring.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Beat until just combined.

5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.

7. To make the frosting, beat together cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

8. Spread the frosting on the cooled cookies and enjoy!

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Protein: 2 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or vegetable shortening
- Buttermilk: Can be substituted with plain yogurt or milk
- Cream cheese: Can be substituted with mascarpone cheese

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts to the cookie dough
- Add 1/2 cup dried fruit to the cookie dough
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the cookie dough
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg to the cookie dough
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger to the cookie dough

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before using
- Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to prevent it from becoming tough
- Use a variety of cookie cutters to make the cookies more interesting

Storage Instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
The cookies can be arranged on a platter or plate and decorated with sprinkles or edible flowers.

Garnishes:
The cookies can be garnished with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or edible flowers.

Pairings:
The cookies pair well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.

Suggested Side Dishes:
The cookies can be served with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough
- If the cookies are too crumbly, add a tablespoon of butter to the dough

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling the cookie dough.

Food History:
Red velvet cake is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s. It is believed to have been created as a way to use up leftover red food coloring.

Flavor Profiles:
The cookies have a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of sweetness from the cream cheese frosting.

Serving Suggestions:
The cookies can be served as a dessert or a snack.

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Taste: Rich, Creamy, Sweet, Chocolatey, Indulgent