Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Carefully transfer it to a shallow dish and freeze for 5–8 minutes, until it's cold but not solid.

Mix the chilled butter with both sugars, the egg, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring in a medium bowl.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently using a spatula.

Rest the dough while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop the dough into 2-ounce balls and roll them in red sanding sugar or regular sugar.

Bake one sheet at a time for 9–10 minutes.

Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes.