Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of rich flavor, tender chewiness, and that classic red velvet charm, then this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. Each cookie bursts with a velvety cocoa undertone and a gorgeous red hue, topped with a luscious, silky cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Made from scratch with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, these cookies are a no chill, quick bake wonder perfect for impressing friends, family, or simply indulging yourself with a cozy, comforting dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is the first step to cookie heaven. Each component plays a crucial role in the texture, taste, and especially the iconic red color that makes these cookies so special.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for soft yet chewy cookies – be sure to measure properly for the best texture.
• ¼ cup (24g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds just the right hint of chocolate flavor, perfectly balanced with the red velvet profile.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures a light, tender crumb.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Contributes to that rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly while baking for golden edges.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together while adding moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• 1 tablespoon (15mL) red food coloring: Delivers the signature red velvet vibrancy — gel food coloring works best for intense color.
• 4 ounces (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened: Essential for the frosting’s smooth creaminess and tangy bite.
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened: Used in the frosting to create a silky texture.
• 1 and ¾ cup (210g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds subtle depth to balance the cream cheese.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Highlights all the sweet and tangy flavors without overpowering them.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC), which ensures a perfect, even bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Then whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend sets the stage for your cookies’ texture and subtle chocolate notes.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale — this takes about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer. This creaming process is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, helping your cookies maintain their tenderness and rise up beautifully.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Red Food Coloring

Mix in the egg, ensuring it’s at room temperature to avoid curdling. Then add vanilla extract and your red food coloring. Scrape the bowl sides to ensure the vibrantly colored mixture is evenly distributed, delivering that signature red velvet look in every bite.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients on the lowest mixer speed. The dough might seem crumbly at first — that’s totally normal. Use your hands to gently bring it together into a cohesive ball, careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out cookie dough balls onto your prepared sheet. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball and then gently flatten them just a bit. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the cookies are puffed and the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely, which takes about half an hour.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together on high speed until perfectly smooth and creamy. Then lower to low speed and gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Once combined, beat on medium-high for 2 minutes to achieve a luscious, fluffy frosting.

Step 7: Frost the Cookies

Once your cookies are cool, use a small offset spatula or butter knife to spread the cream cheese frosting on each one generously. This final touch transforms the cookies into truly irresistible delights.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To add a bit of whimsy and extra flavor, consider decorating your frosted cookies with rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or chopped pecans. These add not only visual appeal but also a delightful contrast in texture that makes every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a rich cup of coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate. Offering one of these beverages alongside your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe elevates the indulgence and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider stacking your frosted cookies into a festive tower or arrange them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or dustings of cocoa powder. You can also sandwich two cookies together to create a decadent red velvet cookie sandwich with frosting in the middle—pure heaven!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Because of the cream cheese frosting, they stay soft and tasty for up to 5 days, perfect for enjoying into the week.

Freezing

If you want to save cookies for longer, place un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frost the cookies after thawing for the best texture. Frosted cookies can also be frozen but wrapped tightly, lasting up to 3 months.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, allow them to come to room temperature naturally. If you prefer a warm cookie, gently warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds — be careful not to melt the frosting into a puddle, but just enough to soften the cookie and slightly warm the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes! Regular liquid food coloring works just fine; however, gel food coloring tends to give a more vibrant color without affecting the dough’s consistency, so it’s often preferred.

Do these cookies need to chill before baking?

No chilling necessary! This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is designed for quick mixing and baking, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, adjusting as needed for texture.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese and butter?

Leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to mixing. If you’re short on time, microwave in 5-second intervals until just softened but not melted.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after frosting?

Yes, you can freeze frosted cookies. Make sure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn, and thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the combination of chewy red velvet cookies topped with creamy, tangy frosting, and this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let these charming cookies become a treasured favorite in your kitchen!

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