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Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 90 reviews

These chewy red velvet cookies are a delightful twist on traditional red velvet cake, made without any chilling time and featuring a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting on top. Perfectly tender and rich in flavor, they bake quickly and are ideal for a festive treat or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Red Velvet Cookies

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (24g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon (15mL) red food coloring (gel or traditional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces (113g) full fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 and ¾ cup (210g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and cocoa throughout the dough.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration is crucial for tender cookies.
  4. Add egg: Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mix.
  5. Add vanilla and red food coloring: Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring on medium speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to evenly distribute the vibrant coloring, then beat again to combine thoroughly.
  6. Add dry ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Mix just until a crumbly dough forms. If needed, use your hands to gently bring the dough together; it should hold but remain soft and crumbly.
  7. Form and bake cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately #50), scoop out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll them into smooth balls with your hands and gently flatten slightly. Bake for 10-11 minutes until the tops are puffed and edges are set but not browned.
  8. Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes, before frosting.
  9. Make cream cheese frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on high speed in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  10. Add powdered sugar and flavorings: Lower mixer speed to low, then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  11. Frost the cookies: Spread the cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cookie with a small offset spatula. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles before the frosting sets.
  12. Storage: Store the frosted cookies covered tightly at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, freeze unfrosted or frosted cookies for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Food coloring: Gel food coloring like AmeriColor is preferred for vibrant color and less liquid. Traditional liquid food coloring can be used in the same amount but may slightly affect dough consistency.
  • Do not overmix the flour into the dough to maintain chewy texture.
  • Cookies should not brown heavily; bake just until edges are set and tops puffed.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results.
  • Freezing cookies can preserve freshness; thaw fully before frosting for best texture.

Keywords: red velvet cookies, cream cheese frosting, chewy cookies, no chill cookie recipe, easy holiday cookies, festive cookies

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/red-velvet-cookies-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/