Name: Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482735H6M43S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

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Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are a gorgeous twist on the classic red velvet cake. These cookies are soft, chewy, and rich with a deep red color, making them perfect for any special occasion or just because. The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious, tangy sweetness that complements the mild cocoa flavor of the cookies perfectly. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, Valentine’s Day, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Beautiful Red Color

The vibrant red hue of these cookies makes them a visual delight, perfect for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or even birthday parties.

2. Chewy, Soft Texture

These cookies bake up soft and chewy, providing the perfect balance of fluffiness and moisture that you want in a cookie.

3. Classic Red Velvet Flavor

The combination of cocoa powder and the signature tang from cream cheese frosting gives you that unmistakable red velvet flavor everyone loves.

4. Easy to Make

This recipe uses basic ingredients and is simple to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.

5. Frosting Makes It Extra Special

The cream cheese frosting is the icing on the cake—literally! It adds a rich, smooth finish that elevates these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Cocoa powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Red food coloring
Vanilla extract
Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Variations

Choco-Chip Version: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Mini Cookies: Make smaller-sized cookies for a bite-sized version. Just reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
Coconut Version: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the red velvet flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Shape the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the centers are set. The cookies may look soft when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, top each cookie with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting. You can use store-bought frosting or make your own for a more personalized touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture. Cold butter can result in a dense dough.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Use Gel Food Coloring: If you want a more vibrant red color, consider using gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring.
Don’t Overbake: Red velvet cookies should be soft and chewy. Make sure to take them out of the oven when they’re just set, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.

How to Serve

Serve these red velvet cookies as a special treat for a holiday, family gathering, or party. They pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee. The cream cheese frosting makes them especially indulgent, so they’re great for sharing or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve added cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from spoiling.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies without the frosting for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze for 1-2 hours, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frost the cookies once they have thawed.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Add the frosting after reheating if it has been refrigerated.

FAQs

1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, you can use liquid food coloring, but it may result in a lighter red color. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so it provides a richer hue.

2. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting up to 2 days in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies (without the frosting) for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

4. How can I make these cookies more decadent?

To make them even more indulgent, drizzle extra cream cheese frosting over the cookies or sprinkle them with chocolate shavings.

5. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer will work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to mix everything until smooth and well incorporated.

6. Can I use something other than cream cheese frosting?

If you prefer, you can use buttercream frosting or even whipped cream as a topping for these cookies. However, cream cheese frosting gives that classic tangy flavor that pairs so well with the red velvet cookies.

7. Can I make mini cookies?

Yes, you can make mini cookies by rolling the dough into smaller balls. Just reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.

8. How long should I chill the dough?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. You can chill the dough for up to 1 hour for even better results.

9. How do I know when the cookies are done?

When the edges of the cookies are firm and the centers are set, they are done. The cookies may seem soft but will firm up as they cool.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes, chocolate chips would be a delicious addition! Simply fold them into the dough before chilling.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful, festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The soft, chewy texture and rich flavor make them a hit at any party or as a special dessert for your loved ones. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have the perfect batch of cookies that look as good as they taste. Whether you’re baking for yourself or others, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection.