If you are looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that’s as vibrant in color as it is rich in flavor, this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine soft, chewy cookies with the iconic deep red hue and a subtle hint of cocoa, perfectly balanced by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts right on your tongue. It’s a playful twist on the classic red velvet cake, bringing that beloved combination into a cookie form that’s easy to share and hard to resist. Once you’ve tried this recipe, these cookies will quickly become your new go-to sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can often make the biggest difference, and this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe relies on pantry staples to create its magic. Each component contributes uniquely—flour for structure, cocoa powder for that subtle chocolate undertone, and the star player, red food coloring, to give the iconic red velvet charm. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly complements the cookies’ sweetness.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies their chewy texture.
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering the red velvet taste.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and tender.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, crucial for chewy cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s bite.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Brings a bit of caramel depth and chewiness.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and adds tenderness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances other flavors.
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (adjust to preference): The signature color that makes these cookies truly stand out.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for that creamy frosting with a pleasant tang.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting so it’s not overly sugary.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this simple step ensures your cookies don’t stick and promotes even baking for that perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly helps distribute the cocoa and leavening agents evenly, so every bite is deliciously consistent.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Red Food Coloring
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. The egg binds everything together while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor. The red food coloring is what gives your cookies that unmistakable red velvet appearance that’s so festive and fun.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies soft—it’s all about balance between enough mixing for cohesion and not so much that they become tough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes. Chilling firm ups the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies retain their shape during baking.
Step 7: Scoop the Cookies onto Baking Sheets
Scoop the dough into approximately 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets. This size ensures your cookies bake evenly with a soft center and slightly crisp edges.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look a little soft. This timing will give you those irresistible chewy centers with a delicate edge crunch. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is fluffy and perfect for spreading or piping.
Step 10: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost each with a swirl or a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting. This contrast of tangy frosting against the sweet, red velvet cookie base is simply divine.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just a little garnish can elevate your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to a showstopper. Consider sprinkling some finely chopped white chocolate, or even a few festive red sugar crystals on top of the frosting for an extra touch of sparkle and crunch. Fresh raspberries or a tiny mint leaf could also add a delightful pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect on their own but pairing them with a creamy hot beverage like a rich hot chocolate, a cup of strong coffee, or even a spiced chai latte will complement the rich cream cheese frosting beautifully. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn the cookies into an indulgent dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes a difference when you’re sharing these treats. Arrange your red velvet cookies on a decorative platter lined with festive doilies or a colorful napkin. Another fun idea is to stack them into little towers tied with a pretty ribbon or serve them individually in cute cupcake liners. If you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the frosted cookies for a professional bakery look right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe cookies will keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and keeps the frosting fresh. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigerating the cookies, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or save some for later, you can freeze them. It’s best to freeze the cookies un-frosted first—place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and then frost fresh. You can also freeze frosted cookies carefully by placing them between sheets of parchment paper to protect the frosting.
Reheating
To revive slightly chilled or frozen cookies, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or place them in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back the soft, chewy texture and makes the cream cheese frosting just a little bit melty and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the red food coloring with a natural alternative?
Absolutely! You can use natural food dyes like beet juice powder or juice concentrated from beets. Keep in mind, natural coloring might produce a slightly different hue, but the cookies will still taste delicious with that characteristic red velvet flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough is recommended as it helps reduce spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread more and become thinner plus crispier.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures 1:1 for flour. Make sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long will the cream cheese frosting stay fresh?
Cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always use a clean utensil when spreading to keep it fresh and free from contamination.
Can I use this frosting recipe on other baked goods?
Definitely! This cream cheese frosting is versatile and tastes amazing on cupcakes, cakes, cinnamon rolls, or even as a dip for fresh fruit. It’s a wonderful complement to many sweet treats beyond just these red velvet cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the vibrant color and classic flavor combo of the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these cookies bring a smile with every bite. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple you’ll reach for again and again. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and dive into making these delightful little bites of red velvet heaven!
Print
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: About 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and indulgent Red Velvet Cookies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft with a subtle cocoa flavor and vibrant red color, these cookies are a festive treat for any occasion. The creamy frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (adjust to preference)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until evenly combined and the batter is bright red.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, controlling spread during baking.
- Form Cookie Balls: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This ensures chewy, tender cookies.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing the frosting from melting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then beat the mixture until fluffy and well combined.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, frost each cookie with a swirl or dollop of the cream cheese frosting. Serve immediately or store properly for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Bring refrigerated cookies to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
