Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

There’s something undeniably irresistible about red velvet desserts, and when you combine the velvety richness with a tangy cream cheese frosting, you get an unforgettable treat. These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion — from festive holidays to casual get-togethers or even just a special snack to brighten your day. With their vibrant color and soft, chewy texture, these cookies capture everything we love about red velvet cake but in a more portable form. The rich, cocoa-flavored dough paired with the tangy, creamy frosting creates a wonderful balance of flavors that will make these cookies a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The cookies have a mild cocoa flavor, balanced perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, making each bite an irresistible treat.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies are soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth, which adds a delightful texture to every bite.

3. Stunning Visual Appeal

The vibrant red color of the cookies makes them a standout treat, ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays.

4. Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a professional baker to make these cookies. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are spectacular every time.

5. Customizable Frosting

The cream cheese frosting is just the right amount of tangy and sweet, and you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking or add a little vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Red food coloring
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese (for frosting)
• Powdered sugar
• Milk or heavy cream
• Butter (for frosting)

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter and egg with vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based cream cheese for the frosting.
• Mini Red Velvet Cookies: Roll the dough into smaller balls to create bite-sized cookies that are perfect for parties or gift giving.
• Flavor Twist: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a subtle spice that complements the richness of the red velvet.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until fully incorporated. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until combined.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or a spoon.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency. Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to make the frosting smoother if needed.

Step 5: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. You can use a spatula or a piping bag to make the frosting look extra pretty.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar until it thickens up.

How to Serve

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are best served at room temperature, so allow them to cool completely before serving. They are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee, milk, or even a glass of dessert wine. For special occasions, you can serve them on a decorative plate with a sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of cocoa powder for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and frost.

Reheating

To reheat frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds to warm them up slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring for a classic chocolate cookie. The red color adds to the presentation but isn’t essential to the taste.

2. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If the frosting is too sweet, add a pinch of salt or a bit of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.

3. Can I make these cookies without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

4. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.

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

Yes, a hand mixer works just as well as a stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar and to mix the dough.

6. How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water), use dairy-free butter, and a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

7. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be soft and slightly firm around the edges. If a toothpick inserted comes out clean, they are ready.

8. Can I add nuts to the cookies?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the cookie dough for some added crunch.

9. Can I decorate the cookies with sprinkles?

Absolutely! You can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar on top of the frosting to make them even more festive.

10. Can I use store-bought frosting?

While homemade cream cheese frosting gives the best flavor, you can use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful and indulgent treat that’s sure to please everyone at your next gathering or celebration. With their soft, chewy texture and irresistible cream cheese frosting, they bring the best of red velvet cake into a handheld, bite-sized form. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to impress with their stunning appearance and perfect flavor balance. Happy baking!

Print