Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Soft and chocolaty with a vibrant red hue, they are perfectly complemented by a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether for a special occasion or everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg + 1 yolk
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 2-3 tsp red food coloring, gel or liquid
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• dash of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and egg yolk to the mixture and mix until combined.
4. Step 4: Mix in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Add the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.
6. Step 6: Roll the cookie dough into 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Optionally, gently flatten the tops of the dough balls to create a flat surface for easier frosting, though this is not necessary.
8. Step 8: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the cookies are not overbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: To make the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
11. Step 11: Add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then mix until combined.
12. Step 12: Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
13. Step 13: Frost each cooled cookie using a piping bag, offset spatula, knife, or the back of a spoon. Optionally, top with sprinkles or cookie crumbs.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring as it provides more intense color without thinning the dough.
• Flattening the cookies before baking creates a smoother surface that’s easier to frost.
• Try topping the frosting with crushed red velvet cookie crumbs or festive sprinkles for texture and color.
• Make the cookies smaller for bite-sized treats, adjusting baking time by a minute or two.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Alternatively, freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months and frost after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, you can use liquid red food coloring, but you may need more to achieve a vibrant color. Gel food coloring is preferred as it provides richer color without changing the dough’s consistency.

Do I have to refrigerate the cookies because of the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, because the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, it’s best to refrigerate the cookies to keep the frosting safe and fresh. Bring them back to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 62 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies 1x

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Description

Delightfully soft and tender Red Velvet Cookies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These cookies combine classic red velvet flavors with a rich, smooth frosting, making them perfect for any celebration or everyday indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg + 1 yolk
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 2–3 tsp red food coloring, gel or liquid
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• dash of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
3. Add eggs: Beat in the whole egg and extra yolk until fully combined and smooth, adding moisture and richness to the dough.
4. Mix in flavorings: Incorporate vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring, blending thoroughly to distribute the vibrant red color evenly throughout the dough.
5. Add dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder, then gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms.
6. Shape the dough: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons each and place them spaced evenly apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Flatten cookie tops (optional): Gently press down on each dough ball to flatten the tops slightly; this helps create a smooth surface for easier frosting application but is not mandatory.
8. Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, until the edges just begin to set. Avoid overbaking as the cookies will continue to cook slightly while cooling.
9. Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare frosting: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined using a hand or stand mixer.
11. Add powdered sugar and salt: Gradually add powdered sugar and a dash of salt to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well mixed and creamy, balancing sweetness.
12. Incorporate vanilla: Mix in vanilla extract until incorporated for added flavor.
13. Frost the cookies: Using a piping bag, offset spatula, knife, or back of a spoon, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cookie.
14. Decorate: Optionally, top with sprinkles for color or crumble a cookie into small pieces and sprinkle crumbs on top for texture and visual interest.

Notes

• Red food coloring amount can be adjusted to achieve your preferred shade of red.
• Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their soft and tender texture.
• You can store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep the frosting fresh.
• This recipe makes about 18 cookies depending on size.
• The vinegar helps enhance the red color and reacts with the baking soda for a tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: red velvet cookies, cream cheese frosting, soft cookies, red velvet dessert, baking cookies, homemade cookies, festive cookies