Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Introduction
These red velvet cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic cake, combining a rich cocoa flavor with a vibrant red hue. Soft, slightly chewy, and optionally topped with creamy frosting, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting (optional):
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Step 4: Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using.
- Step 6: Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8 (optional): To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper red color, add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of red food coloring.
- White chocolate chips add a lovely sweetness and contrast, but you can substitute with regular chocolate chips if preferred.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and keeps cookies thick.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle warm spice twist.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If frosted, refrigerate and consume within 3 days. To reheat, warm in a microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft and fresh-baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes, but the signature red velvet color will be missing. The cookies will still be delicious with a subtle cocoa flavor.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use dairy-free cream cheese and milk for the frosting. Ensure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free.
Print
Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with classic red velvet flavor, enhanced by a hint of cocoa and topped optionally with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a festive treat or everyday indulgence, these cookies combine tender texture with the rich taste of white chocolate chips and the vibrant color that makes them stand out.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside to incorporate later into the wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step aerates the mixture, contributing to a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the large egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully combined and the dough turns a vibrant red.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using to add extra sweetness and texture.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy effect.
- Cool and Frost (Optional): Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. To prepare the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top for a decadent finish.
Notes
- If you prefer, omit the white chocolate chips for a more traditional red velvet taste.
- The cream cheese frosting is optional but adds a classic, creamy element to the cookies.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- For a deeper red color, increase the red food coloring slightly, but be careful not to alter the texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Soft Cookies, Holiday Cookies, White Chocolate Chips
