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

Scale

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