The Best Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Sweet-toothed bakers adore red velvet cookies that bring a decadent twist to classic dessert cravings.

Crimson-hued dough promises a delightful experience for anyone seeking something special.

Soft and pillowy textures melt in your mouth with each incredible bite.

cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious richness that perfectly complements the vibrant cookie base.

Delicate cocoa undertones create a sophisticated flavor profile that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Small gatherings or cozy afternoon treats become magical moments with these stunning cookies.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible recipe.

What Makes Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting So Special

• The rich, velvety texture and stunning red color make these cookies a showstopper at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, guaranteed to win hearts and impress guests.
• Ideal for various occasions from holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers, these cookies offer a delightful twist on classic desserts with their irresistible cream cheese frosting and decadent flavor profile.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions mean you can create bakery-worthy cookies without complicated techniques, making them a go-to recipe for busy home bakers seeking a delicious and memorable sweet treat.

Gather Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookies and Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the soft and chewy cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deepens the red color of the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden-brown color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's soft structure.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the classic vibrant red appearance to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting with a tangy richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese frosting.

How to Bake Red Velvet Cookies and Whip Up That Dreamy Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready at 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for perfect cookie performance.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in red food coloring and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture looks vibrant and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Gently fold until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a tablespoon to drop rounded dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Space each cookie about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10 minutes, watching for set edges and soft centers – the hallmark of a perfect cookie.

Step 7: Craft Creamy Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until they transform into a light, airy mixture.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting becomes silky smooth.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Once cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cookie.

Enjoy your homemade red velvet masterpiece!

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies Every Time

• Use gel food coloring for a more intense, deeper red without thinning the cookie dough.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked for soft, chewy results.
• Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish.
• Substitute butter with vegan margarine and cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a plant-based version.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Red Velvet Cookies Like a Pro

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place completely cooled, unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers for up to 3 months.
• Carefully arrange frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

Tasty Pairings for Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pair with Velvety Red Wine: Choose a smooth, slightly sweet red wine like Pinot Noir to complement the rich, decadent red velvet flavor profile.
• Serve Alongside Classic Milk: Cold, creamy milk provides the perfect refreshing contrast to the sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting and rich cookie texture.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a small portion of premium vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the cookie's richness and add a cool, creamy dimension to each bite.
• Create Coffee Companion: Brew a medium-roast coffee with subtle chocolate undertones to amplify the cocoa notes in the red velvet cookies and cut through their sweetness.

Fun Twists for Red Velvet Cookies to Try Next Time

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the soft, rich texture.
• Vegan Chocolate Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and create dairy-free cream cheese frosting using cashew or vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the classic red velvet flavor profile.
• Natural Color Variation: Replace artificial red food coloring with beetroot powder or pureed beets to achieve a natural red hue and add subtle earthy undertones.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my red velvet cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Use chilled dough and make sure your butter isn’t too soft. Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the shape and prevent excessive spreading.

• Why does my red velvet cookie dough look different from the recipe?

Variations can occur due to differences in ingredient measurements. Always measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to ensure accurate quantities.

• Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the red food coloring. The cookies will look more like chocolate cookies but will still taste delicious. If you want a natural red tint, consider using beet juice as an alternative.

• How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for set edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t overbake them. Remove from the oven when they look slightly underdone in the middle.

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting blend Southern charm and classic dessert elegance. Rich cocoa-infused cookies kissed with tangy cream cheese create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Chocolate and Coloring:

• 1/4 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red food coloring (gel)

Remaining Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and arrange parchment paper on two baking trays.
2. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking to eliminate lumps.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until smooth and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
4. Mix red food coloring and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, creating a vibrant crimson base.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until ingredients are just incorporated without overmixing.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared trays, maintaining approximately two-inch spacing between cookies.
7. Bake for 10 minutes, watching for set edges while maintaining soft centers.
8. During cooling, prepare frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
9. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
10. Once cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, carefully spread cream cheese frosting across the surface of each cookie.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture, ensuring butter and eggs blend seamlessly.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, keeping other ingredients consistent.
• Control food coloring intensity by adjusting amount; less creates a softer red tone, while more produces a vibrant crimson color.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg