Dreamy Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting Recipe: A Sweet Treat

Decadent red velvet cookies with frosting dance between classic comfort and modern indulgence.

These vibrant crimson treats blend rich cocoa and smooth cream cheese into a delightful dessert.

Soft, chewy edges give way to a luxurious center that melts in you mouth.

Each cookie promises a burst of flavor that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

The delicate balance of sweetness and tang makes these cookies irresistible.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these gorgeous, velvety delights.

Brace yourself for a recipe that will become your new favorite sweet sensation.

Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting – Crave-Worthy Elements

• These red velvet cookies bring holiday cheer with their vibrant color and delightful cream cheese frosting, perfect for spreading joy during special celebrations.
• Impress family and friends with professional-looking cookies that taste like they came from a gourmet bakeshop, without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding sprinkles, changing frosting colors, or experimenting with different decorative touches to match any theme or personal preference.
• Prepare a batch in under an hour, making these cookies an ideal last-minute dessert for potlucks, gatherings, or unexpected sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the red velvet cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cookie base.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a soft, delicate cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookie dough.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the signature vibrant red color to the red velvet cookies.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting with rich flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla, Salt: Enhance and balance the flavor of the cream cheese frosting.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cookies rise and develop the right texture and flavor.

• Sprinkles: Add a festive touch and extra visual appeal to the finished cookies.

Cookie Baking Tools You’ll Want Nearby

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating frosting, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowls: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and preparing dough.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes and shapes.
• Baking Sheet: Used for baking cookies with even heat distribution.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Offset Spatula: Ideal for spreading frosting evenly on cooled cookies.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Spatula: Helps scrape bowl sides and mix ingredients evenly.

Mixing Up Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

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

Make sure they’re well mixed and buddy-buddy.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

Grab an electric mixer and whip the butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Crack in an egg and beat until everything looks smooth and happy.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to catch any shy ingredients.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Color and Flavor

Pour in vanilla extract and red food coloring.

Mix on medium speed until the dough looks like a beautiful crimson dream.

Use a spatula to ensure the color spreads evenly.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients on low speed.

The mixture will look crumbly at first – don’t panic!

Use your hands to gently press the dough into a cohesive ball.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to create uniform balls.

Roll them smooth and slightly flatten each one.

Place on the prepared baking sheet and slide into the oven.

Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges look set and puffy.

Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up the Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until they’re silky smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whip for 2 minutes until the frosting looks like fluffy clouds.

Step 8: Decorate with Deliciousness

Once the cookies are totally cool, spread frosting generously using an offset spatula.

Sprinkle with your favorite decorations before the frosting sets.

Tips for Fluffy Red Velvet Cookies

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant red without excess liquid that might change cookie texture.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, softer cookies.
• Ensure cream cheese is room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to intensify the rich chocolate undertones.
• Keep frosted cookies in a single layer between parchment paper in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Cookie Customizations for Red Velvet Lovers

• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough for extra richness and texture.
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Cookies: Create a cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and dolloping small amounts into the cookie dough before baking.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative for frosting to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Fun Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cookies

• Sweet Picnic Partner: Pack these vibrant red velvet cookies in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, perfect for summer potlucks or family picnics.
• Romantic Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies elegantly on a white serving plate, creating a stunning Valentine's Day or anniversary dessert presentation with delicate heart-shaped sprinkles.
• Coffee Companion: Serve cookies alongside a warm cappuccino or hot chocolate, allowing the rich cream cheese frosting to beautifully complement the hot beverage's warmth.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags with ribbon, creating charming homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday celebrations.

Red Velvet Cookie Storage Strategies

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve frosting design.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 minutes to original baking time.
• Place unfrosted cookies in freezer-safe containers with parchment between layers. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before frosting.
• Warm refrigerated cookies in microwave for 8-10 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore softness.

FAQs

• What gives red velvet cookies their distinctive color?

The red food coloring creates the signature bright red hue. A small amount of cocoa powder also contributes to the classic red velvet flavor and color depth.

• Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the food coloring for a more natural look. The cookies will have a lighter brown color but will still taste delicious with the same rich flavor profile.

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

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading. Also, ensure your butter isn’t too soft when mixing.

Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Red velvet cookies with classic cream cheese frosting emerge as a delightful Southern-inspired treat. Rich chocolate undertones and velvety texture create an irresistible dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (24g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 ounces (113g) full fat block cream cheese

Flavoring and Coloring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (15mL) red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 1 and 3/4 cup (210g) powdered sugar
• 1 pinch of salt (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal cookie performance.
2. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, fluffy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes. Incorporate egg and mix until fully blended.
4. Introduce vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing on medium speed. Use a spatula to guarantee uniform color distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Gradually integrate dry ingredients on low speed, creating a crumbly dough consistency. Gently compress the dough with hands to form a cohesive mixture.
6. Employ a cookie scoop to portion dough, rolling into smooth spheres. Gently flatten each ball and arrange on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-11 minutes until edges are set and cookies appear slightly puffed. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Create frosting by blending cream cheese and butter until smooth. Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating for 2 minutes until achieving a creamy consistency.
9. Once cookies have cooled completely, apply frosting using an offset spatula. Embellish with sprinkles before frosting sets for a decorative finish.

Notes

• Adjust food coloring carefully to achieve the perfect vibrant red color without altering the cookie’s texture or taste.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create more uniform, thicker cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better cookie consistency.
• Swap cream cheese frosting with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream frosting for vegan options.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg