If you are craving a treat that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious, the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will become your new favorite go-to. Imagine soft, moist cookies with that signature deep red hue and a subtle hint of cocoa, perfectly balanced with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These cookies capture the spirit of classic red velvet cake but in a fun, handheld cookie form that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe promises an irresistible dessert experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a vital role in creating the perfect Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the tangy bite of buttermilk to the rich texture of cream cheese, every component is essential to achieving that classic flavor and tender texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cookies.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth and complements the red color.
- Baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just enough for tenderness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to that slight crisp edge.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A warm note that balances the cocoa and red velvet flavor.
- Buttermilk: Brings moisture and a slight tang that boosts the red velvet taste.
- Red food coloring: Achieves that unmistakable crimson color.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting with a creamy tang.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting smoothly.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This creates a uniform mixture that ensures every cookie has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps create that wonderful tender crumb you love in cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Buttermilk, and Food Coloring
Mix in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to incorporate fully, then add vanilla extract, buttermilk, and red food coloring. This blend brings flavor, moisture, and the iconic red hue to your dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing only until just combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so keep it gentle here to maintain softness.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and intensifies the flavors.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
Step 7: Portion the Cookie Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies to spread just enough without merging together.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges set but the centers remain soft. This timing ensures chewy, tender cookies with a slight crisp on the edges—just how red velvet treats should be.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents the frosting from melting when applied.
Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy. This frosting is rich and tangy, complementing the cookies’ sweetness perfectly.
Step 11: Frost the Cookies
Once fully cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cookies. You can get creative here with piping designs or keep it simple with a smooth spread.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few festive toppings like white chocolate shavings, mini red sprinkles, or even a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the cream cheese frosting. These little touches make your cookies look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a chilled glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate. The slight tang of the frosting pairs beautifully with these classic beverages and enhances the overall indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. For parties, try stacking them into a cookie tower, or use cupcake liners to add an elegant touch for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your frosted Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and wonderfully creamy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for enjoying over several days without losing texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies (without frosting) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies keep their texture and flavor for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing for the best results.
Reheating
To gently warm unfrosted cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid reheating frosted cookies directly to preserve the cream cheese frosting’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a natural food coloring instead of synthetic for this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Natural food colorings like beet juice or powdered freeze-dried berries can work well, though they may slightly alter the flavor and intensity of the red color. Experiment carefully to find the perfect balance.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1 cup, then let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This creates a similar acidity that helps with the texture and tang.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft and chewy?
Be careful not to overbake the cookies — they should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven. Also, chilling the dough helps control spreading and maintains tenderness in the final cookie.
Is it necessary to chill the dough overnight?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is important to help the dough set, but overnight chilling enhances flavor development and dough texture even more. If short on time, 2 hours will still yield delicious results.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before frosting your cookies for the best spreadable texture.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a splendid way to enjoy the rich flavors of red velvet in a fun, approachable cookie form. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion or simply as a heartfelt treat for yourself. I encourage you to dive in, bake up a batch, and watch these vibrant cookies disappear with smiles all around!
Print
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and velvety Red Velvet Cookies, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with a subtle cocoa flavor and a hint of tanginess from buttermilk, these cookies are a festive treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, forming the base of your dough.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they’re well incorporated. Then, mix in vanilla extract, buttermilk, and red food coloring until the batter is uniformly colored and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed carefully until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could toughen the cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight. This chilling step helps develop flavor and improves the dough’s handling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Portion Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them roughly 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and slightly firm, while the centers remain soft, ensuring a perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: While cookies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually blend in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and ready to spread.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, apply the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag for a decorative touch or spread it with a knife to your preferred thickness.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, chill the dough overnight if possible.
- Use good quality red food coloring for vibrant color without altering taste.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
