If you love a dessert that’s both vibrant and indulgently soft, this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new go-to treat. Imagine chewy, tender cookies bursting with rich red velvet flavor, perfectly complemented by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These cookies are the best of both worlds—a classic cake reinvented as a cozy, handheld delight that feels just as special as a slice of red velvet cake. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a weekend bake, or just a moment when you want to bring joy to your day, this recipe is an absolute winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial to achieving the perfect texture, color, and flavor of the cookies. Each one plays a starring role—from the smooth butter that enriches the dough, to the red food coloring that gives these cookies their signature hue.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and depth of flavor with its slight molasses note.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Gives sweetness and helps with cookie crispness around the edges.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients together and add structure.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Red Food Coloring (1 to 2 teaspoons): Gives the iconic vivid red color essential to red velvet.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (3 tablespoons): Adds a subtle chocolate note that complements the red velvet taste.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for a soft but sturdy cookie.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Helps make the cookies extra tender and soft.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Leavens the dough for a light texture.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Butter (6 tablespoons, softened) for frosting: Creamy base for the frosting.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides tanginess and silkiness in the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar (3 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix these for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy—this is a key step for tender cookies with a delicate crumb.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and the red food coloring. Stir for an additional minute until everything is fully blended and your dough has that gorgeous, deep red shade. The red coloring not only makes these cookies festive but also brings that classic red velvet magic.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Carefully fold in the cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mixing by folding helps maintain a tender texture by preventing overworking the gluten in the flour. These dry ingredients build the structure and contribute to the subtle chocolate undertone that defines red velvet.
Step 4: Scoop and Arrange the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Be sure to space them at least two inches apart because the cookies will spread slightly but should stay soft and thick. This spacing helps them bake evenly and keeps those edges just right.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes until set but still soft in the center. Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up while staying moist inside. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make and Apply the Cream Cheese Frosting
For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and perfectly spreadable. Once your cookies are completely cooled, generously frost each one for the classic cream cheese complement that makes this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a playful or elegant flair by garnishing your frosted cookies with white chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of festive colored sugar, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. These simple touches elevate the look and add subtle layers of flavor or texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for timeless comfort, or enjoy with a cup of rich hot chocolate or coffee to enhance the cocoa notes. For a special occasion, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat that’s sure to wow.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking your frosted cookies with parchment paper in between for an impressive cookie tower. Or place them on decorative trays with mini flags for parties. You can also sandwich the frosting between two cookies for a red velvet cookie sandwich version of this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After frosting, keep your cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days. If you prefer, refrigerate to extend their life for about a week, but bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. For frozen baked cookies, wrap them tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Freeze your frosting separately to maintain texture.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes to regain that freshly baked softness. Frost after warming for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Yes! For example, you can use light brown sugar instead of dark, or substitute butter with a high-quality margarine. However, the cream cheese is important for that authentic frosting flavor, so it’s best not to skip or substitute it.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
Red food coloring is key to the classic red velvet appearance, but if you don’t have it, you can try beet juice as a natural alternative though it may slightly affect taste and color intensity.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.
How thick should the cookies be before baking?
The scooped dough should be roughly 1 to 1.5 inches tall on the tray; this thickness helps them bake into soft, chewy cookies that hold their shape well for frosting.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated after frosting?
Since the frosting contains cream cheese, refrigeration is recommended if you aren’t eating them within a day or two. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got every step, tip, and trick for making Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’s time to bring these delightful treats into your kitchen. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in at home. I promise, once you taste the tender, flavorful cookie matched with that creamy frosting, you’ll understand why this recipe holds such a special place in so many hearts. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and vibrant Red Velvet Cookies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with cocoa and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are a festive treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Red Food Coloring
- 3 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 Tablespoons Butter (softened)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Cream Butter and Sugars: Preheat your oven to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coloring: Mix in the eggs, pure vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Continue mixing for an additional minute to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until the dough forms evenly with no streaks.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the cookie dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing each mound at least two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow to set on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Serve and enjoy your delicious red velvet treats!
Notes
- Use light-colored baking sheets to prevent cookies from browning too quickly.
- Adjust red food coloring based on the desired intensity of color.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Cookies should be cooled completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
