The Dreamiest Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Soft and decadent red velvet cookies dance with irresistible charm, promising a delightful twist on classic dessert favorites.

Cocoa-rich dough swirls with vibrant crimson hues, creating a visual feast for sweet enthusiasts.

Delicate cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that melts effortlessly across each perfectly baked morsel.

Unexpected texture contrasts make these cookies a standout treat for any gathering.

Rich flavor profiles blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Curious bakers and dessert lovers will find pure joy in crafting these indulgent delights that spark instant happiness.

Bake these cookies and watch magic unfold in your kitchen.

Storing Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and freeze for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
• Place completely cooled cookies in single layers between wax paper in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Warm refrigerated cookies in microwave for 8-10 seconds or in oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore softness. Allow cream cheese frosting to come to room temperature naturally for best texture.

Drinks and Sides for Red Velvet Cookies

Elevate Sweet Indulgence: Perfectly Pair Red Velvet Cookies

• Sip Complementary Beverage: Rich, smooth hot chocolate creates a luxurious companion that matches the cookie's deep red velvet flavor profile, enhancing the dessert's decadent chocolate undertones.
• Enhance Flavor Contrast: Chilled raspberry tea provides a tangy, fruity counterpoint that cuts through the creamy cream cheese frosting, refreshing the palate with bright, light notes.
• Accompany with Texture: Vanilla bean ice cream offers a cool, silky complement that softens the cookie's richness while adding another layer of creamy sophistication to each bite.
• Create Gourmet Experience: Serve alongside a small glass of dessert wine like port or moscato, which delivers subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the cookie's intense flavor and velvety texture.

Flavor Combos for Red Velvet Cookies

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar.
• Vegan Red Velvet Cookies: Use flax egg instead of regular egg, plant-based butter, and dairy-free cream cheese. Select natural red food coloring from beet juice for coloring.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce frosting quantity and use a light cream cheese spread to minimize sugar content.

FAQs

• Why do I need to add vinegar to the cookie dough?

The vinegar helps activate the cocoa powder and enhances the red color, creating a more vibrant and tender cookie with a subtle tangy undertone.

• Can I use natural cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa?

Natural cocoa powder works best for this recipe as it reacts better with the vinegar and baking soda, helping the cookies rise and maintain their signature red velvet flavor.

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

Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking helps solidify the butter and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring your cookies maintain a nice round shape.

• What's the secret to getting a smooth cream cheese frosting?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before beating, and gradually add powdered sugar to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.

Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting Highlights

• Guaranteed to impress at potlucks, birthdays, or casual gatherings with its vibrant color and irresistible cream cheese frosting.
• Enjoy as a sweet snack, after-dinner treat, or pack in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise that brings smiles to everyone's faces.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a go-to option for satisfying sudden cookie cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

What’s in Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: Provides the base structure for the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cookies.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the cookies.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the classic red velvet color to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor.
• Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda for better rising.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese frosting.

How to Bake Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper.

Set your oven to preheat at 350F (175C).

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy.

• Egg
• Buttermilk
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract
• Vinegar

Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Chill Dough

Pop the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

This helps the dough firm up and makes scooping easier.

Step 4: Form Cookie Balls

Scoop the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size.

Place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies are set but still soft in the center.

Let them rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Continue beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cooled cookie.

Arrange on a serving platter and get ready to enjoy these delectable treats!

Tips for Red Velvet Cookie Perfection

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure neat, round cookies with crisp edges.
• Add food coloring gradually to achieve your desired deep red color without altering the cookie's texture or taste.
• Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft for a tender, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better frosting consistency.
• Store frosted cookies in a single layer or between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful appearance.

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Irresistible red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting blend rich cocoa and tangy cream cheese into a heavenly dessert experience. Sweet Southern charm meets classic indulgence, promising pure delight for cookie enthusiasts who crave something extraordinary.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Flavor and Color Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel)
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Blend dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt) in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until airy and pale.
3. Incorporate egg, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar into the butter mixture, mixing until smooth and uniform in color.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
5. Refrigerate dough for 15-20 minutes to enhance texture and improve scooping consistency.
6. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch spheres, positioning them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, ensuring cookies are set but retain a soft center. Cookies will appear slightly underdone.
8. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Prepare frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky and well-integrated.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until frosting becomes light and fluffy.
11. Once cookies are completely cool, generously spread cream cheese frosting over each cookie.
12. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without altering the cookie’s texture.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg