Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly combines rich chocolate flavor with a festive pop of color, this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are tender, chewy, and infused with the signature red velvet cocoa, while the luxurious cream cheese frosting adds the perfect sweet tang—making every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re baking for holidays, a party, or simply to brighten up your day, these cookies bring warmth and joy straight from the oven to your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples, yet together they create a cookie that is moist, flavorful, and beautifully red. Each item plays a vital role—from the all-purpose flour giving structure to the cocoa providing that subtle chocolate hint, complemented by the cream cheese frosting’s rich creaminess to put this recipe over the top.

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies providing structure and chewiness.
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the classic mild chocolate flavor essential for red velvet treats.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop a tender crumb.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies spread just right.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds depth with its molasses notes and keeps cookies chewy.
• 1 egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a tender texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely warm aroma that complements red velvet’s flavor.
• 1 tbsp red food coloring: The signature color that makes these cookies vibrant and eye-catching.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, giving a creamy tangy finish.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Combines with cream cheese for a smooth frosting base.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking environment. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup. Setting up your workspace properly from the start makes a world of difference.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination creates a balanced base for your dough, distributing the cocoa evenly so every cookie gets that classic red velvet flavor.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, so the cookies bake up soft and tender with just the right amount of moisture.

Step 4: Adding Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to your creamed butter and sugar mixture. The egg helps hold everything together, while the vanilla intensifies flavor, and the food coloring delivers that vibrant red tone that makes these cookies stand out.

Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tougher cookies, so be gentle and patient at this stage.

Step 6: Chilling the Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. This rest time solidifies the fats, making the cookies less likely to spread too much during baking and intensifies the flavors.

Step 7: Portioning and Baking

Scoop the dough into generous 1.5-tablespoon balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets with enough space in between. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, which gives these cookies their luscious chewy texture.

Step 8: Cooling the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is crucial so the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

Step 9: Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. This frosting is what truly elevates your red velvet cookies to a dessert sensation.

Step 10: Frosting Your Cookies

Spread or pipe swirls of cream cheese frosting on the cooled cookies. The smooth, tangy frosting pairs wonderfully with the rich, velvety cookie beneath. Once frosted, your cookies are ready to enjoy or store!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a final garnish can enhance both appearance and flavor. Consider sprinkling a few mini white chocolate chips, festive edible glitter, or chopped pecans atop the cream cheese frosting for texture and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a bold cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s all about complementing the rich red velvet and tangy frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cookies the star of any gathering by serving them on a decorative platter lined with doilies or festive napkins. You can also sandwich the cookies with frosting in between to create indulgent cookie sandwiches or stack them into a petite dessert tower for wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend freshness, refrigerate them, but allow cookies to return to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Frost cookies after thawing for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, gently heat unfrosted or lightly frosted cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Warm cookies melt the frosting slightly, creating an irresistible gooey bite.

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?

For the best red velvet flavor and color, unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended as natural cocoa can alter the taste and color due to its acidity. However, if natural cocoa is all you have, the cookies will still taste great with a slightly different profile.

Is it possible to make these cookies without red food coloring?

Red food coloring is key to getting that classic, vibrant red velvet look. For a natural alternative, you could try beet juice or powder, but results may vary in both color intensity and flavor.

Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with buttercream?

While buttercream is delicious, cream cheese frosting delivers the characteristic tangy contrast that complements red velvet perfectly. Using buttercream will change the taste but still result in a lovely cookie.

How do I ensure the cookies stay soft and chewy?

Be careful not to overbake; removing the cookies when edges are set but centers are still soft helps maintain chewiness. Chilling the dough beforehand also prevents excessive spreading and keeps the texture tender.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use an egg replacer. Keep in mind texture and flavor might slightly differ, so some experimentation may be required.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a delightful treat that brings the magic of red velvet into a portable, shareable form. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking to impress friends and family, these cookies deliver on every level of flavor and texture. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie obsession!

Print