Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious and festive treat that brings cheerful color and flavor to any occasion. With their unique red hue and creamy frosting, these cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a special dessert. The rich cocoa flavor combined with the tangy cream cheese frosting makes every bite a delight.
Why make this recipe
These cookies stand out not just for their striking color but also for their taste. They are soft, chewy, and have a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Topping them with cream cheese frosting adds a creamy touch that pairs perfectly with the cookies’ texture. Making these cookies is a fun activity, especially if you want to impress your friends or family.
How to make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients :
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
How to serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serve these cookies on a pretty plate, and they’ll look great at any gathering. You can offer them alongside a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They also make perfect gifts when wrapped nicely.
How to store Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember, if kept in the fridge, let them sit out for a little while before serving to regain their softness.
Tips to make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough once you add the flour; this keeps cookies soft.
- You can use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- If you want a stronger red color, add more food coloring until you achieve the desired shade.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie batter for extra flavor and texture. Another fun twist is to add some sprinkles on top of the cream cheese frosting for a festive touch.
FAQs
Can I freeze Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Frost them after thawing for the best texture.
Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can use chocolate frosting or even a vanilla buttercream if you prefer.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape.
Are these cookies suitable for any dietary restrictions?
This recipe contains gluten and dairy; however, you can substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a gluten-free and dairy-free option.
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.