Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate indulgence that effortlessly blends rich flavor and delightful texture. My first encounter with these beautiful cookies was at a friend’s gathering, where they stood out with their vibrant red hue and irresistible cream cheese topping. They steal the show at any dessert table, making them a perfect treat for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy night in.
What makes these cookies so special is their soft, chewy texture paired with the tangy sweetness of the frosting. With a scoop of cocoa to deepen the flavor, they strike the right balance between cake-like richness and cookie simplicity. Whether you’re a fan of red velvet cakes or just searching for something deliciously different, these cookies will surely enchant your palate.
“The best red velvet cookies I’ve ever tasted—absolutely divine!”
Why you’ll love this
- Quick to make: These cookies are ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and bake time.
- Deliciously indulgent: The combination of red velvet and cream cheese creates a rich, appealing flavor.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the dough for later baking, or store baked cookies for future enjoyment.
- Perfect for celebrations: Their vibrant color and appealing style make them ideal for parties and special occasions.
- Simple ingredients: Common pantry staples create a superb treat with a gourmet feel.
Step-by-step overview
Making red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting starts with preheating your oven and preparing the dry ingredients. Next, you’ll cream the butter and sugar before adding the wet ingredients. Combine the mixtures, scoop dough onto a baking sheet, and bake until set. After cooling, the cookies are frosted with a luscious cream cheese mixture, resulting in sweet perfection.
What you’ll need
- 2 1/2 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 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Ingredient notes & swaps
- All-purpose flour: Can be substituted with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- Butter: Feel free to use margarine or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing; low-fat versions can be used but might be less creamy.
- Red food coloring: Gel food coloring works best for deeper color without too much liquid dilution.
How to make it
The process of creating these delightful cookies is straightforward and enjoyable, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to set but remain soft in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth; then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Frost the cooled cookies generously and enjoy!
Pro Tip: For perfect cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature and not melted; this will help retain the structure of the cookies.
Helpful cooking tips
- Chill the dough: If you prefer thicker cookies or are working in a warm environment, chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
- Check for doneness: Look for slightly puffed edges and a soft center for the ideal chewy texture.
- Cream cheese frosting: For a smooth frosting, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and whip it until fluffy.
- Customization: Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Texture cues: The cookies should feel soft but not sticky before cooling, indicating they’re baked perfectly.
Serving suggestions
Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are best enjoyed fresh but can elevate your dessert game when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a lovely display, serve them on a cake stand or platter adorned with fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings.
Storage & reheating tips
To keep your red velvet cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies or unfrosted cookie dough for up to three months. If freezing, wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
How to fix common issues
If your cookies are too dry, they may have been overbaked or the flour was measured incorrectly. For overly soft cookies, try chilling the dough before baking. If the frosting seems too runny, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Recipe variations
You can experiment with these variations to keep your red velvet cookies exciting. Try enhancing them with white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast, or swap in crushed nuts for a bit of crunch. You can also reduce the cocoa and add more food coloring for a more vibrant red without the chocolate taste.
Common questions
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Yes! While traditional red food coloring gives the cookies their iconic hue, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice or make it festive with blue or green for themed occasions.
Are these cookies suitable for dietary restrictions?
These cookies can be easily adapted for dietary needs. Use gluten-free flour and dairy alternatives for a gluten-free and vegan version. Just ensure the substitutes you choose work well in baking.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
To avoid excessive spreading, ensure your butter is creamed properly, and consider chilling the dough before baking. This helps maintain the shape while they bake.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an even tastier cookie.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers appear slightly undercooked. They will continue to cook as they cool, giving you perfectly soft cookies.
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to set but remain soft in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth; then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Frost the cooled cookies generously and enjoy!