Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, perfect for any special occasion or as an indulgent treat. These soft and chewy cookies are rich with cocoa flavor and beautifully complemented by a creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, Valentine’s Day, or just because, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

What Are Red Velvet Cookies?

Red Velvet Cookies are a variation of the beloved red velvet cake, made into bite-sized cookies. They have a mild chocolate flavor, a hint of vanilla, and their signature red hue. The addition of cream cheese frosting elevates the cookies, adding a smooth and tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the soft texture of the cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Perfectly balanced flavors: The subtle cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Great for any occasion: These cookies are festive, making them ideal for holidays, birthdays, or bake sales.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a personal touch.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp red food coloring
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp (12 g) cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

For the frosting:

• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Baking the Cookies

5. Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 ½ inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

8. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is thick and spreadable.

Assembling the Cookies

10. Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cooled cookies. If desired, top with sprinkles or chocolate shavings for extra decoration.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a festive hot chocolate.
• Arrange them on a dessert platter for parties or gift them in decorative boxes for special occasions.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing Instructions

• For unbaked dough: Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• For baked cookies: Freeze the cookies (without frosting) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
• Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
• Natural Coloring: Use beetroot powder instead of artificial red food coloring for a natural option.

FAQs

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before spreading or piping onto the cookies.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?
The cookies will lack their signature red color but will still taste delicious. Alternatively, try natural substitutes like beetroot powder.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredient quantities and bake in batches.

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a show-stopping treat that combines the elegance of red velvet with the comfort of homemade cookies. With their vibrant color and luscious frosting, they’re guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out—your friends and family will thank you!

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