Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a stunning red color that makes them perfect for any occasion. If you’re a fan of red velvet cake, you will enjoy these cookies even more. They pair wonderfully with creamy frosting and are a real crowd-pleaser. For those interested in similar recipes, check out these red velvet cupcakes.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Red Velvet Cookies at home not only allows you to enjoy fresh cookies, but also lets you share them with family and friends. They’re easy to prepare and baked in just a short time. Plus, the combination of cream cheese frosting adds a luscious flavor that complements the cookies perfectly. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, this recipe is just the thing. You may also find Apple Pecan Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting useful.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Once cookies are cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies
Serve these cookies fresh, either plain or generously topped with cream cheese frosting. They can be a delightful addition to any dessert table or make for a sweet treat at a party. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack. If you enjoy these, you might also like soft sour cream sugar cookies.
How to Store Red Velvet Cookies
To store your Red Velvet Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place un-frosted cookies in a freezer bag and use them later as needed. Just frost them after thawing.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right texture.
- Do not overmix the dough when combining wet and dry ingredients; this can make the cookies tough.
- For an extra touch, add chocolate chips or nuts into the dough before baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary, and you don’t want to overbake them.
Variation
For a delightful twist, you can add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough or use almond extract instead of vanilla to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
A: Yes, but gel food coloring provides a more vibrant color, which is preferable for red velvet cookies.
Q: What can I do if my cream cheese frosting is too runny?
A: If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you could substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
Enjoy baking your Red Velvet Cookies, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family!
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is softened but not melted.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring Gel food coloring is preferable for vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup powdered sugar Add more if frosting is too runny.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Once cookies are cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
