Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These cookies deliver the rich, velvety flavor of traditional red velvet cake but in a convenient, easy-to-eat format. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or simply to enjoy as a treat with your friends and family. The vibrant red color and decadent taste make them a standout dessert that is sure to impress.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect sweet treat for when you want something a little different. They boast a unique flavor that combines chocolate with hints of vanilla and buttermilk, all wrapped up in a beautiful red hue. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy balance to the cookies, making each bite a delicious experience. They are fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat, making them a go-to recipe for gatherings or a cozy night in.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well mixed. This will ensure that your cookies have an even rise and a lovely texture.
Step 2: Mixing
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. This step is crucial as it helps aerate the butter, resulting in lighter cookies. Next, add in the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Cooking
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want a nice, soft dough. Then, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Finishing
To prepare the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and the additional vanilla extract until well combined, creating a creamy and spreadable frost. Once your cookies are completely cooled, frost each cookie generously with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cookies are best served fresh but are also a marvelous treat at parties and gatherings. Arrange them on a decorative plate for an inviting presentation, or package them in clear bags tied with ribbons for thoughtful gifts. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
How to Store Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they should last for about a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough; this can lead to tough cookies.
- For an even prettier presentation, swirl the frosting on top of the cookies rather than simply spreading it.
- You may replace the red food coloring with natural coloring alternatives, such as beet juice, if preferred.
- Ensure the cream cheese for frosting is at room temperature for easy blending.
Delicious Variations
- Add-ins: Try adding white chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Chocolate variation: Add cocoa powder to the dough for an extra rich chocolate flavor.
- Seasonal twist: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the frosted cookies for special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies without frosting for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting. -
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread when the dough is too warm. Keep your dough chilled before baking, and ensure your butter isn’t melted. -
Can I use cream cheese frosting for other cookies?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs well with many types of cookies, including sugar cookies, chocolate cookies, and carrot cakes. -
Is it okay to use store-bought cream cheese frosting?
Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought cream cheese frosting can be a convenient substitute. -
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the cookie dough or frosting. Substitute with less powdered sugar in the frosting for a less sweet taste.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a wonderful treat that combines flavor, beauty, and fun. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe and share it with loved ones — it might just become your new favorite cookie! Enjoy the baking adventure and the delightful results!
Print
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful red velvet cookies topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well mixed.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined, then drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks. Once cooled, beat the cream cheese until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to make the frosting, then generously frost each cookie.
Notes
For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
