Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, these Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are your go-to treat! With their vibrant color and rich flavor, they’re perfect for holiday parties, birthdays, or just a sweet, indulgent afternoon. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- These cookies are irresistibly soft and chewy.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a perfect tangy contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Red velvet adds a pop of color that makes any occasion feel special.
- Easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home.
- They’re a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- For the frosting: 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, milk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough using a tablespoon and place on the baking sheet, leaving space between each scoop. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy.
Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cookie.
Notes
- For a more intense red, add another teaspoon of food coloring. Learn more about food coloring.
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
- For a lighter frosting, use a lower speed to incorporate air into the cream cheese and butter mixture.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Nutty Red Velvet Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Mint Red Velvet Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Storage Instructions
Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them, unfrosted, for up to 3 months.
Suggested Pairings
Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you find it too sticky to work with.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture.
- For perfectly even cookies, use a cookie scoop. Learn more.
FAQ
- Can I use natural food coloring? Yes, but the color might be less vibrant compared to synthetic food coloring.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- What if I don’t have an electric mixer? You can mix by hand, but it will take longer to achieve a creamy consistency.