Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the richness of red velvet cake with the delight of a chewy, soft treat, then these Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the answer. This indulgent recipe brings together the signature tangy and slightly cocoa-flavored red velvet base with a creamy, smooth layer of cream cheese frosting on top. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a festive holiday treat to a special dessert after dinner. The vibrant red color of the cookies not only makes them eye-catching but also adds a unique and luxurious touch. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to a friend, or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these cookies will definitely steal the show. The cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the cookies, adding a tangy sweetness that takes these treats to the next level. Simple yet decadent, these Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting will quickly become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and rich flavors. The red velvet base offers a subtle cocoa flavor with a light tang, making it a perfect counterpart to the creamy, sweet frosting that is reminiscent of a classic red velvet cake. The cookies themselves have a soft texture with just the right amount of chewiness, making each bite melt in your mouth. The bright red color adds a festive feel, making these cookies perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting is the ideal finishing touch, giving a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich cookie base. These cookies are easy to make, but they have the kind of flavor and appearance that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Large egg
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Variations

1. Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
2. Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg for a vegan-friendly version.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
4. Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl the cream cheese frosting into the cookie dough before baking for a marbled effect.
5. Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a crunchy contrast to the soft texture.

How to Make the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, and the batter turns a vibrant red color.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. If you’re using store-bought frosting, you can simply spoon it onto the cookies, or for homemade frosting, you can pipe it on for a more decorative finish.

Tips for Making the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and creates a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, it’s important not to overbake. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out when the edges are just set.
• Red Food Coloring: If you prefer a natural alternative to food coloring, you can use beet juice or a natural red dye, though it might not give the same vibrant color as synthetic food coloring.
• Chill the Dough: If you want your cookies to spread less during baking, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
• Frosting Variations: If you’re not a fan of traditional cream cheese frosting, you can use buttercream frosting or even a glaze for a lighter option.

How to Serve

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. They can be served as a dessert at a dinner party or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. If you’re looking to make them extra special, try arranging them on a decorative platter and garnishing with edible gold flakes or sprinkles for a festive touch. These cookies can also be packaged beautifully in a gift box or tin to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added frosting, be sure to keep the cookies in a cool place to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place the cooled cookies (without frosting) in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and frost them.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes before adding the frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without red food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring if you prefer, though the cookies will not have the signature red color.

2. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use buttercream, whipped cream, or even a glaze if you prefer a different taste.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture might vary slightly.

5. How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, you can slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

6. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 2 months if frozen.

7. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour in this recipe.

8. How do I get the perfect cream cheese frosting consistency?

If the frosting is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar.

9. Can I freeze the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can freeze cream cheese frosting for up to a month. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge before using.

10. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of classic red velvet cake with the chewy, comforting texture of a cookie. The rich flavor of the cookies paired with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting makes for an irresistible dessert that will impress at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something indulgent, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

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