Red Velvet Cookies Cream Cheese

This red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting is a delightful treat that balances rich cocoa flavors with the smooth tang of cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect dessert for celebrations or a cozy afternoon indulgence. The recipe is straightforward enough to manage on a busy day yet impressive enough to wow guests.

I first tried this recipe during a holiday gathering, and it quickly became a favorite that everyone asks for year after year. The combination of flavors feels both nostalgic and refreshing.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Butter: melted and cooled half a cup for moisture and richness
• Granulated sugar: half a cup and brown sugar half a cup for sweetness and chewiness, brown sugar especially helps keep the cookies soft
• One egg: to bind ingredients and add structure
• Vanilla extract: one teaspoon for subtle warmth and aroma
• All-purpose flour: 230 grams as the main structure of the cookie, using fresh flour ensures better rise
• Dutch process cocoa powder: ten grams to provide that classic red velvet chocolate depth
• Baking powder and baking soda: half a teaspoon each to give the cookies a light and tender crumb
• Salt: half a teaspoon to enhance flavors and balance sweetness
• Butter: 120 grams for the frosting to contribute creaminess
• Full-fat cream cheese: 60 grams for tang and smoothness in the frosting
• Powdered sugar: 220 grams sifted to keep the frosting silky and lump-free
• Vanilla bean paste: quarter teaspoon for an intense vanilla flavor that smells amazing in the frosting
• Red gel food coloring: half a teaspoon for that signature red velvet look gel coloring is preferred here because it does not affect the cookie’s texture

How to Make It

Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:

Sift the all-purpose flour cocoa powder baking powder baking soda and salt into a bowl. This ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed and prevents clumps in your dough.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

In a separate large bowl mix the melted cooled butter granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined and smooth. This step makes sure your cookies will be tender but chewy.

Add Egg and Vanilla:

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly into the butter sugar mixture for a balanced flavor and structure.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which could result in tough cookies.

Add Food Coloring:

Fold in half a teaspoon of red gel food coloring evenly to get that classic vibrant red hue without affecting the dough’s consistency.

Chill the Dough:

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor melding.

Shape and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Scoop dough portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet spacing them apart as they spread slightly. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Cool Completely:

Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Make the Frosting:

Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste gradually beating until fluffy and spreadable.

Frost the Cookies:

Once cookies are fully cooled generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cookie and serve or store appropriately.

I always look forward to making these around Valentine’s Day. The cream cheese frosting reminds me of decorating cookies with my mom when I was a kid. The vibrant red color paired with the creamy frosting makes every bite feel like a little celebration.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to three days to keep them soft. Refrigerate to keep the frosting fresh but bring cookies back to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk coffee or even a mild herbal tea. Adding a few fresh berries on the side makes for a charming presentation.

Creative Twists

You can substitute butter for coconut oil in the dough for a dairy-free version but expect a slight change in texture. If you do not have Dutch process cocoa powder natural cocoa works too but the color and flavor will be a bit different. Red velvet treats have a rich American Southern heritage connected to holiday celebrations often associated with being a luxurious yet approachable dessert. The cream cheese frosting elevates it into a special occasion treat. These cookies shine all year round but adding orange zest to the frosting in winter creates a festive twist. In summer add a light dusting of freeze-dried strawberry powder for an extra pop of color and flavor.

This recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture that’s sure to impress both family and friends.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of cocoa powder works best for these cookies?

Dutch process cocoa powder is recommended as it provides a smooth, mellow chocolate flavor and contributes to the classic red velvet color.

→ Can I use regular cream cheese for the frosting?

Yes, full-fat cream cheese ensures a creamy and rich frosting texture, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.

→ How do I achieve the vibrant red color in the cookies?

Using red gel food coloring or vegan food coloring helps maintain a bright red hue without affecting the dough's consistency.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep the frosting fresh longer.

→ Can these cookies be made vegan?

Substitutions like plant-based butter, egg alternatives, and vegan cream cheese may work, but results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.