Introduction

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, delivering rich cocoa flavor and a creamy, tangy frosting in every bite. These soft, moist cookies topped with smooth cream cheese frosting are perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home.

The image shows several round red velvet cookies arranged on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one thick layer of smooth, creamy white frosting spread on top, with soft swirls creating gentle waves and peaks. The rich red color of the cookie base contrasts with the bright, clean white frosting, making the texture of the cookie slightly cracked and soft, and the frosting looking smooth and fluffy. There is a white cloth with red patterns partially visible on the side of the rack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (24g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg (at room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon (15mL) red food coloring
4 ounces (113g) full fat block cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 and ¾ cup (210g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the egg and beat again, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing.
Step 5: Add the vanilla extract and red food coloring, then beat on medium speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even color distribution.
Step 6: Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry flour mixture. Mix just until dough forms; it will be crumbly. Use your hands to gently bring the dough together.
Step 7: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll each mound into a smooth ball and slightly flatten with your hand.
Step 8: Bake for 10-11 minutes until cookies are puffed and edges are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting (about 30 minutes).
Step 9: For the frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Lower mixer speed and add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until frosting is smooth.
Step 11: Spread cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cookie using a small offset spatula. Add sprinkles or decorations before frosting sets if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid altering dough consistency.
Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smoother batter and frosting.
Try swapping the cream cheese frosting for a simple white chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup.

Storage

Store the frosted cookies covered tightly at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave cookies at room temperature until completely defrosted. Frosting texture may soften slightly after freezing but remains delicious.

How to Serve

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a single red velvet cookie with a bite taken from it, showing its soft, crumbly red interior. The cookie is topped with a thick, creamy white frosting layer that has a smooth, slightly swirled texture. In the background, there is a white plate with a ribbed pattern holding four more red velvet cookies, each topped with the same smooth white frosting. The setting is on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth with red heart patterns is slightly visible at the top edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can enjoy these red velvet cookies plain or dusted with powdered sugar. The cream cheese frosting adds classic richness but is not essential.

Can I use different food coloring?

Absolutely. Gel food coloring is recommended for more vibrant color without affecting dough consistency, but you can use liquid food coloring as well.