If you are looking for a dessert that combines decadence with a playful twist of color, you have to try the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies bring together the rich, cocoa-tinged flavor of red velvet in a soft, chewy bite, perfectly complemented by a luxuriously creamy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just craving something extraordinary, this recipe is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress every single time.

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each plays a crucial role in building the signature flavor, texture, and charm of these red velvet cookies. From the deep cocoa powder to the vibrant red coloring and tangy cream cheese, every element is essential.

All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the structure for your cookies, giving them the perfect chewiness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Adds the subtle chocolate richness characteristic of red velvet.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise for a light yet dense texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup + 1/4 cup): Gives moisture and richness both to the cookies and the frosting.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough while helping to create that tender crumb.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough and contribute to its softness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons in dough + 1 teaspoon in frosting): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Adds tenderness and a slight tang, key to authentic red velvet taste.
Red food coloring (2 tablespoons): Gives these cookies their iconic and irresistible hue.
Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): The star of the frosting, lending a tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cookie.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting and makes it luxuriously smooth.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This mixture forms the base for your cookies and ensures the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl or a stand mixer, beat your softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, which leads to a tender cookie texture you’ll absolutely love.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Buttermilk, and Coloring

Beat in the eggs one at a time to help fully incorporate them, then add the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and that vibrant red food coloring. Mix until everything melds into a beautifully colored, smooth batter.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed, making sure to combine just until there are no streaks of flour left. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so take it easy here.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting period helps the flavors develop and stops the dough from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 7: Scoop the Cookies

Using a tablespoon measure, scoop portions of dough onto your lined baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart, allowing room to spread without sticking to one another.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers remain soft to achieve the perfect chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 9: Cool on Baking Sheet and Wire Rack

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking; this helps them firm up slightly. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is important before frosting so the frosting doesn’t melt.

Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

As your cookies cool, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until completely smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating continuously until your frosting is creamy, light, and spreadable.

Step 11: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies have fully cooled, use either a piping bag for a pretty, swirled finish or a knife to spread the frosting generously on top. This luscious frosting is the crowning glory of this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an added touch of elegance and texture, consider garnishing your cookies with crushed pecans, white chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. These toppings not only look beautiful but enhance the flavor and make serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a classic glass of cold milk or a cup of rich hot cocoa to complement their velvet-smooth texture. For adults, a light cup of coffee or a creamy latte balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies in a tall jar for a charming gift, or arrange them on a decorative platter with little edible flowers or fresh berries. You can also use colored sprinkles on the frosting to personalize for birthdays or holidays—there’s no limit to the festive fun you can have!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and safe. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, offering a delightful treat whenever you crave.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply scoop them onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze them without frosting to maintain the best texture, then thaw before frosting.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy the cookies warm, briefly microwave a single cookie for about 10 seconds. Avoid reheating frosted cookies in the oven as the frosting may melt or separate. Microwaving brings out that fresh-baked goodness perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

You can use gel or liquid food coloring, but gels are preferred because they deliver a more vibrant color without thinning the dough too much.

Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Yes, buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps create the tender crumb typical of red velvet, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs in place of regular eggs, and select vegan cream cheese for the frosting.

How thick should I make the frosting layer?

About a tablespoon of frosting per cookie is ideal—enough to cover generously without overwhelming the cookie itself.

Can I double this recipe for bigger batches?

Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully, so feel free to double or triple the ingredients for holidays or parties.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any dessert lineup. With its perfect balance of rich flavors, stunning color, and that dreamy frosting, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try, and watch smiles bloom around the table!