Name: Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 41 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 110 g butter, melted and cooled (½ cup); 100 g granulated sugar (½ cup); 100 g brown sugar (½ cup); ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring or vegan food coloring; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 230 g all-purpose flour; 10 g Dutch process cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 120 g butter; 60 g full-fat cream cheese; 220 g powdered sugar, sifted; ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are looking to elevate your cookie game, these Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are an absolute must-try. Imagine thick, soft-centered cookies bursting with that signature red velvet flavor and just the right touch of cocoa, wrapped in crispy edges. Topped with a luxuriously smooth cream cheese frosting, they bring a celebration to your taste buds and instantly brighten any holiday gathering or cozy weekend treat. The love and warmth baked into every bite make these cookies feel like a hug from the inside out.

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to deliver the perfect balance of taste, texture, and the vibrant red color that makes red velvet so iconic.

110 g butter, melted and cooled: Provides a rich, tender base while ensuring the cookies stay soft inside.
100 g granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s light crunch on the edges.
100 g brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone for depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon red gel food coloring or vegan food coloring: Essential for that beautiful, festive red hue that defines red velvet treats.
1 egg: Acts as a binder, helping the dough hold together perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
230 g all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies, providing structure.
10 g Dutch process cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolatey richness without overpowering.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies puff just right for a tender crumb.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create lift and softness.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
120 g butter for frosting: Ensures the cream cheese frosting is ultra-creamy and dreamy.
60 g full-fat cream cheese: Gives that tangy richness that makes the frosting so irresistible.
220 g powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting beautifully.
¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Adds a natural vanilla burst and speckled beauty to the frosting.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by melting the butter gently so it’s warm but not bubbling. Cooling it to room temperature is key because this prevents the eggs from cooking when mixed in, keeping your batter smooth. Whisk together the cooled butter with both sugars and the red gel food coloring until glossy and well combined. This step not only helps incorporate the color evenly but also gives the dough the moisture it needs for that desired chewy yet tender texture.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined to maintain a silky dough. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Incorporating these dry ingredients gently into your wet mixture ensures that your cookies stay soft without overdeveloping gluten — the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are famous for.

Step 3: Chill and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough to get 11 even balls. Rolling them between your hands makes shaping easier and tidy. The crucial chill in the fridge for an hour helps your cookies hold their shape while baking, creating those irresistible crispy edges and soft centers. Plus, it boosts the depth of flavor, giving you that perfect bite every time.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Bake the cookies in batches on parchment-lined trays for 10 to 11 minutes. When they come out, they might puff slightly in the center — gently pressing them down while warm makes a smooth surface for frosting. Cooling them completely on a rack ensures they’re set and ready for the crowning glory.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Let the butter and cream cheese soften before mixing. Beat the butter first until fluffy for at least 5 minutes, then add vanilla bean paste and cream cheese, beating until perfectly smooth. Incorporate the sifted powdered sugar gradually at a low speed to avoid a sugar cloud and to achieve that creamy, spreadable texture that is the hallmark of the frosting topping your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

Fill a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 2A or your favorite piping tip, and swirl generous amounts of frosting over each cooled cookie. This final flourish makes your cookies irresistibly inviting with that classic cream cheese tang and visual appeal, perfect for any festive table or an indulgent everyday treat.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle red or white nonpareils, edible glitter, or even tiny heart-shaped sprinkles onto the frosting. This adds a festive touch that makes these cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day or any celebration. You can also dust a tiny pinch of cocoa powder or drizzle melted white chocolate for a sophisticated flair that elevates the look and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance their richness. A fresh berry salad or a light citrus sorbet can be excellent companions too, as their acidity cuts through the sweetness, creating a harmonious dessert experience without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting on a tiered dessert stand or stack them with ribbons tied around for an adorable gift box presentation. For a party, offer a mini cookie bar where guests can add their own toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or drizzle sauces to customize their treats. The vibrant red hue always makes them a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially since the cream cheese frosting can be a bit delicate. When kept this way, the cookies retain their wonderful texture and decadent flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, and then transferring them to a freezer bag for up to two months. For frosting, prepare it fresh or freeze separately in an airtight container. This method lets you enjoy homemade Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting any time without sacrificing quality.

Reheating

For unfrosted cookies, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that soft, fresh-baked feeling. Avoid reheating frosted cookies to preserve the texture of the cream cheese frosting. Instead, let them come to room temperature naturally before serving to keep that luscious frosting perfectly creamy.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

While regular food coloring works, gel food coloring is concentrated and won’t affect your dough’s consistency or require extra liquid. It produces a more vivid red essential to Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. If you use liquid coloring, add it sparingly.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

You can try substituting the butter with vegan margarine and using a flaxseed egg replacement. Use vegan cream cheese for the frosting to maintain that signature tang. However, texture and flavor might slightly differ, so expect a delicious twist on the classic.

How thick should the cookies be before baking?

Form the dough balls around 1.3 ounces each and chill them for at least one hour. This firmness helps maintain thickness during baking, resulting in crispy edges and a tender, soft center, which is the hallmark of perfect Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Why does the recipe use Dutch process cocoa powder?

Dutch process cocoa is less acidic than natural cocoa, lending a smoother flavor and deeper color, which pairs beautifully with the tang of cream cheese in the frosting. It preserves that classic red velvet taste and appearance that everyone loves.

Can I prepare the frosting a day ahead?

Absolutely! Keep your cream cheese frosting stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature and give it a quick whisk or stir before piping to restore its creamy texture and softness, ready to enhance your cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of colors, textures, and flavors that come together to create something truly special. Whether for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share the love through these irresistibly festive cookies—your taste buds will thank you endlessly!