Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are the perfect sweet treat to impress your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. These cookies offer a delightful combination of soft, chewy textures with a rich, chocolatey flavor, all beautifully adorned with creamy frosting. They are incredibly easy to make, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or looking for a cozy dessert to share, these vibrant cookies will surely steal the show!
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Perfect for Valentine’s Day and Special Occasions
These cookies are not only delicious but their striking red color makes them a festive choice for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Whether you serve them at a romantic dinner or as a fun surprise for your family, they are sure to make the occasion extra special.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Unique Flavor and Vibrant Color
The unique flavor of red velvet cookies comes from the combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk, creating a subtle chocolate taste that perfectly complements the rich cream cheese frosting. Their vibrant hue adds a touch of elegance to any dessert table, making them a visual and culinary treat.
What Ingredients You’ll Need for Red Velvet Cookies
Essential Ingredients List
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons red gel food coloring
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to make gluten-free cookies, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese in your frosting.
Equipment Needed for Red Velvet Cookies
Basic Kitchen Tools Required
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
Optional Equipment for Convenience
- Silicone baking mats
- Wire rack for cooling
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies: Step-by-Step
Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or greasing them lightly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix until just combined.
Baking Instructions
Next, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick and slightly sticky. Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops are set but still soft.
Cooling and Frosting the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy and thick.
Once the cookies are cool, frost them generously and feel free to add any desired decorations like sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
My Best Tips & Techniques for Red Velvet Cookies
Achieving the Perfect Texture
For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better. If you prefer a more cake-like texture, slightly underbake the cookies.
Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs ensures your dough comes together smoothly and results in uniformly baked cookies.
Tips for Frosting
Make sure your cookies are completely cooled before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish. For a fun twist, try adding a dash of cinnamon to your frosting for a spiced flavor!
Ways to Mix Up Your Red Velvet Cookies
Creative Variations and Add-ins
Consider adding mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to the dough for extra sweetness. You can also create sandwich cookies by placing frosting between two cookies for a decadent treat.
Adapting for Dietary Needs
These cookies can easily be made dairy-free or vegan by using plant-based substitutes for the butter and cream cheese. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite combination!
Serving Ideas & Storage for Red Velvet Cookies
Best Pairings for Serving
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a perfect afternoon treat. They also make a beautiful addition to a dessert table at any gathering.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; frost after thawing for the best results.
FAQs
Can I make red velvet cookies without food coloring?
Yes, you can make red velvet cookies without food coloring, but they will not have the signature red hue. You may use cocoa powder for flavor, but the color will be more brown.
How do I store frosted red velvet cookies?
Store frosted red velvet cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze red velvet cookies with frosting?
It is best to freeze red velvet cookies unfrosted. Once thawed, you can frost them to maintain the best texture of the frosting.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
- Valentine Millionaire Bars
- Heart-Shaped Cupcakes
- Heart-Shaped Nutella Truffles
- Valentine’s Day Appetizers
Conclusion
These red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delicious way to celebrate love and sweet moments. For additional inspiration,
check out Pinterest for creative decorating ideas and other Valentine’s Day recipes. Happy baking, and enjoy sharing these delightful cookies with your loved ones!
Easy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Cookie scoop
- Wire rack
- mixer
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons red gel food coloring
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for frosting, softened)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then incorporate buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red gel food coloring.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Drop dough onto prepared sheets using a cookie scoop, leaving space between each cookie, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Once cooled, frost the cookies and add any desired decorations.