Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love that classic red velvet flavor with a twist, then you’re going to adore this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies bring together the perfect balance of rich cocoa, vibrant red color, and a creamy frosting that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for delivering big flavor in a bite-sized treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to give you that ideal balance of flavor and texture. I always recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder for the best depth of flavor and room temperature dairy for smooth mixing.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and tender; always spoon it into the measuring cup for accuracy.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use natural (not Dutch process) for that characteristic red velvet tang and color.
• Baking powder: Gives just the right lift without making the cookies cakey.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key for proper creaming with sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the lovely texture.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Pure vanilla extract: I like to use real vanilla for depth of flavor.
• Red gel food coloring: This gives that iconic red velvet hue without watering down the dough like liquid food coloring can.
• Cream cheese: For the frosting; softened to room temp so it whips up creamy and smooth.
• Powdered sugar: Sifted before mixing to avoid lumps in the frosting.

Variations

I love making this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own by playing around with different mix-ins and techniques. Feel free to customize to suit your taste or occasion; the base recipe is super forgiving.

• Nutty Twist: I sometimes fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture — my family goes crazy for the crunchy surprise in each bite.
• Spiced Surprise: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough adds a warm undertone that makes these cookies feel a little cozier.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, plus a flax egg instead of chicken eggs — results can be slightly different but still delicious!
• Mini Cookies: Bake smaller bite-sized cookies for parties or gift boxes; just adjust baking time down by a couple of minutes and keep an eye on them.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Sifting avoids lumps and helps everything combine evenly, which is especially important in cookies like these to get a smooth, consistent dough. Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates tiny air pockets that help give the cookies a tender but slightly chewy texture. I’ve learned that beating it long enough really makes a difference here.

Step 3: Adding Eggs, Vanilla, and Coloring

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the red gel food coloring. I prefer gel over liquid because it packs color without thinning the dough, so you get that perfect vivid red hue every time.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Turn your mixer down to low and gradually add the dry mixture you sifted earlier. Beat just until you no longer see flour — overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so patience is key here. Once combined, wrap the dough in plastic wrap, shape it into a disk, and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. That chill time helps the dough roll out smoothly and prevents spreading when baking.

Step 5: Rolling, Cutting, and Baking

When the dough is chilled and ready, roll it out on parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness. If it feels too stiff, just let it rest at room temp for 5-10 minutes. Use a tall metal cookie cutter to cut out your shapes—this cuts cleanly through the dough and makes a nice edge. Arrange the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and chill again for 30 minutes before baking. This extra chill step is a game-changer—it helps the cookies keep their shape and bake evenly.

Before baking, prick the cookies lightly all over with the end of a skewer or an instant-read thermometer; this prevents air bubbles from forming and keeps the cookies flat. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 11 minutes or until they’re set around the edges but still soft in the middle. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, get the frosting ready. Beat your room-temperature cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract on medium-high until the mixture is silky and light—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a stand mixer. Then, on low speed, slowly add the sifted powdered sugar until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. I never skip sifting here because it guarantees the frosting spreads beautifully without lumps.

Step 7: Frosting and Finishing Touches

Spread the frosting over each cooled cookie using a small offset spatula—this gives you the best control for an even layer. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle colorful edible sprinkles on top for extra fun and festiveness. These cookies are best enjoyed within a day of frosting, but I’ll share my storage tips below so you can keep baking ahead of time!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple — a sprinkle of nonpareils or crushed freeze-dried raspberries on top adds a nice pop of color and texture without overpowering the frosting. Sometimes I dust a hint of cocoa powder around the edges for a more elegant look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a festive brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies in a tiered cookie stand or placed them in clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons for gifting. Another favorite is slicing mini sandwiches from two frosted cookies for a playful twist that always surprises guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After frosting, I store these cookies in an airtight container in a single layer or separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. In my experience, they stay fresh and soft for up to 24 hours—beyond that, the frosting can start to soften too much.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, the dough freezes beautifully. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it keeps well for up to one month. Frozen dough thaws in the fridge overnight and can be rolled and cut as usual. I’ve also frozen unfrosted baked cookies—just frost after thawing for best texture.

Reheating

For leftover cookies without frosting, I like to warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 3-5 minutes to bring back that soft, fresh-baked feel. For frosted ones, let them come to room temperature; the frosting softens nicely and tastes just as luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect blend of classic comfort and a fun cookie twist. I remember the first time I shared these at a family gathering—the way everyone lit up made me realize I’d nailed something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try them and maybe even make a few of these delightful treats your own family favorites. So roll up your sleeves, grab your mixing bowls, and dive into these wonderfully festive cookies—you’re going to love every bite!

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