Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting have taken the dessert world by storm, and for good reason! There’s just something magical about that vibrant red hue and the rich, cocoa flavor that makes these cookies irresistible. I love baking them for everything from birthdays to cozy nights in, and they never fail to impress. Trust me, the combination of the soft, chewy cookie and the creamy, tangy frosting is pure bliss. This recipe is super simple, and it’s sure to add a special touch to any occasion. So, let’s dive into making these delicious treats together!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting! I always make sure to gather my ingredients first, so I can dive right into the baking. Trust me, having everything ready makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel works best for that vibrant color!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
And for the creamy frosting, you’ll need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature—this helps everything mix together beautifully. Now, let’s get ready to bake some magic!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making these fabulous red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that are not just delicious but also stunningly beautiful. Ready? Let’s do this!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps your cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect chewy texture. So, turn on that oven and let it warm up while you get everything else ready!
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This step is crucial because it ensures that all those dry ingredients are evenly distributed, helping your cookies rise beautifully. Plus, who doesn’t love a little whisking therapy?
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, you’ll want to cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps give your cookies that delightful soft texture. You can use a hand mixer or just a good ol’ wooden spoon if you’re feeling strong!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The food coloring is what gives these cookies that stunning red hue, so don’t be shy with it! Just imagine how vibrant they’ll look!
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in parts—add about a third of the dry mix and stir gently before adding more. This helps prevent any flour clouds and keeps the batter nice and smooth. You want to mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to spread out (about 2 inches apart should do). Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers still feel a bit soft—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Cool and Frost the Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because if you frost them too soon, the frosting will melt into a gooey mess. While those beauties are cooling, whip up your cream cheese frosting by mixing 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 2 cups of powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Once your cookies are cool, go ahead and spread that luscious frosting on top. You can be as generous as you like; I know I always am!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake these red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting, here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, a few little tweaks can make a world of difference.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract. It really enhances the flavor of your cookies! And don’t skimp on the cream cheese for the frosting; it’s where the magic happens!
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients accurately is key. I recommend using a kitchen scale for the flour and sugar if you have one. It’s more precise and can help you achieve that perfect texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for both the cookies and the frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that! Gently fold until you see no more flour streaks.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! Every oven is a little different, so start checking them around the 10-minute mark. You want the edges set and the centers soft for that chewy goodness.
- Let Them Cool: Be patient and let your cookies cool completely before frosting. This step is crucial for a beautiful finish and to prevent that frosting from sliding off into a puddle!
- Experiment with Toppings: While the cream cheese frosting is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative! Sprinkle some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top for an extra touch of flair.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating red velvet cookies that are not just delicious but also the star of any gathering. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these scrumptious red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting. It’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per cookie:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes. So, enjoy these cookies in moderation, and savor every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you bake like a pro!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but just let them come to room temperature before enjoying. Trust me, they taste even better that way!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze wonderfully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
What can I use instead of red food coloring?
If you’d prefer to avoid food coloring, you can try using beet juice or even pomegranate juice for a natural alternative. Just keep in mind that the color might not be as vibrant, but it’ll still taste fabulous!
Can I make the cookies without cocoa powder?
Technically, you could make a version of red velvet cookies without cocoa powder, but they won’t have that signature chocolatey flavor. If you want to skip it, consider adding a bit of extra flour to maintain the consistency of the dough. You might also want to adjust the sugar a bit since cocoa powder adds a touch of sweetness!
What other frosting options can I use?
While cream cheese frosting is my absolute favorite, you can definitely experiment! A classic buttercream or even a chocolate ganache would be delicious. If you want a lighter option, try whipped cream or a whipped cream cheese frosting for a different take!
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Oh, for sure! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even white chocolate chunks for an extra special touch. Just remember to adjust your baking time slightly if you add a lot of mix-ins, as they can make the cookies spread a bit differently.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can be a bit disappointing! This usually happens if your butter was too warm or if you overmixed the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, double-check that your baking soda is fresh—it’s crucial for that perfect rise!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions while baking these beauties. I’m here to help you create the perfect batch of red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting that’ll wow everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute treat or surprise guests!
- Irresistibly Flavorful: The rich cocoa flavor combined with the tangy cream cheese frosting creates a delicious balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a cozy night at home, these red velvet cookies add a festive touch to any gathering.
- Beautifully Eye-Catching: Those vibrant red cookies topped with creamy frosting are not just tasty; they look stunning on any dessert table!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or switch up the frosting to create your own unique version—there’s always room for creativity!
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good cookie, especially when they’re as delightful as these red velvet ones. They’re sure to impress family and friends alike!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a delicious batch of red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting, let’s talk about how to store those beauties and keep them fresh! Proper storage ensures your cookies stay soft and flavorful, so follow these tips to savor every last bite.
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but they taste best when they’re at room temperature, so let them warm up a bit before enjoying!
If you’ve got leftovers (which is always a good problem to have!), you can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just ensure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge again, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. They’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them!
For more delicious recipes, check out these red velvet cheesecake bites or pumpkin pie overnight oats for a delightful twist on classic flavors!
Print
Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting magic in 7 steps
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cookies topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, food coloring, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: red velvet cookies, cream cheese frosting
