NYC red velvet cookies are all the rage right now, and let me tell you, they deserve every bit of that hype! I remember the first time I tried one at a cozy little bakery in the heart of Manhattan. The moment I took a bite, my taste buds were dancing! The soft, chewy texture paired with that signature cream cheese frosting? Oh my goodness, it was heavenly. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these delightful cookies, you’ll be hooked too! They’re perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself. So, let’s dive into the world of NYC red velvet cookies and make some delicious memories together!
Ingredients for NYC Red Velvet Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best NYC red velvet cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened—this helps everything blend together beautifully. You might even want to set them out a bit before you start mixing, so they’re nice and creamy when it’s time to whip them up. And don’t skimp on the red food coloring; it’s what gives these cookies their gorgeous hue! Now that you’ve got everything ready, we’re one step closer to cookie bliss!
How to Prepare NYC Red Velvet Cookies
Let’s get those ovens preheated and dive into the cookie-making magic! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of NYC red velvet cookies that’ll make your taste buds sing!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps the cookies rise perfectly and bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that all those dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which is key for getting that perfect cookie texture. I like to do this first so the flavors meld together nicely!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This is where the magic happens! You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks pale and feels airy. The fluffier, the better!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to your butter mixture. Mix until everything is combined and you can see that gorgeous red color starting to shine through. Don’t be shy; give it a good mix!
Step 5: Mix Ingredients Together
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—this could lead to tough cookies! Just fold everything in gently until you see no more flour. You want that perfect, soft dough!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a bit, so give them room to breathe. I like to make them a little generous because who doesn’t love a big cookie?
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop those trays in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be set around the edges but still soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked!
Step 8: Cool Before Frosting
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial; you want them completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt right off!
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if you like!
Step 10: Frost and Serve
Finally, once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Spread a generous dollop of that creamy frosting on top of each cookie. You can get creative here—maybe even add some sprinkles for that extra festive touch! Serve them up and watch everyone fall in love!
Tips for Success
Alright, my cookie-loving friends, let’s make sure your NYC red velvet cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some insider tips that I swear by:
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies with a perfect chewy texture, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Add Chocolate Chips: Want to take your cookies to the next level? Toss in some semi-sweet chocolate chips! The combination of red velvet and chocolate is divine and adds an extra layer of flavor that you won’t regret.
- Use Quality Ingredients: I can’t stress this enough! Using high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Your cookies will taste so much more rich and delicious!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They’re done when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t be tempted to leave them in too long!
- Try Different Frosting: While cream cheese frosting is a classic, feel free to experiment! A chocolate ganache or whipped cream frosting can give a fun twist and complement the flavors beautifully.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best NYC red velvet cookies ever! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! It’s always good to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one delicious NYC red velvet cookie:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, I promise the flavor will always be worth it! Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ about NYC Red Velvet Cookies
Got questions about making these scrumptious NYC red velvet cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear and my go-to answers to help you out:
Can I use buttermilk instead of butter?
While you can experiment a little, I wouldn’t recommend swapping butter for buttermilk directly in this recipe. The butter adds richness and helps with the cookie texture. If you’re looking for a buttermilk-flavored cookie, consider finding a recipe specifically for that!
How do I store my cookies?
Store your NYC red velvet cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, pop them in the fridge! Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
You absolutely can! Just scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready for fresh cookies, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use beet juice or even pomegranate juice for a natural color! Just keep in mind that it might alter the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make these cookies without the frosting?
Of course! The cookies are delightful on their own, but the cream cheese frosting really adds that classic touch. If you prefer a lighter treat, just skip the frosting and enjoy the cookies as is!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour! Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for that perfect cookie structure. Happy baking!
If you have any other questions while making your NYC red velvet cookies, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you create the best cookie experience possible!
Why You’ll Love NYC Red Velvet Cookies
- Quick Prep Time: With just a 20-minute prep time, you’ll be on your way to cookie bliss in no time!
- Delicious Flavor: The perfect blend of rich cocoa and sweet cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible taste.
- Stunning Appearance: The vibrant red color makes these cookies a showstopper at any gathering or celebration.
- Chewy Texture: The soft, chewy interior paired with a slight crisp on the edges makes every bite delightful.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are always a hit with friends and family—perfect for parties, holidays, or just because!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist, like chocolate chips or a different frosting flavor, for a unique treat!
- Fun to Make: Baking these cookies is a joy, and the end result is both satisfying and delicious!

NYC Red Velvet Cookies: 10 Ways to Indulge in Bliss
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious NYC-style red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
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; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until combined.
- Drop dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost cooled cookies and serve.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: nyc red velvet cookies, red velvet cookies, dessert cookies