Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich cocoa flavor, topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. These vibrant cookies are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat with a hint of decadence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture – A perfect balance of tender and slightly crisp edges
- Classic red velvet flavor – A touch of cocoa with a hint of vanilla
- Rich cream cheese frosting – Smooth, tangy, and perfectly sweet
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time
- Great for special occasions – Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or parties
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- Buttermilk or milk + vinegar (for moisture)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
Make the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugars – Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients – Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
- Combine everything – Slowly add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop and bake – Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter – Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar – Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Frost the cookies – Spread or pipe frosting on each cooled cookie.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–15 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Add white or dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Stuffed Cookies: Place a dollop of cream cheese inside each cookie before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Crunch: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- Festive Topping: Sprinkle red velvet crumbs or holiday sprinkles on the frosting.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or microwave for 5 seconds to soften.
FAQs
What makes red velvet different from chocolate cookies?
Red velvet has a mild cocoa flavor with a slight tang from buttermilk and vinegar.
Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, beet powder or natural red food dyes work, but the color may be less vibrant.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
Use more brown sugar and slightly underbake for a softer texture.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade cream cheese frosting tastes much better.
How do I prevent dry cookies?
Don’t overmix the dough, and measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes! The flavor remains the same but without the signature red color.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I make these into sandwich cookies?
Yes! Just spread frosting between two cookies for a red velvet whoopie pie.
How do I get perfectly round cookies?
Scoop the dough evenly and use a round cookie cutter to shape them while warm.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat, offering the perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and creamy sweetness. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or an everyday indulgence, these soft, chewy cookies are sure to impress. Try different variations and enjoy a homemade bakery-style treat!
PrintRed Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These soft and chewy red velvet cookies are infused with a hint of cocoa and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 ½ cups (320 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
Notes
Storage: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.- Optional Additions: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing white chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking.