Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft and chewy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion. These cookies are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet snack at home. The rich red color and smooth cream cheese frosting make them visually appealing and irresistibly delicious. Plus, they are easy to make from scratch without the need for chilling the dough!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires no chilling time, allowing you to whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and cream cheese frosting offers a classic flavor that everyone loves.
• Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, these cookies fit perfectly on any dessert table.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the soft and chewy texture that makes every bite satisfying.
• Fun to Decorate: You can add colorful sprinkles or toppings to personalize your cookies for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients effectively without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for fluffy cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt

This mixture will create the foundation for your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
* ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
* 1 cup granulated sugar

Beat until the mixture is fluffy. Then add in:
* 1 large egg (room temperature)
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 Tablespoon red food coloring

Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from Step 2 into your wet mixture. Continue mixing until a dough forms.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10–11 minutes or until puffed with set edges.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies cool, make the frosting by beating together:
* 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
* ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

Once smooth, gradually add:
* 1¾ cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt

Continue beating until creamy.

Step 7: Frost Your Cookies

Once your red velvet cookies have cooled completely, spread them generously with cream cheese frosting. If desired, add sprinkles as a finishing touch before the frosting sets. Enjoy!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies can elevate your dessert experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy the classic pairing of cookies and milk. The creamy texture of milk complements the rich flavors of the red velvet cookies perfectly.

As a Party Favor

• Package individual cookies in decorative bags or boxes. These make for excellent party favors that guests will love to take home.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a large platter alongside other sweets like brownies and cupcakes. This creates an eye-catching dessert table for gatherings.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite hot beverage. The sweetness of the frosting balances well with coffee’s bitterness or tea’s subtle flavors.

For Special Occasions

• Serve them during celebrations like birthdays or holidays. Their vibrant color and delicious taste make them suitable for festive events.

With Ice Cream

• Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm and cold is simply irresistible.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting red velvet cookies requires attention to detail and some handy tips to enhance their flavor and texture.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better results.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour into the cup, which can lead to dense cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can make them tough.

• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should puff up but still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool fully before applying cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting off.

• Add Extras: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor variations that complement the red velvet base.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These red velvet cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making for a balanced dessert spread.

2. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

3. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites can complement the richness of the red velvet without overwhelming it in flavor.

4. Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert provides a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the fluffy cream cheese frosting.

5. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini versions of other flavors like vanilla or chocolate cupcakes as additional treats alongside your red velvet cookies.

6. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create an interactive dessert station where guests can build their sundaes, creating fun combinations with cookie crumbles on top.

7. Brownies: Fudgy brownies add another layer of chocolatey goodness that complements the red velvet cookies well.

8. Doughnuts: Glazed doughnuts bring a playful twist to your dessert table, offering another sweet option alongside your red velvet creations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, everyone can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can prevent the butter from creaming properly. Always bring your butter and egg to room temperature for better texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to ensure soft and chewy results.
• Not measuring accurately: Accurate measurement of flour and cocoa is crucial. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for precision.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them, and remove them when they are puffed and edges are set.
• Frosting while cookies are warm: Applying frosting on warm cookies can cause it to melt. Let your cookies cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies without frosting for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ve come to the right place!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How can I make these red velvet cookies more chocolatey?

You can increase cocoa powder slightly or add chocolate chips for extra richness.

What’s the best way to store leftover cream cheese frosting?

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I use other food colorings besides red?

Certainly! You can experiment with different colors, but red is traditional for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines soft textures with rich flavors. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating or simply craving something sweet. Don’t hesitate to customize them with nuts, sprinkles, or even flavored extracts. Enjoy baking!