Irresistible Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that combines the rich, velvety flavor of classic red velvet cake with the fun, portable charm of cookies, then this Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting recipe is your new best friend. These soft, chewy cookies are beautifully red, tender, and topped with a luscious, creamy frosting that takes every bite to the next level of indulgence. Perfect for any celebration or a simple sweet moment, this recipe brings you the best of both worlds in a delightful, easy-to-make form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Chewy Texture: Every bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of tenderness and chewiness that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Beautiful Vibrant Color: The classic red velvet hue adds festive charm and makes these cookies stand out on any dessert table.
• Creamy Frosting Finish: The dreamy frosting topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and richness to complement the cookie.
• Simple Ingredients: Using basic and easy-to-find ingredients makes this recipe approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday party, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies always impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting rely on simple, quality ingredients—each carefully chosen to build the perfect texture, flavor, and iconic color that’s signature to red velvet. From the cocoa powder that adds depth to the cream cheese frosting that adds creaminess, every item plays a key role.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough providing structure and softness.
• Cocoa powder: Adds subtle chocolate flavor essential for the red velvet taste.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
• Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
• Red food coloring: Gives the iconic vibrant red color.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor depth with its warm, sweet notes.
• White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help with leavening and enhances the tangy essence of red velvet.
• Cream cheese (for frosting): Provides the rich, tangy base of the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and smoothens the frosting texture.
• Unsalted butter (for frosting): Gives the frosting a creamy consistency.
• Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a fragrant flavor to the frosting.

Variations for Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

Feel free to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different tweaks and twists. It’s easy to adapt Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting for dietary preferences, seasonal flavors, or just to switch things up and keep your taste buds happy.

• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe, delicious alternative.
• Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and a dairy-free cream cheese to create a vegan-friendly batch.
• Chocolate chips added: Mix in mini white or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful texture surprise.
• Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, warming twist.
• Frosting flavors: Swap the vanilla in frosting for almond or cream cheese with a citrus zest to freshen things up.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa to ensure every bite has flavor and rise.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential because the aeration here will give the cookies their soft texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully combined. These ingredients add richness, color, and the tangy undertone characteristic of red velvet.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers still look soft.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth and fluffy. This frosting is creamy and tangy, the perfect contrast to the red velvet dough.

Step 7: Frost the Cookies

Once cookies have cooled to room temperature, pipe or spread a generous layer of frosting on each one. This is where the magic happens, creating a gorgeous finish and irresistible flavor combo.

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

• Use room temperature ingredients: It helps everything blend smoothly and ensures a uniform texture.
• Don’t overbake: Aim for soft centers by pulling cookies out just before edges brown.
• Chill the dough if possible: This prevents spreading and improves flavor development.
• Use gel food coloring: Achieves vibrant red color without adding extra liquid to the dough.
• Pipe frosting for neatness: Use a piping bag for evenly coated cookies that look bakery-quality.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting

Garnishes

Add a finishing touch by sprinkling crushed white chocolate, festive red sugar crystals, or finely chopped pecans on top of the frosting for extra texture and flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert experience that feels both luxurious and homey.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in layered jars or gift boxes lined with parchment for beautiful homemade gifts, or serve on colorful platters garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and frosting creaminess.

Freezing

Freeze frosted or unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or refrigerated cookies, warm them briefly in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back softness without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese in the frosting with buttercream or mascarpone for a different but delicious twist, though cream cheese is traditional in red velvet desserts.

Is red food coloring necessary for this recipe?

While it’s key to achieving the signature red velvet appearance, you can reduce the amount or use natural coloring like beet juice, but the color will be less vibrant.

Can I use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the dough?

Both work well, but a stand mixer provides easier mixing and better aeration. Just be sure not to overmix once dry ingredients are added.

How long do Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting last?

Stored properly, they stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week refrigerated.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe scales well; just be sure to have enough baking sheet space and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting bring the rich tradition of red velvet cake into an easy, handheld delight that’s perfect any time you’re craving something sweet and special. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe will surely become a favorite staple you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to the absolute best Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting experience today!

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