Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Red Velvet Cookies! They’re like little bites of cake that melt in your mouth, bursting with that signature rich flavor we all adore. The softness of these cookies combined with the creamy cream cheese frosting is just heavenly. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming about them for days! I remember the first time I baked these for a gathering; the entire room filled with that luscious, sweet aroma, and everyone couldn’t resist coming back for seconds. It’s a simple recipe, but it feels so indulgent and special, making it perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or a festive celebration. You’re going to love making (and eating) these delightful treats!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookies
(Tip: Make sure to gather everything before you start for a smooth baking experience!)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (I recommend gel for an extra vibrant color!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cookies
Prepping the Dough
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and whip up this delightful dough! First, in a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This is the dry mix that’ll give our cookies that wonderful texture. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the egg, red food coloring (don’t be shy!), and vanilla extract. Once that’s all mixed up, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here! The dough will be beautiful and vibrant—just a heads-up, it might be a little sticky.
Forming and Baking the Cookies
Now for the fun part! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or just your hands, form the dough into balls—about 1.5 inches in diameter should do it. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each cookie since they’ll spread a bit while baking. Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, but keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be set while the centers might look a tad underbaked—trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While those cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting! In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s super smooth and creamy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can definitely use a whisk if you’re feeling strong. You want the frosting to be thick enough to spread but still fluffy. If it feels too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up a bit. Taste it, and feel free to add a pinch of vanilla if you want that extra depth of flavor!
Frosting the Cookies
Time to make those cookies look gorgeous! Once your cookies are completely cool (this is important, or the frosting will melt), take a generous dollop of frosting and spread it on top of each cookie. You can go for a classic swirl or just a simple spread—whatever makes you happy! If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some extra cocoa powder or even some cute sprinkles on top for a pop of color. Trust me, they’ll look as amazing as they taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible red velvet flavor.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- They look stunning on any dessert table, making them a showstopper at parties!
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip these up in no time.
- They’re great for sharing, but honestly, you might just want to keep them all to yourself!
- Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making these Red Velvet Cookies, here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every single time!
- Measure Carefully: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—don’t scoop straight from the bag, or you might end up with too much!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter, cream cheese, and egg sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. This helps them blend together more smoothly and gives the cookies that light, fluffy texture.
- Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies (who doesn’t?), chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies in the oven! They should be soft in the center when you pull them out. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Frosting Tip: For a smoother frosting application, make sure the cookies are completely cool. If they’re even slightly warm, the frosting will melt right off!
- Have Fun with Toppings: Get creative with your frosting! Add some crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles to jazz things up. It’s all about making them your own!
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Red Velvet Cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are a few ideas! Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also shine at parties when served alongside other desserts like brownies or mini cheesecakes. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—imagine that warm cookie with melting ice cream on top! Trust me, your guests will be raving about this combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Red Velvet Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed so they don’t dry out!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can also freeze them. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s chat about the numbers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these as typical estimates rather than precise figures.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
So, while you’re indulging in these scrumptious Red Velvet Cookies, just remember to enjoy them in moderation. They’re a treat, after all! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing for Red Velvet Cookies, you can use vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache for a delicious twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit, but it’ll still be scrumptious!
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have red food coloring, you can try using beet juice or even pomegranate juice for a natural alternative. Just be aware that the color might not be as vibrant, but it’ll still taste great! Learn more about beet juice benefits here.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These Red Velvet Cookies actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. You can frost them right before serving to keep that frosting fresh and fluffy!
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Oh no! If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the butter being too soft or the dough not being chilled. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Great question! The edges should be set and slightly firm, while the centers might look a bit soft. They’ll continue to cook a little while cooling on the baking sheet, so don’t worry if they seem slightly underbaked when you take them out. Trust your instincts!
Red Velvet Cookies: 5 Ways to Indulge Your Sweet Cravings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and soft red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add egg, food coloring, and vanilla to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Form dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use gel food coloring for a brighter color.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies, Cream Cheese Frosting