As I sat at my kitchen table one rainy afternoon, my eyes meandering over a stack of old family recipes, it struck me how food has this magical ability to weave together memories—like a comforting blanket on a chilly day. Among those cherished papers was a dog-eared note with just a few ingredients listed for something delightfully decadent: Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They were a beloved treat at family gatherings, filling the house with an aroma so enchanting it would draw us all into the kitchen, eagerly anticipating what was about to come out of the oven.
These cookies captured the essence of celebration; their vibrant color and luscious frosting made them a star at birthday parties and holiday feasts alike. There’s something about the soft, chewy texture paired with a rich, creamy topping that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a smile to your face. Let me take you on a delicious journey to recreate this delectable treat that is perfect for both joyous occasions and cozy afternoons at home.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 12 minutes
- Total Duration: 27 minutes
- Portion Size: 24 cookies
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 150 calories
- Protein: 1.5 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fats: 7 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Sugars: 10 grams
- Sodium: 80 mg
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft cookie, its rich red hue signaling all the indulgence inside. The subtle notes of cocoa complement the sweetness while the cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Perfectly festive for any occasion, they’re sure to make hearts (and taste buds) flutter, just as they did for me growing up.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s dive into the art of cookie-making! Get ready to create something beautiful and delicious.
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 granulated 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
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect surface for your delectable cookies.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well combined, ensuring the dry ingredients are mixed uniformly.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Color
Beat in 1 large egg, along with 1 tablespoon of red food coloring and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until the color is evenly distributed and you have a smooth batter.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients from Step 2 into the buttery mix. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix; we want these cookies to be soft and chewy!
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set at the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, you can whip up the frosting! In a bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and irresistible.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy!
Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Take a moment to admire your creation before digging in—these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Red Velvet Cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For added flair at a gathering, consider placing them on a festive platter alongside other treats like brownies or mini cupcakes—your dessert table will shine!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store your frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw and frost!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your butter is soft enough to cream but not melted. It should hold its shape but be easy to blend.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to your liking—some prefer a deeper red, while others like a subtle hue.
- To prevent the frosting from becoming too soft, keep your cream cheese cool until you’re ready to use it.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor. For a zesty twist, a hint of lemon zest in your frosting can elevate the cookie’s profile.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor; however, the texture might be slightly denser. -
How do I make sure my cookies are soft?
Don’t overbake them! The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. -
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Chop it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or microwave it in 10-second intervals, checking in between. -
Can I freeze the frosting?
Yes! Store the frosting in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge and re-whip before use. -
What can I substitute for the egg if I’m vegan?
You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) as an egg substitute.
Wrapping Up
With just a dash of love and creativity, you too can recreate these stunning Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They encompass the joy of baking and the warmth of shared moments around the table. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! Happy baking!
Print
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful red velvet cookies topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations and cozy afternoons.
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 granulated 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
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Drop balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until set at the edges but soft in the center. Cool on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Frost cooled cookies generously with cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
Notes
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
