Description
These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic cake, combining a soft, cocoa-infused cookie base with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly moist with a vibrant red hue, these cookies make a festive and indulgent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie 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 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time your dough is ready.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and cocoa flavor throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step creates a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix until fully combined and the dough has an even red color.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Portion the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. This helps maintain moistness.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Serve immediately or refrigerate to set the frosting.
Notes
- For vibrant red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning the dough.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are softened to room temperature for a smooth texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
- Allow frosted cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Optional: sprinkle with red or white sanding sugar for extra festive decoration.
