Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake. These cookies bring a rich, velvety flavor and a beautiful red color to your dessert table. People adore these cookies for their soft texture and the creamy, tangy frosting that beautifully complements them. They are perfect for many occasions, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. What makes these cookies even more special is how simple they are to make at home, providing a charming treat that feels both indulgent and personal.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy and beginner-friendly. You don’t need any professional baking skills to whip up these delicious cookies. Plus, homemade treats always taste better than store-bought cookies. Not only do you get the satisfaction of baking, but you also control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. It’s a fun project to do with kids or on a quiet afternoon, making it a great family activity. And best of all, these cookies fit within a budget, allowing you to impress your friends and family without breaking the bank.

What makes Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting special

Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting stand out because of their unique flavor and look. The combination of cocoa powder and red gel food coloring gives them a lovely and distinct color, making them visually appealing. The soft and chewy texture, paired with the warm, sweet cream cheese frosting, creates a heavenly bite. These cookies don’t just look good; they taste fantastic too! The slightly tangy frosting adds a flavorful contrast, making each bite a delightful experience.

Is Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting healthy

When it comes to homemade treats, there is always a balance. While these cookies are not classified as health food, they do provide the advantage of using natural ingredients. You can enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Homemade cookies allow you to control the quality of ingredients, which is a significant benefit over many commercial options. So, while they are a special treat, being aware of portion sizes can help you enjoy them without guilt.

How to make Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

Making Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting is a straightforward process that doesn’t take too much time or effort. You’ll start by mixing your dry ingredients and then move on to creaming together the butter and sugar. After adding the eggs and coloring, combine everything for a bright, red batter. Once baked, a quick whip of the frosting transforms soft cream cheese and butter into a delightful topping. This recipe is manageable, making it an ideal choice even for beginner bakers looking to create something special with ease.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find. Most of them may already be in your pantry, making it an accessible treat to whip up at any time.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (15g)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (3g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (10ml)
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar (5ml)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red gel food coloring (22ml)
• Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (85g)
• Optional: Valentine’s sprinkles, for decoration

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (113g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (28g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted if clumpy (120g)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5ml)
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Here are the clear and simple steps to create Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and vinegar, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Stir in the red gel food coloring until the batter is a bright red color.
6. Carefully mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. If you choose, fold in the white chocolate chips.
8. Scoop the dough into balls of about 1 1/2 tablespoons each and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are soft. For perfectly round cookies, use a round cutter to shape them right after baking.
10. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy, about 1 minute. If the frosting is too stiff, mix in a teaspoon of milk.
12. Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

How to serve Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving these cookies is easy and fun! They make a great dessert for any meal, whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a lunch box treat, or a delightful snack in the afternoon. You can serve them as they are or add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an extra treat. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.

 

Best occasions to make Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

These cookies shine at various occasions. They are perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or special events like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. You can enjoy them during a cozy movie night or as a delicious contribution to potlucks. Their vibrant color is sure to brighten any table, making them ideal for sharing and celebrating.

How to store Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for about 3-4 days. If you need to store them longer, consider placing them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can you make Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time

Yes, you can prepare these cookies in advance! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake the cookies and frost them one or two days before you plan to serve them. Just store them in a cool place to keep the frosting fresh.

Tips to make Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure a smooth texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough when combining the wet and dry ingredients to keep the cookies soft.
• If you want a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding more cocoa powder, but adjust the flour accordingly.

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Variation

You can easily customize these cookies! Consider adding nuts or crushed candies for a different texture. Swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a bolder taste. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can also experiment with different food colorings to create exciting colors for different occasions.

FAQs

1. Can I store Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting in the microwave? No, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain their texture.

2. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting? You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

3. How long do Red Velvet Cookies with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting last? They typically last about 3-4 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator.