If you love bakery-style cookies with rich flavor and a soft, tender bite, red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are the treat you need to bake next. These cookies combine the signature cocoa-kissed taste of red velvet with a tangy, creamy frosting that takes them from simple to truly special. They are beautiful, comforting, and perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a standout dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These cookies offer everything people love about red velvet cake, but in an easy-to-share cookie form. They bake up soft and slightly chewy with a vibrant red color and just enough cocoa to add depth without overpowering the sweetness. The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, lightly tangy finish that balances the cookie perfectly.
This recipe is approachable for home bakers, uses common pantry ingredients, and delivers consistent results. Whether you are baking for a party or simply treating your family, these cookies feel festive without being complicated.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Red Velvet Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes
For best texture, use regular all-purpose flour and avoid overmeasuring. Cocoa powder should be natural and unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.
If you do not have buttermilk, regular milk works well. You can also add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to milk and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic buttermilk.
Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant red color, but liquid food coloring also works. Natural alternatives like beet powder can be used, though the color will be more muted.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures even distribution of the cocoa and leavening.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and helps create a soft cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed and the mixture looks smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness to taste. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cooled cookies. Serve immediately or chill briefly to help the frosting set.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling.
- Do not overbake. Slightly soft centers keep cookies tender.
- Chill the frosting briefly if it becomes too soft.
- Wipe the bowl clean before frosting for a pristine texture.
Flavor Variations
- Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra richness.
- Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries over the frosting.
- Add a hint of lemon zest to the frosting for brightness.
- Sandwich two cookies with frosting for a whoopie pie style treat.
- Top frosted cookies with festive sprinkles for holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Serve red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting on a dessert platter for parties or holiday gatherings. They pair wonderfully with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate. For gifting, place them in a single layer inside a lined box and keep them cool until ready to share.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely, then frost before serving. Frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 95 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQ About Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
What makes red velvet flavor unique?
Red velvet has a mild cocoa flavor combined with vanilla and a subtle tang from dairy. It is not as chocolate-heavy as traditional chocolate desserts.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the cookies a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve. This helps maintain the best texture.
Why did my cookies turn out dry?
Dry cookies are usually caused by too much flour or overbaking. Measure carefully and remove cookies while the centers are still soft.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes. The cookies will still taste great, but they will be light brown instead of red.
Is cream cheese frosting required?
It is traditional and highly recommended, but you can also use vanilla buttercream or chocolate frosting if preferred.
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- whisk
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tbsp milk or buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1.5–2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg and mix until incorporated. Beat in the milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and evenly colored.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough onto sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and spreadable.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Serve immediately or chill briefly to set frosting.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Delicious red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting are a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. They are soft, vibrant, and topped with a creamy frosting that makes every bite memorable. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or a casual treat, this recipe delivers reliable, bakery-quality results that everyone will love.
