Red Velvet Cookies Frosting

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

These cookies offer the indulgent taste of red velvet cake packed into a soft, chewy cookie. Made with cocoa powder and dressed with silky cream cheese frosting, they’re rich, tangy, and satisfying. The dough is super easy to prep—no waiting or chilling needed! The vibrant red color and creamy topping make them a great pick for special days or festive seasons. Each bite melts in your mouth with the classic red velvet flavor and smooth frosting finish.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:24:28 GMT
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Experience the perfect blend of rich cocoa and velvety texture with these classic red velvet cookies. Each homemade cookie features a delicate crumb, deep crimson hue, and luxurious cream cheese frosting. Made completely from scratch using premium ingredients, these treats deliver authentic red velvet flavor with a chewy, bakery-style texture.

This recipe emerged from extensive kitchen testing to create the perfect homemade red velvet cookie. The aroma of fresh-baked cookies never fails to draw everyone to the kitchen, especially when it's time for frosting.

Key Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): Unbleached flour provides ideal structure and texture
  • Natural cocoa powder (3 tablespoons): Dutch-process cocoa creates rich chocolate notes
  • Unsalted butter (1 cup): High-quality butter ensures proper spread and flavor
  • Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Regular cane sugar for optimal sweetness
  • Large eggs (2): Room temperature for proper incorporation
  • Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Real vanilla enhances overall flavor
  • Red gel food coloring (2 teaspoons): Professional-grade for vibrant color
  • Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides proper lift and spread
  • Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances cocoa

Cream Cheese Frosting Components

  • Full-fat cream cheese (8 ounces): Use brick-style for best results
  • Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Softened for smooth blending
  • Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth to frosting
  • Powdered sugar (2 cups): Pre-sift for smoothest texture
  • Fine sea salt (⅛ teaspoon): Balances sweetness perfectly

Preparation Method

Preparation:
Set out ingredients to reach room temperature, particularly butter and eggs.
Dry Mixture:
Combine flour, cocoa, and leavening until well blended.
Cream Base:
Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Wet Ingredients:
Add eggs individually, mixing well between each.
Color Addition:
Incorporate food coloring until evenly distributed.
Final Mix:
Add dry ingredients just until combined.
Portioning:
Use measured scoop for consistent sizing.
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Serving Suggestions

Present cookies at room temperature for best flavor and texture. Arrange on decorative platters for special occasions. These cookies make an impressive addition to dessert tables and holiday celebrations.

Variations

  • Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for holiday flair
  • Mix in dark chocolate chips before baking
  • Try almond or mint extract variations

Storage Guidelines

Keep frosted cookies in sealed containers with wax paper between layers. Best enjoyed within 5 days at room temperature. Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 2 months when properly wrapped and layered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake these cookies in advance?
Definitely! Store frosted cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What’s the best food coloring to use?
Gel food coloring works wonderfully since it creates a bold, vivid hue without making the dough too runny. AmeriColor is a fantastic option.
→ Why should butter and cream cheese be at room temperature?
When soft, these ingredients blend much easier, giving the cookies a smooth texture while baking.
→ Do I have to add frosting?
You don’t! They’re tasty without frosting, but the cream cheese makes them extra special and provides that essential red velvet cake vibe.
→ How can I tell when the cookies are done?
Once the edges are firm and the tops slightly puffed (usually around 10-11 minutes), they’re ready. The centers may seem soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Red Velvet Cookies Frosting

Soft red velvet cookies paired with tangy cream cheese frosting for a deliciously rich chocolate-inspired dessert.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
11 Minutes
Total Time
26 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 21 Servings (21 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cookie Base

01 2 cups (240g) of regular all-purpose flour, measured just right
02 1 teaspoon of baking soda for rising
03 ½ teaspoon salt for a dash of flavor
04 ¼ cup (24g) unsweetened cocoa powder
05 1 stick (½ cup, 113g) of softened unsalted butter
06 A full cup (200g) of regular white sugar
07 1 large egg at room temperature
08 2 teaspoons of good-quality vanilla flavor
09 1 Tablespoon (15mL) of red food dye for that bright color

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

10 4 ounces (113g) of cream cheese (use the brick kind), softened
11 ¼ cup (57g) of room-temp unsalted butter
12 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor
13 A pinch of salt to balance it out
14 1 and ¾ cup (210g) powdered sugar to sweeten the frosting

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up your oven to 350ºF (177ªC). Next, lay a piece of parchment paper or a silicone liner on a big baking tray.

Step 02

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until everything combines well.

Step 03

With an electric mixer, beat the softened butter along with the sugar until fluffy and light. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Now, mix in the egg, and scrape the bowl down when needed.

Step 04

Add your vanilla extract and food coloring. Mix it at a medium setting and then scrape around with a spatula to make sure the color spreads evenly. Blend it again until it’s fully combined.

Step 05

Set your mixer to low speed and slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet ones. Soon, you’ll notice crumbly dough forming. Use your clean hands to press it together into a dough ball.

Step 06

Scoop the dough using a medium-sized cookie scoop, roll it into smooth balls, and then gently press them down. Bake cookies for about 10-11 minutes, just until the edges look set and puffed up. Cool them on the tray for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Step 07

Beat your softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, followed by vanilla and salt. Keep beating for 2 minutes until the frosting is super smooth.

Step 08

Let the cookies cool down completely before spreading the frosting on top with a small spatula. Sprinkle decorations on the frosting right before it hardens.

Notes

  1. Keep cookies in a covered container at room temperature for as many as 5 days.
  2. Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months, and when ready, just let them thaw at room temperature.
  3. For the food dye, gel types work best. AmeriColor is a great option to use.

Tools You'll Need

  • An electric mixer (doesn’t matter if it’s handheld or a stand mixer with a paddle).
  • A big baking tray.
  • Parchment paper or one of those silicone baking mats.
  • Medium cookie scoop (look for size #50).
  • A wire rack for cooling.
  • A little offset spatula for spreading.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This recipe has dairy (butter, cream cheese).
  • Eggs are included.
  • It contains gluten and wheat.