Name: Red Velvet Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (320 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 1 cup (220 grams) packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature; ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Sweet red velvet cookies dance between decadent chocolate and vibrant crimson hues.

Soft, pillowy textures promise delightful moments of pure indulgence.

Cream cheese frosting adds luxurious richness to every delectable bite.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves enchanted by these irresistible treats.

Baking becomes an art form with this simple yet elegant recipe.

Each cookie delivers a perfect balance of rich flavor and velvety smoothness.

Whip up these stunning morsels and watch smiles bloom across eager faces.

What Makes Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting a Hit

Quick and Easy to Make cookies perfect for any sweet craving moment.
Visually stunning red velvet sandwich cookies that impress guests with vibrant color and cream cheese frosting, making them ideal for birthdays, holidays, or potluck gatherings.
Simple recipe that allows kids to help mix ingredients, scoop dough, and decorate, creating fun bonding time while learning basic baking skills.
Can be prepared in advance, stored easily, and transported to various events like school parties, office gatherings, or picnics without losing texture or flavor quality.

What You’ll Need for Red Velvet Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Butter Group:

Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides rich sweetness and tender texture for the cookie base, with brown sugar adding extra moisture and depth of flavor.

Liquid Binding Ingredients:

Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Red Food Coloring: Helps bind the dough, adds rich flavor, and creates the classic red velvet color and aroma.

Dry Mixture Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Creates the cookie structure, provides chocolate undertone, helps cookies rise, and balances overall flavor.

Frosting Ingredients:

Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth, creamy, and sweet frosting that complements the red velvet cookie's rich flavor.

Notes for Ingredient Selection:

Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing.
Choose high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
Select full-fat cream cheese for richer frosting texture.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color.
Opt for pure vanilla extract for best flavor.

How to Bake These Cookies with Frosting

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Base

Grab butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Cream these ingredients together until they look fluffy and light. Toss in eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each. Splash in vanilla and red food coloring, stirring until everything looks vibrant and well-blended.

In another bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just mixed.

Step 2: Shape and Bake Cookies

Warm up the oven to 350F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded dollops of dough onto sheets, keeping them a couple inches apart. Slide into oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should look set around edges but slightly soft in center. Let them rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to cooling rack.

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:

Cream cheese (softened)
Butter

Blend until super smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until frosting looks fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Create Cookie Sandwiches

Once cookies have completely cooled, spread frosting generously on half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies to make delightful sandwich treats.

Baking Tips for Great Texture and Flavor

Soften Butter Perfectly: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal creamy texture for mixing with sugars.
Control Color Intensity: Adjust red food coloring amount gradually to get the desired vibrant red velvet shade without affecting cookie taste or texture.
Prevent Spreading Cookies: Chill cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain shape and prevent excessive spreading on the baking sheet.
Create Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for consistent size and shape, ensuring even baking and professional-looking sandwich cookies.
Frost at Room Temperature: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent cream cheese frosting from melting and maintain a clean, neat appearance.

How to Keep Cookies Fresh and Frosted

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Alternatively, let cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
Separate frosted and unfrosted cookies when storing to maintain maximum freshness and prevent moisture buildup.

Drinks and Sides to Serve with These Cookies

Select a sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling to complement the rich red velvet cookie's sweetness and balance the cream cheese frosting's tanginess.
Brew a dark roast coffee or espresso to highlight the cocoa undertones in the cookies, creating a delightful contrast between bitter and sweet flavors.
Serve cold milk alongside the cookies, allowing the smooth dairy beverage to cut through the richness of the cream cheese frosting and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream as a side, which will harmonize with the cookie's Red velvet profile and create a luxurious dessert combination.

Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
Vegan Version: Swap butter for coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and create a dairy-free cream cheese frosting using vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter.
Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and use a lighter cream cheese frosting with less powdered sugar.
Chocolate Chip Variation: Fold in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking for added richness and texture.

Common Questions About Red Velvet Cookies

What is the secret to getting the perfect red color in red velvet cookies?

The key is using high-quality red food coloring and adding just enough to achieve a vibrant red hue without affecting the cookie’s taste. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach the desired color intensity.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring your cookies maintain a perfect round shape and soft texture.

Can I make the cream cheese frosting less sweet?

Yes! Reduce the amount of powdered sugar gradually and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can also mix in a small amount of cream cheese to make the frosting less sugary and more tangy.

What's the best way to store red velvet sandwich cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days, and the cream cheese frosting will maintain its creamy texture.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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What Makes Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting a Hit