Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re a fan of red velvet cake, you’ll fall in love with these Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of that signature red velvet flavor, topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you want a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Overview
For the Red Velvet Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 g, softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (25 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (113 g, softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 g, softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The Secret to Soft and Chewy Red Velvet Cookies
The magic of these cookies lies in their soft and chewy texture, which comes from:
- Butter and Sugar Creaming: Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy creates a tender dough.
- Vinegar: A touch of white vinegar reacts with the baking soda to give the cookies their slight tang and soft texture.
- Do Not Overbake: Taking the cookies out of the oven when they’re slightly underdone ensures they stay soft as they cool.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Make the Red Velvet Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the vinegar and mix until the dough is smooth. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoons of chilled dough and roll into balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Do not overbake.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and beat on high speed for 1–2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4. Frost and Decorate the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cookie.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle with red sanding sugar, mini chocolate chips, or heart-shaped sprinkles.
Key Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Soft Butter: Make sure the butter for both the cookies and frosting is softened for smooth mixing.
- Even Cookie Sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm cookies will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt.
Substitutions and Variations
These cookies can easily be adapted to suit your needs or preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free Frosting: Substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut-based cream cheese and plant-based butter.
- Flavor Additions: Mix in mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the cookie dough for added texture and sweetness.
- Holiday Twist: Use green food coloring instead of red for festive Christmas cookies!
Serving Suggestions
- For Special Occasions: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with red and white sprinkles for a festive touch.
- As a Gift: Package the cookies in a decorative box or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful treat.
- With Beverages: Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk for the perfect indulgence.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing the Cookies: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Frosting Storage: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it soften slightly before using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough is essential for thick, chewy cookies.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Overbaking: These cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
What’s the best way to frost these cookies?
For a professional look, use a piping bag with a round or star tip to frost the cookies. Alternatively, spread the frosting with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
Can I make the cookies without food coloring?
Absolutely! The cookies will still taste delicious, but they won’t have the signature red velvet color.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate indulgence. With their vibrant color, soft texture, and creamy frosting, they’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also guaranteed to impress everyone who tries them.
If you make this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share it with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delightful recipes like this one.
Print
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you love red velvet cake, these Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting will be your new favorite dessert! Soft, chewy, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence. These cookies are easy to make, vibrant, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 🧈 Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup / 113 g, softened)
- 🍬 Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup / 150 g)
- 🥚 Egg (1 large)
- 🍦 Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- 🎨 Red Food Coloring (1 tablespoon)
- 🥣 All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups / 190 g)
- 🍫 Cocoa Powder (1/4 cup / 25 g)
- 🥄 Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon)
- 🧂 Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- 🥄 White Vinegar (1 teaspoon)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 🧀 Cream Cheese (4 oz / 113 g, softened)
- 🧈 Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup / 56 g, softened)
- 🍬 Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 cups / 180 g)
- 🍦 Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Make the Red Velvet Cookie Dough:
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the vinegar. Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe frosting on top. Decorate with sprinkles, red sanding sugar, or mini chocolate chips if desired.