Introduction:
These Frosted Red Velvet Cookies combine everything you love about red velvet cake into a soft, chewy cookie form, topped with creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. The deep red color, subtle cocoa flavor, and the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting make these cookies an indulgent treat that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to impress with a delicious dessert.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Make the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until fully incorporated.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly puffed. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make 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 incorporated. Then increase the speed and beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cookie.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle the tops with red sanding sugar or mini chocolate chips.
Tips for the Perfect Frosted Red Velvet Cookies:
- Chill the Dough (Optional):
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and creates a chewier texture. - Use Gel Food Coloring:
Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring and won’t alter the consistency of the dough. - Don’t Overbake:
Red velvet cookies should stay soft and slightly underbaked in the center for a perfectly chewy texture.
Variations and Customizations:
- Chocolate Chips:
For a twist, fold in white or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough before baking. - Drizzle with Chocolate:
Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies for a more decadent presentation. - Mini Cookies:
Make bite-sized red velvet cookies for a fun and shareable treat!
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Calories: Approximately 220-240 calories per frosted cookie.
- Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: A little goes a long way, so you can adjust the frosting amount if you want to make the cookies lighter.
FAQ:
- Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the unfrosted cookies and the frosting separately. Allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature before frosting. - How should I store them?
Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
frosted red velvet cookies
These Frosted Red Velvet Cookies are soft, rich, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. A delightful and colorful dessert perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter salted or unsalted
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 & ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Cream cheese frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F then line a baking sheet with parchement paper and set it aside.
- Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- ½ cup butter,⅔ cup brown sugar,½ cup granulated sugar
- Whisk in the egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red gel food coloring until combined.
- 1 egg,1 teaspoon vanilla extract,1 teaspoon white vinegar,1-2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until the flour mixture disappears. Don’t overmix your dough. Save one tablespoon of cookie dough to decorate your cookies later.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder,1 & ¾ cup all purpose flour,¼ teaspoon salt,2 tablespoon cornstarch,½ teaspoon baking powder
- Then using a large cookie scooper scoop out 9 equally sized cookie dough balls, place them on the prepared baking sheet, and gently flatten them to about ½ inch in thickness. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes, then let them cool down on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool down fully.
- Bake the 1 tablespoon of cookie dough for 7-8 minutes then use it to decorate the cookies.
Cream cheese frosting
- In a stand mixer bowl or a large bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
- 4 oz cream cheese,3 tablespoon butter
- Add in the powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and whip for 3-5 minutes or until fluffy. If the frosting seems soft, chill it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes then whip again.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract,1 cup powdered sugar
- Place the frosting in a piping bag with a large round piping tip or in a ziplock bag with the tip cut off and frost each cooled-down cookie. Top with crushed red velvet cookie crumbs and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 435CaloriesCarbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 252mg
Potassium: 113mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 41g
Vitamin A: 627IU
Calcium: 53mg
Iron: 2mg