INTRODUCTION
Red velvet cookies are a fun twist on the classic red velvet cake. They combine the rich, deep flavor of chocolate with a vibrant red color. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with creamy frosting. They make for a perfect treat for parties, special occasions, or just to enjoy at home. The bright color and delicious taste will surely impress your friends and family.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these red velvet cookies for many reasons. First, they are simple to make. Even if you are new to baking, you can follow the steps and create something wonderful. The ingredients are easy to find, and you might already have some in your kitchen.
Second, the flavor is rich and delightful. The combination of cocoa powder and vanilla extract gives these cookies a unique taste. The frosting adds sweetness and creaminess that complements the cookie perfectly.
Finally, these cookies are simply beautiful. The bright red color stands out and looks great on any dessert table. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them by yourself, they are sure to bring smiles to everyone.
HOW TO MAKE Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting
Making red velvet cookies with frosting is a fun and straightforward process. Let’s dive into the steps needed to create these tasty treats.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make red velvet cookies with frosting, you will need the following equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Medium cookie scoop
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, properly measured
- ¼ cup (24g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon (15mL) red food coloring
- 4 ounces (113g) full fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and ¾ cup (210g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are well blended.
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Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the egg: Crack in the large egg and beat it into the mixture until fully incorporated. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula if needed.
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Mix in the flavors and color: Pour in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix these ingredients on medium speed until everything is thoroughly combined. Use your spatula to ensure the red color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Slowly mix in the dry ingredients with the wet mixture on low speed. Do this until a crumbly dough forms. Use your hands to bring the dough together into a ball.
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Shape the cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball, then slightly flatten each one before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes. They should be puffed and set around the edges.
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Cool the cookies: Once baked, cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Next, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat for about 2 minutes until the frosting is perfectly smooth.
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Frost the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cookie using an offset spatula. If you like, you can add sprinkles on top before the frosting sets.
HOW TO SERVE Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting
To serve these delightful cookies, place them on a decorative plate or cake stand. You can serve them as a sweet snack or dessert for any occasion. They pair well with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. The bright red color and creamy frosting will make them a centerpiece at any gathering.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting
You can store leftover red velvet cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate them for about a week.
For freezing, make sure the cookies are completely cooled and that the frosting is set. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
These red velvet cookies are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience with some serving suggestions. Here are a few ideas:
- Pair with ice cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful dessert sandwich.
- Add toppings: You can sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top of the frosting for added texture.
- Make a cookie platter: Arrange these cookies with other desserts, such as brownies or mini cupcakes, for a fun dessert table.
- Serve at parties: These cookies are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. They are sure to impress your guests.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to customize your red velvet cookies. Here are some variations you can try:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and gooeyness.
- White Chocolate Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, use melted white chocolate for a different twist in flavor.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Make a cream cheese filling to place between two cookies for a cookie sandwich.
- Different Colors: You can use different colors of food coloring to create cookies in various bright shades for celebrations.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
2. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can replace it with butter and make a buttercream frosting. Just beat 1 cup of softened butter with 3 cups of powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth.
3. How do I ensure my cookies turn out soft?
Make sure not to overbake the cookies. They should come out puffed and slightly soft in the center. The edges should be set but not hard. Cooling them on a wire rack will help them maintain softness.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Simply scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them from frozen, adding a couple more minutes to the baking time.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting
For the best experience, make your red velvet cookies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will also allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Bake the cookies fresh the day you want to serve them for the best taste and texture. You can also make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge, just remember to bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on the cookies.
With these tips and the recipe, you’re ready to create a batch of delicious red velvet cookies with frosting that everyone will love! Enjoy your baking adventure.
Red Velvet Cookies with Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Use your hands to form the dough into a ball.
- Scoop the dough using a medium cookie scoop and roll each scoop into a smooth ball, flattening them slightly before placing on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes until puffed and set around the edges.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating for about 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth.
- Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cooled cookie using an offset spatula. Optional: add sprinkles before the frosting sets.