Few things capture indulgence quite like Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. These cookies boast the rich, cocoa-kissed flavor of classic red velvet cake, packed into soft, chewy rounds that almost melt in your mouth. Each cookie is topped with a generous swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting, making every bite a harmonious blend of sweetness and slight tang.

Whether you’re preparing a treat for the holidays, a special gathering, or simply craving something delightful with your afternoon coffee, these cookies are the perfect choice. The striking red color and luscious frosting not only satisfy your taste buds but also make a stunning visual presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This recipe transforms a beloved cake flavor into an easy-to-make cookie form, giving you the best of both worlds. The cookies are soft and tender, with a slight crisp edge, while the frosting adds an irresistibly creamy touch. They’re perfect for festive occasions, gift boxes, or as an impressive addition to any dessert platter. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy them over several days (if they last that long!).

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out perfectly, having the right tools on hand is key. Each plays an important role in achieving that soft, chewy texture and beautifully frosted finish:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and another for wet. Using separate bowls ensures your ingredients are evenly combined without overmixing.
Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): This helps cream the butter and sugar to the ideal light and fluffy consistency, crucial for soft cookies. It also effortlessly whips up the smooth, airy cream cheese frosting.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters in baking, and accurate measurements guarantee consistent flavor and texture.
Baking Sheets: A heavy-duty, non-stick baking sheet helps distribute heat evenly so your cookies bake uniformly.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning without over-spreading.
Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely before frosting, which prevents the frosting from melting or becoming runny.

Preparation Tips

Use room temperature butter and cream cheese: This ensures both ingredients blend smoothly, yielding soft cookies and creamy frosting.
Don’t skip the chilling step (if your dough seems too soft): Chilling prevents spreading and helps cookies maintain a thick, chewy center.
Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing flour can lead to dense cookies.
Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting: Warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
For perfect frosting swirls: Use a piping bag with a round or star tip for a bakery-style look, though spreading with a knife works just as well for a rustic charm.

Ingredients for This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create these stunning and scrumptious cookies:

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural, not Dutch-processed)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 tablespoon milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel food coloring preferred for vibrant color)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

Powdered sugar for light dusting after frosting (as seen in the photo)

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting2

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the cocoa evenly and prevents clumping in the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (hand or stand), cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This creates the base for soft, tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully combined. The vibrant red hue will shine through as the mixture comes together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain to maintain a soft texture.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If the dough feels very soft, chill in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes to help prevent excessive spreading.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers appear slightly soft. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 10: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each one. Optionally, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Notes

Food Coloring Tip: Gel food coloring yields a more intense red hue without thinning out the dough. If using liquid food coloring, you may need to adjust the flour slightly.
Cookie Texture: These cookies are designed to be soft and chewy in the center with crisp edges. Do not overbake; they should look slightly underdone in the middle when removed from the oven.
Frosting Flavor: For extra depth, add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting to balance the sweetness.
Chilling the Dough: Chilling isn’t always necessary, but if your dough is very soft (especially in warmer kitchens), a quick chill will help maintain the cookie shape.
Storage: Because of the cream cheese frosting, store the finished cookies in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Incorrect Butter Temperature: Butter that is too soft or melted can cause your cookies to spread too much and lose their shape.
Not Allowing Cookies to Cool: Frosting warm cookies will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and become runny.
Skipping the Sifting of Powdered Sugar: Unsifted powdered sugar can lead to lumpy frosting. Always sift for a smooth finish.
Inaccurate Measuring of Flour: Too much flour will make the cookies dense and dry. Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Using Dutch-Processed Cocoa: Stick with natural cocoa powder—Dutch-processed can alter both the flavor and color of the cookies.
Not Testing Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer ensures your oven is truly at 350°F; incorrect temperatures can affect baking time and texture.
Rushing the Frosting Process: Take the time to properly beat the frosting until it’s fluffy—it makes a world of difference in texture and appearance.

What to Serve With Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

These cookies pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and desserts, making them an adaptable treat for any occasion. Here are some delightful ideas:

8 Recommendations

1. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The slight bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness and creaminess of the cookies, creating a perfect balance.

2. Chilled Milk

A classic choice—cold milk helps mellow the richness of the frosting and offers a refreshing contrast.

3. Hot Chocolate

Double down on indulgence by serving these cookies with a cup of thick, creamy hot chocolate for a decadent experience.

4. Sparkling Water with Lemon

A light, citrusy sparkling water helps cleanse the palate between bites and balances the richness of the dessert.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a couple of cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible cookies-and-cream pairing.

6. Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries complements the tangy frosting and rich cookie base beautifully.

7. Champagne or Sparkling Wine

For a festive celebration, pair the cookies with a glass of bubbly—perfect for holiday parties or special occasions.

8. Cheese and Fruit Board

If serving as part of a dessert spread, a cheese and fruit board offers savory and fresh flavors that balance the sweet richness of the cookies.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese frosting, these cookies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Stacking Tip: If stacking, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Bringing to Room Temperature: For best flavor and texture, allow refrigerated cookies to sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving.
Freezing (Unfrosted): The cookies (without frosting) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Once cooled, store them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving.
Freezing Frosted Cookies: You can freeze them frosted, but the texture of the frosting may change slightly after thawing. Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container with layers separated by parchment paper.

Estimated Nutrition

Per one frosted cookie (based on a batch of approximately 18 cookies):

Calories: ~210 kcal
Total Fat: ~11 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7 g
Cholesterol: ~40 mg
Sodium: ~120 mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~27 g
- Sugars: ~18 g
Protein: ~2 g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and exact portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too firm to scoop.

2. Can I freeze the cookies after frosting?

Yes, though the frosting texture may change slightly after freezing. Freeze on a baking sheet first, then store with parchment between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

3. What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder, not Dutch-processed. This preserves the signature flavor and color balance of red velvet.

4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?

You can, but full-fat cream cheese provides a richer, smoother texture. Low-fat versions may result in a softer, less stable frosting.

5. How can I make the red color more vibrant?

Use gel food coloring for a bold, vivid red without thinning the dough. Liquid food coloring works but may require more to achieve the same intensity.

6. How long will the cookies stay fresh?

Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Always allow to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor.

7. Can I skip the frosting?

You can! The cookies are delicious on their own. You could also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for an alternative finish.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles well. Be sure to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheets, which can affect baking time and consistency.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering a perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor, a tender crumb, and a luxurious frosting. Whether for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make and beautiful to serve, they’re a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ready to whip up a batch? Gather your ingredients and enjoy the sweet reward of homemade goodness!