Name: Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (381 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1/4 cup (21 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 1/2 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature; 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at cool room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring; 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature; 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup (125 grams) powdered sugar, sifted

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re anything like me and adore the rich, velvety flavors of red velvet but want something a little different than the traditional cake, this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute game changer. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender, cakey bites and that luscious cream cheese frosting we all know and love, making them a delightful treat for any time you’re craving something special but portable.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a weekday pick-me-up, or just to impress friends over coffee, you’ll find these cookies incredibly satisfying. I love how the subtle cocoa notes play beautifully with the tangy frosting, and the recipe is forgiving enough that even if you’re new to baking, you’ll come out looking like a pro. Trust me, trust this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe — it’s worth every sweet moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe serves a purpose, coming together to create a tender, flavorful cookie topped with irresistibly smooth frosting. Picking good-quality ingredients, like fresh cream cheese and pure vanilla extract, really elevates the final taste, so don’t skip on those details.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure and the perfect cakey crumb.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that subtle chocolate flavor classic to red velvet.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just right without flattening out too much.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it, even if it’s just a pinch.
Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s at cool room temperature so it blends smoothly for the best texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness and a little bit of bite; it helps with the cookie’s tenderness.
Large eggs: At room temperature to create a uniform dough and help with moisture.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
Red gel food coloring: The signature color—gel works better than liquid to keep the dough from thinning out.
Cream cheese: For the frosting, make sure it’s soft but not melted to keep that creamy consistency.
Powdered sugar: Sifted for a smooth, lump-free frosting.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe every now and then. It’s great to personalize it based on your mood or what you have on hand in the kitchen. Here are a few ways you might enjoy switching it up.

Nutty Twist: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch. It brings a lovely contrast to the smooth frosting.
White Chocolate Chips: Add a handful into the dough for a sweeter, creamier bite that complements the cocoa beautifully.
Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese to make it suitable for dairy-sensitive friends without sacrificing flavor.
Spiced Up: I occasionally sprinkle a hint of cinnamon or even a touch of cayenne into the dough for a subtle warmth that surprises your palate.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of fine sea salt in a large bowl. This helps distribute everything evenly, especially the cocoa, so the color and flavor are consistent in every cookie. Side note: Sifting the cocoa and flour can really make your cookies lighter and less dense, which is a trick I learned after a few batches.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat 1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter (cool room temp) with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, giving you that tender, cakey texture we all crave. Don’t rush it; patience here pays off.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Red Food Coloring

Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so they’re fully incorporated. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring. The gel color is essential for that vibrant shade without thinning your dough, which liquid dyes tend to do. You’ll see the dough’s color start to come alive here!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet batter, stirring just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix here because that can make your cookies tough. The dough should be soft but firm enough to handle without sticking too much to your hands.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Scoop dough balls about 1.5 tablespoons each onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart because they spread a little. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed and set but still soft to the touch. I like to check mine at 10 minutes to keep that tender texture.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Then gradually add 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, a splash of milk can help—you want it spreadable, not runny.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting on top of each one. For an extra touch, I sometimes sprinkle a little cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts on the frosting to make them look as good as they taste.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows seven white bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with different baking ingredients arranged neatly. At the top left, a bowl contains dark brown cocoa powder with a slightly crumbly texture. To its right, a bowl overflowed with fine, white granulated sugar. In the center, a small bowl holds a dark brown liquid vanilla extract. Below the cocoa powder, a large bowl holds white flour with a slightly grainy texture. To the right, another bowl contains a lighter white powder, likely baking powder, with a smooth surface. Centrally at the bottom, there is a tiny bowl with white salt. To the left of the salt, a bowl holds five smooth white eggs. To the right, a bowl contains two rectangular slabs of pale yellow butter with visible edges. All bowls are placed with some space between on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping garnishes simple but striking—sometimes I dust a little extra cocoa powder or add red sprinkles on top of the frosting. Crumbled white chocolate or chopped pecans are also lovely for a little extra texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This cookie pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. I’ve also enjoyed serving it alongside a fresh berry fruit salad to add a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the cookie and frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making these for a party, try stacking them like mini sandwich stacks with frosting between two cookies or arranging them on a tiered dessert tray with mini roses for a classy touch. I once made a cookie platter with different colored frostings to match a holiday theme, and it was a hit—so much fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh. They stay wonderfully soft for about 3-4 days if you enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies without frosting by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freezing till firm, then transferring to a sealed bag or container. I usually frost them after thawing to keep the texture just right. This trick has saved me many times when preparing ahead for special occasions!

Reheating

To warm them up, I pop the cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften the inside without melting the frosting. This little touch feels like fresh-baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I make these Red Velvet Cookies without food coloring?

You can skip the red gel food coloring if you want a more natural approach, but the cookies won’t have that iconic red velvet hue. The cocoa powder’s flavor remains, but the dramatic color is part of the fun and appeal of this recipe.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are just softened, not melted, and sift your powdered sugar before mixing. If the frosting feels too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar gradually until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Absolutely! This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to increase your mixing and baking times slightly and give yourself space on your baking sheets for even baking.
What’s the best way to get thick, cakey cookies?

Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added and make sure to chill the dough slightly if it feels too soft before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and stay fluffy and cakey.
Can I use this cream cheese frosting for other types of cookies?

Definitely! This cream cheese frosting pairs well with many cookie types, especially chocolate, vanilla, or spice cookies. Just keep an eye on the sweetness balance depending on the cookie flavor.

Final Thoughts

I won’t lie—this Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes for when I want something a little extra special without too much fuss. It’s fun to make, looks impressive, and tastes even better than it looks. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure you’ll be handing out these cookies as gifts or keeping them all to yourself like I do!