Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting comes together in about 30 minutes and only requires one bowl for a easy treat that your family will love! Switch up the add-ins to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” kind of recipe to get rid of odds and ends. Seriously, you’ll be surprised how versatile this recipe is!

Ingredient Breakdown

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  

• 1 large egg
  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  

• 1 cup powdered sugar
  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is combined.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy about 2-3 minutes! The aroma will be divine, promise!

4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until everything looks perfectly blended together.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want them to be soft and chewy!

6. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a bit!

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The smell will fill your kitchen with the sweetest aroma!

8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. For the frosting, in a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, oh my goodness, it’s heavenly!

10. Once the cookies are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Take a moment to admire that beautiful color, it’s a showstopper!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I want something sweet and indulgent, yet quick and easy! I’m a real sucker for anything with cream cheese frosting, it just brings everything together so well. Plus, the vibrant red color makes these cookies perfect for any celebration. And the best part? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand to customize it. Got some nuts? Toss ’em in! Chocolate chips? Go for it!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Chocolate M&M Cookies, my Blueberry Crinkle Cookies, or my Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Cookies recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dessert! You’ll spend more time enjoying them than making them.

One Bowl Wonder

Minimal cleanup required! You can mix everything in one bowl for ease. Trust me; after a long day, the last thing you want to do is tackle a pile of dirty dishes!

Family Favorite

These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, and the cream cheese frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds! Your kids will love getting their hands in the dough, too it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.

Comfort Food

They’re loaded with tons of flavor, and the rich cream cheese frosting makes them even more of a treat! Perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up.

Customizable

You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have. Add in some chocolate chips or nuts, or even swirl in some peanut butter if you want to get a little creative.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Red Velvet Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they’re even better with a warm glass of milk or served at a gathering. You can also pair them with a scoop of ice cream, treat yourself!

Storage

These cookies are best eaten fresh but can last in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully!

Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften them up again.

Freezer Friendly

Yes! These cookies are freeze-friendly. Just make sure they are completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

So, there you have it! The perfect Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for you to whip up in no time at all. Whether it’s a family dessert or a special occasion, these cookies are sure to impress!  Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These vibrant Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting come together in about 30 minutes and require only one bowl—a quick and easy treat that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Adds depth of flavor; optional.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Can substitute with 3 teaspoons of baking powder if needed.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with margarine.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar Can reduce half with brown sugar for added flavor.
• 1 large egg For a vegan option, use a flax egg.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract May substitute with almond extract.
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring Adjust according to desired color intensity.

For the Frosting

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened Ensure it’s very soft for a smooth frosting.
• 1 cup powdered sugar Can reduce to 3/4 cup for a less sweet option.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) Adds flavor depth.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well blended.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Baking

1. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
3. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Once the cookies are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Notes

These cookies are best eaten fresh but can last in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. For serving, pair them with a glass of milk or ice cream.