Frosted Red Velvet Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of a cookie, all topped with a creamy, tangy frosting. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want a decadent treat.

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Making the Cookies:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients & Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until fully combined.
6. Scoop & Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese & Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cookies:

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each one.
2. Optionally, garnish with sprinkles, red velvet crumbs, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

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Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Fold in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
• Drizzle Instead of Frosting: Skip the frosting and drizzle with melted white chocolate instead.

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Servings & Timing

• Servings: About 18 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes! The red food coloring is for appearance only. Without it, the cookies will have a natural cocoa brown color but will still taste the same.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with ½ teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely! While homemade cream cheese frosting tastes best, store-bought can be a quick alternative.

How do I make the cookies chewier?

Slightly underbaking them (removing them from the oven when the center still looks soft) will give a chewier texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies and store them for a day or two before frosting. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and frost them after thawing.

What’s the best way to frost the cookies?

For a clean look, use a piping bag with a round tip. If you prefer a rustic style, simply spread the frosting with a butter knife or spoon.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes! A white chocolate ganache or simple vanilla buttercream also works well.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This could be due to overly softened butter or not chilling the dough if your kitchen is warm. Try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. Make sure all other ingredients, such as cocoa powder, are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before frosting. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cookies after frosting to keep them firm.

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Conclusion

Frosted Red Velvet Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, offering the best of both worlds—cake-like flavor with a chewy cookie texture. Whether you enjoy them plain or with extra toppings, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite!

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