Red Velvet Cookies: A Decadent Treat with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re craving a soft, sweet, and irresistibly red dessert, Red Velvet Cookies with cream cheese frosting are a must-try! These cookies are made with a simple red velvet cake mix, making them easy to whip up for any occasion. The cookies are rich, moist, and topped with a creamy frosting that takes them over the top. Whether you’re making them for a special event or a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress.

For more red velvet-inspired treats, you can also explore Red Velvet Cake Recipes on AllRecipes or try the Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe on Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Sweet Delight

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Red Velvet Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the signature flavor of red velvet cake, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Easy to make with a cake mix base, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially when you want a sweet, indulgent treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

• 1 (15.25 ounce) Red Velvet cake mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 ounces softened cream cheese (about 1/4 block)
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (more as needed)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the Red Velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well combined and the dough is smooth.

3. Shape the Cookies:

   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake the Cookies:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies have set and the edges are slightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit soft when you first take them out of the oven.

5. Cool the Cookies:

   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and heavy cream (or milk) together until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Frost the Cookies:

   • Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie using a butter knife or a piping bag.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a special treat.

Notes

You can add sprinkles on top of the cream cheese frosting to make the cookies even more festive, especially for holidays or special occasions.

For a more decadent treat, you can also add chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the cookie dough before baking.

These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to a month. Simply frost them after thawing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to mix until the dough comes together. The dough will be thick but should not be too dry. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more cake mix.
3. Shape the Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll the dough between your hands to form smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The cookies may look soft when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream (or milk), powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Start with 3 tablespoons of cream and add more as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
6. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a spoon or butter knife to spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cookie. For an extra touch, you can garnish with red velvet cake crumbs, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cookies with cream cheese frosting!

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies

Although this recipe is already quite simple, you can take your Red Velvet Cookies to the next level with a few advanced techniques:

Add Chocolate Chips:

For an extra burst of flavor, add mini chocolate chips to the dough. Red velvet cookies pair beautifully with the richness of chocolate, and the chips add a delightful texture.

Chill the Dough:

If you prefer a thicker, chewier cookie, chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and result in a slightly thicker, softer texture.

Make Cookie Sandwiches:

To elevate these cookies further, use the cream cheese frosting to make red velvet cookie sandwiches. Simply place frosting between two cookies to create a decadent treat.

Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk:

If you want to enhance the flavor of the cream cheese frosting, try replacing the milk with buttermilk. This will add a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the frosting and the cookies.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Red Velvet Cookies:

To store your Red Velvet Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To prevent the cookies from getting too soft, you can layer parchment paper between the cookies to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing the Cookies:

You can freeze the cookies for longer storage. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Storing Frosting:

If you have leftover cream cheese frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using it again, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir to bring back its smooth texture.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

While Red Velvet Cookies are delicious as is, there are a few substitutions you can make to cater to dietary needs or preferences:

Gluten-Free:

Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check the rest of the ingredients for any hidden gluten.

Vegan options:

To make these cookies vegan, swap out the eggs for a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk (such as almond milk) for the frosting.

Dairy-Free:

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use non-dairy milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in the frosting.

Low-Sugar or Keto:

To reduce the sugar content, you can use a sugar-free red velvet cake mix, and replace the powdered sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol in the frosting.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use a homemade red velvet cake mix?

Yes, you can use homemade red velvet cake mix if you prefer. Just ensure the dry ingredients match the proportions in the store-bought mix for a similar outcome.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough?

No, chilling the dough is not necessary, but it can help make the cookies thicker and less likely to spread too much during baking.

Can I freeze the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese frosting for up to 2 months. Just store it in an airtight container, and let it come to room temperature before using.

How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?

To make the frosting thicker, add more powdered sugar. To thin it out, add more heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cookies with cream cheese frosting are a decadent, irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The soft, chewy cookies paired with the smooth, tangy frosting create a flavor combination that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just as a sweet snack, these cookies will always be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.