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Frosted Red Velvet Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Cream Cheese Frosted Perfection!

If you love all things red velvet — that perfect blend of chocolate and vanilla with a slight tang — then you're going to fall head-over-heels for these Frosted Red Velvet Cookies. ❤️🍪 These cookies are soft, chewy, and deeply flavored, with rich cocoa undertones and that signature vibrant red hue. Topped with a silky smooth cream cheese frosting, they’re everything you love about red velvet cake — in cookie form. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas cookie trays, birthdays, or just because, these cookies are festive, delicious, and seriously irresistible. Looking for more red velvet love? Don’t miss our Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars or these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling/Frosting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 22 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies:
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 7/8 cup unsalted butter softened (about 14 tablespoons)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp red liquid-gel food coloring
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 3 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 tbsp milk powder optional but adds richness
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp butter softened

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls – one for dry, one for wet ingredients
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – for beating butter and sugar
  • Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters
  • Whisk – to combine dry ingredients
  • Spatula – for folding and scraping
  • Cookie scoop – to portion out cookies evenly
  • Baking sheets – lined with parchment or silicone mats
  • Cooling rack – for setting cookies
  • Small offset spatula or butter knife – for spreading frosting

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  2. Flour
  3. Cocoa powder
  4. Baking powder
  5. Baking soda
  6. Cornstarch
  7. Salt
  8. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
  1. Beat in egg, vegetable oil, white vinegar, red food coloring, and vanilla until fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry
  1. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until no streaks remain.
  2. Do not overmix — just until combined.
Step 6: Scoop & Bake
  1. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
  3. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and milk powder until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
  3. If the frosting is too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons milk to adjust.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
  1. Once cookies are cool, spread or pipe cream cheese frosting on top using an offset spatula or piping bag.
  2. Optional: Sprinkle with red velvet crumbs, heart sprinkles, or white chocolate shavings.

Notes

🔁 Variations
1. Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Add frosting between two cookies to make whoopie pie-style sandwiches.
2. Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cookies
Fold in white chocolate chips or chunks before baking.
3. Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and reduce baking time slightly.
4. Mini Cookie Bites
Make 1-tsp size cookies and reduce bake time to 8 minutes for bite-sized versions.
5. Dipped in Chocolate
Dip half of each frosted cookie in melted white chocolate for an elegant finish.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
Storing:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing:
Freeze unfrosted cookies in a zip bag for up to 2 months.
Freeze frosting separately in an airtight container and thaw overnight before using.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze dough balls to bake fresh later.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
You can, but gel food coloring gives more vibrant color with less liquid — ideal for cookies.
2. Why is there vinegar in red velvet cookies?
Vinegar reacts with baking soda and cocoa, giving red velvet its signature tang and rise.
3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and bring to room temp before spreading.
4. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
5. Can I skip the milk powder in the frosting?
Yes, but it adds extra richness and stability. Optional, but recommended!
6. Are these cookies cakey or chewy?
They’re soft and chewy, not cakey — like the perfect cross between a brownie and a cookie.
7. What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for the classic red velvet taste.
8. Can I frost warm cookies?
Let cookies cool completely or the frosting will melt and slide off.
9. Can I use cream cheese frosting from a can?
Yes, for convenience — but homemade gives a richer and fresher flavor.
10. How do I store frosted cookies in layers?
Place a sheet of wax or parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
✅ Conclusion
These Frosted Red Velvet Cookies are the ultimate cookie indulgence — vibrant, soft, flavorful, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want a cookie that’s a little extra, this recipe delivers every single time. ❤️
The combination of cocoa, vanilla, and tangy cream cheese is simply irresistible. And they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Looking for more colorful baking ideas?
Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Bake a batch — and share the velvet love.