Decadent Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Decadent Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g); ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g); ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g); ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (100 g); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; ½ cup buttermilk (120 ml); 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115 g); ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (57 g); 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Posted on December 25, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

frosted red velvet cookies with white icing on a cooling rack and in the foreground

Dessert

Jump to Recipe

If you love soft, chewy cookies with a luscious frosting, these Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a dream come true. Perfect for dessert tables, holiday treats, or a sweet indulgence any day, these cookies combine the classic red velvet flavor with creamy, tangy frosting that makes every bite irresistible. Pair them with desserts like Strawberry Cloud Cake or Halloween Brownies for a festive dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cookies

These cookies capture the iconic red velvet taste with a soft, chewy texture. The cream cheese frosting balances the subtle cocoa flavor, making each bite perfect. These treats are easy to make, visually stunning, and ideal for parties, cookie swaps, or holiday celebrations. For a seasonal twist, you can also explore Pumpkin Twists or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cookies:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
½ cup light brown sugar, packed (100 g)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup buttermilk (120 ml)

For the cream cheese frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened (115 g)
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (57 g)
1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
½ tsp vanilla extract

For variations, check out Pumpkin-Baked Oatmeal or Pumpkin Protein Muffins for inspiration.

Kitchen Equipment

You will need: mixing bowls, electric mixer or stand mixer, measuring cups, spoons, whisk, spatula, baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, cooling rack, and optionally a piping bag for frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in egg, vanilla, red food coloring, and buttermilk.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop dough onto prepared sheets 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes. For more cookie ideas, check Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 7: Cool and Frost
Cool cookies 5 minutes on baking sheet, transfer to rack. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Frost fully cooled cookies.

Step 8: Serve or Store
Arrange on a platter or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cookies

Use room temperature butter and cream cheese.
Chill dough in warm kitchens to prevent spreading.
Avoid overbaking for soft centers.
Frosting can be piped or spread casually for a rustic look.

You can pair these cookies with Cauldron Cookies or Mini Pancake Cereal for brunch or party desserts.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Refrigerate up to 5 days; warm briefly before serving.
Dough can be frozen in balls and baked later.
Frosting can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for double chocolate flavor.
Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Top frosting with sprinkles for festive occasions.

For other indulgent desserts, explore Pumpkin Truffles, Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, or Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Can I make them vegan?
Use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.

How long do cookies stay fresh?
Room temperature: 3 days; refrigerated: 5 days.

Can I use a different frosting?
Buttercream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream frosting works beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, chewy, and visually stunning. They are easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pair them with Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls or Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for a dessert spread that wows every guest.

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