If you are looking for a bakery-style dessert that feels special but is still simple to make, Easy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese are the perfect choice. These cookies are soft, tender, and lightly chocolatey, with that classic red velvet flavor everyone loves. Topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, each bite is rich, balanced, and completely irresistible.
Red velvet cookies are ideal for holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anytime you want a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. This recipe keeps things straightforward while delivering impressive results, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Easy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese
These cookies stand out for all the right reasons.
First, the texture is amazing. The cookies bake up soft and thick with a tender crumb that stays moist for days.
Second, the flavor is perfectly balanced. A hint of cocoa, vanilla, and tangy cream cheese frosting creates that unmistakable red velvet taste without being overpowering.
Third, they are visually stunning. The deep red color paired with creamy white frosting makes them eye-catching on any dessert table.
Finally, they are versatile. You can make them ahead, customize the frosting, or even turn them into sandwich cookies if you want something extra special.
Ingredients for Easy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese
Red Velvet Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Cocoa powder
Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder, not Dutch-processed. This helps react properly with the baking soda for the right texture.
Food coloring
Gel food coloring gives the best vibrant color. You can reduce the amount or use natural food coloring if preferred.
Cream cheese
Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture. Make sure it is fully softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
Dairy-free option
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives if needed.
Less sweet option
Reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly and add a tablespoon of milk if needed for smoothness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes and helps create a soft cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until the dough is evenly colored.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
Pro Tips for Success
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Do not overbake. The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
- Frost only fully cooled cookies to prevent melting.
- Store cookies chilled for best frosting texture.
Flavor Variations
- Sandwich cookies: Pipe frosting between two cookies for red velvet sandwich cookies.
- Chocolate chip twist: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough.
- Holiday style: Add festive sprinkles on top of the frosting.
- Orange hint: Add a small amount of orange zest to the dough for a subtle citrus note.
- Cocoa boost: Increase cocoa powder slightly for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee. They are perfect for dessert tables, holiday cookie boxes, or gifting to friends and family.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving. Frosted cookies can also be frozen, but the frosting texture may soften slightly when thawed.
Easy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, bakery-style red velvet cookies with a light chocolate flavor, topped with smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. Easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for holidays, celebrations, or everyday treats.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and mix until incorporated.
- Mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until evenly colored.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto completely cooled cookies.
Notes
Do not overbake for the softest texture. Frost cookies only after they are fully cooled to keep the frosting smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Easy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese
What makes red velvet different from chocolate cookies?
Red velvet uses a small amount of cocoa powder combined with vanilla and tangy elements, giving it a mild chocolate flavor rather than a deep chocolate taste.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the butter was too warm or the dough was overmixed. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading.
Can I pipe the frosting?
Yes, cream cheese frosting pipes beautifully once chilled slightly. Use a simple round or star tip for best results.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely. They are sturdy, beautiful, and stay fresh for several days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese are the perfect blend of soft texture, classic flavor, and creamy frosting. They look impressive, taste amazing, and are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you are baking for a holiday, celebration, or just because, this recipe is one you will come back to again and again.