Ultimate Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Introduction
Indulge in the perfect fusion of rich cocoa and tangy cream cheese with these Ultimate Red Velvet Cookies. Each soft, crimson cookie is crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting, delivering bliss in every bite. Whether for holiday gatherings or everyday treats, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
- Once cookies are completely cool, frost generously with cream cheese frosting.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Perfect Red Color: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color without adding excess liquid.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don't Overbake: Cookies continue cooking on the hot baking sheet, so remove when edges are just set for soft texture.
- Storage: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 180 per cookie
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use natural food coloring? A: Yes, but the color may be less vibrant. Beet powder is a good natural alternative.
- Q: How do I prevent flat cookies? A: Make sure your butter isn't too soft and avoid overmixing the dough.
- Q: Can I freeze the dough? A: Yes, freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months and bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.