Introduction
Delight your senses with these decadent Red Velvet Cookies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting! Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies boast a vibrant red hue and a hint of cocoa, making them both visually stunning and utterly delicious. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy sweetness that beautifully complements the cookies, creating a mouthwatering treat ideal for any occasion — from cozy nights at home to festive celebrations. Let’s embark on a baking journey that will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until all the ingredients are incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set while the centers remain soft — they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and easy to spread.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
Notes or Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week — if they last that long!
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some festive sprinkles on top of the frosted cookies.
Cooking Techniques
When baking these cookies, ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve that perfect soft center and chewy edges. Use the whisking technique to aerate the dry ingredients, providing a lighter texture. Be careful not to over-mix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate chips? Absolutely! While white chocolate chips add a lovely sweetness, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make these cookies without food coloring? Yes! The cookies will still be delicious, though they won’t have that classic red hue. Consider adding a little extra cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them all by yourself, each bite promises a delightful burst of flavor. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic begin!