If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that combines that classic red velvet charm with a delightfully soft texture and a luscious topping, look no further than this Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies boast crispy edges that give way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, all crowned with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a cozy holiday gathering, or just craving something decadently sweet, this recipe will become your new go-to favorite.

Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is what makes this Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe such a treat. Each element plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic vibrant red hue we all love.

Butter (110g melted and cooled): Provides richness and moisture to create that soft cookie texture with a slight crisp edge.
Granulated sugar (100g): Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful cookie crust.
Brown sugar (100g): Gives depth of flavor and adds chewiness.
Red gel food coloring (½ teaspoon): Delivers the classic red velvet color without altering the flavor.
Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with warmth and complexity.
All-purpose flour (230g): The backbone of the cookies, giving shape and structure.
Dutch process cocoa powder (10g): Adds subtle chocolate notes essential for true red velvet flavor.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Provides just enough leavening to keep the cookies tender but not cakey.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps with the rise and creates a tender crumb.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Butter for frosting (120g): Gives cream cheese frosting its creamy texture and richness.
Full-fat cream cheese (60g): Imparts the tangy, smooth base that pairs perfectly with the sweet cookie.
Powdered sugar (220g, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a silky finish.
Vanilla bean paste (¼ teaspoon): Adds an intense vanilla aroma and taste in the frosting.

How to Make Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by melting the butter gently to preserve its liquid goodness without bubbling. Once cooled to room temperature, whisk it together with the granulated and brown sugars plus the vibrant red gel food coloring, creating a beautifully tinted, sweet base. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything combines smoothly. Separately, sift together all the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—and fold them into the wet mix just until combined, making sure not to overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender.

Step 2: Chill and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into 11 equal handfuls and gently roll each into a ball. Place these chilled dough balls on parchment-lined trays and pop them in the fridge for an hour. This chilling step is crucial—it helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven and develop that enviable balance between crispy edges and soft centers.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180ºC (355ºF) and space six cookies evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the edges are set, and the centers puff slightly. After the first batch, bake the remaining five cookies. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this avoids overbaking and preserves softness.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Bring the butter and cream cheese to room temperature, then cream the butter alone for about five minutes until fluffy. Add the cream cheese and vanilla bean paste, mixing until silky smooth. Gradually fold in the sifted powdered sugar in stages, ensuring a luscious, spreadable frosting perfect for piping onto your cooled cookies.

Step 5: Frost and Finish Your Cookies

Fill a piping bag fitted with a swirl tip and generously frost each cookie with elegant swirls of cream cheese frosting. Add red sprinkles if you’re feeling extra festive. This frosting not only looks stunning but brings a tangy, rich contrast to the sweet and tender cookie beneath.

How to Serve Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these cookies further, try adorning them with a few festive accents. Fresh raspberries, edible rose petals, or a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries add both visual appeal and a refreshing bite. For an extra touch of decadence, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a handful of red or white sugar crystals really makes them pop.

Side Dishes

Pairing these Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe treats with a warm cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a glass of cold milk makes for a comforting and indulgent snack or dessert. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is where you can have a lot of fun! Arrange these cookies on a tiered dessert stand for parties or gift them beautifully wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a red ribbon. For gatherings, try creating mini cookie sandwiches by gently spreading extra frosting between two cookies or layering them on a festive platter with alternating frosting styles for a colorful spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their softness. If you haven’t frosted them yet, they can safely last a few more days before decorating. Keeping them properly sealed prevents them from drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a resealable bag or freezer-safe container for up to three months. Frosted cookies freeze best when frozen individually on a tray and then stored carefully to avoid smooshing the frosting. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive the softness and bring out the full flavor after storage or freezing, warm the cookies gently in the oven at 150ºC (300ºF) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and change the texture of the cookie.

FAQs

Can I use natural food coloring instead of red gel food coloring?

Yes! Natural alternatives like beet juice powder or juice will work, but keep in mind they might slightly alter the flavor and the vibrancy of the cookie’s red color. Gel coloring is more concentrated and ideal for bright, classic red velvet hues.

Is it necessary to chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling is highly recommended because it helps the cookies maintain their shape, prevents excessive spreading, and improves the final texture—resulting in crisp edges with irresistibly soft centers.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

While this Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe uses butter, egg, and cream cheese, you can substitute vegan butter, flax or chia egg, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly. The texture might change slightly, but the festive spirit remains!

What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese frosting on the cookies?

Use a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip and start piping from the middle of the cookie outward in a gentle swirl for a professional, pretty finish. If you don’t have a piping bag, spreading with a butter knife is just as delicious.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting too quickly?

Make sure both the cookies and frosting are completely cooled before frosting, and keep the finished cookies in a cool place. If it’s very warm, refrigerate them briefly but allow them to come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of red velvet in cookie form, topped with the creamy tang of perfect frosting. Baking these is not just satisfying—it’s a joy that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and your heart with holiday spirit. I truly encourage you to dive in and make these festive, tender cookies for your next special occasion or just a little self-indulgence. Trust me, one bite and they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite!

Soft Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe