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Frosted Red Velvet Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Lusciously Frosted

Red velvet lovers, rejoice! These Frosted Red Velvet Cookies bring all the charm of the iconic cake into handheld form. They’re chewy, slightly cocoa-flavored, and finished with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that makes every bite decadent. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas cookie trays, or anytime you want a colorful and indulgent treat, these cookies are as gorgeous as they are delicious. With their bold red color and velvety soft texture, they’re sure to impress both visually and on the taste buds.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Frosting & Decorating time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥚 Fresh Produce:
  • 1 large egg
🌾 Dry & Pantry:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup light or dark brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp red liquid-gel food coloring
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp instant milk powder for richer dough
🥛 Dairy & Fats:
  • 7/8 cup 200 g unsalted butter, softened (divided: for dough + frosting)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 85 g block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheets + parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag (optional, for frosting)

Method
 

Step 1 – Make the Cookie Dough
  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla, and food coloring. Mix well.
  4. Slowly fold in dry ingredients until dough forms. Chill 30 minutes for best results.
Step 2 – Bake the Cookies
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, place 2 inches apart.
  3. Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
  4. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Step 3 – Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. Beat cream cheese with remaining softened butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla; beat until fluffy.
  3. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
Step 4 – Frost & Finish
  1. Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies.
  2. Dust lightly with cocoa powder or sprinkles for decoration.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store frosted cookies in fridge up to 5 days.
Unfrosted cookies can be kept at room temperature for 4 days.
Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 2 months; thaw before frosting.
🥄 Variations
Mini Sandwich Cookies: Use frosting as a filling between two cookies.
Holiday Twist: Add red and white sprinkles on top for Christmas.
Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of frosting, drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Valentine’s Version: Shape cookies into hearts before baking.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why add vinegar to red velvet cookies?
It reacts with baking soda for tender texture and enhances red color.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel is best — liquid won’t give deep color without thinning dough.
Do I have to chill the dough?
It helps cookies stay thick and chewy.
What type of cocoa powder is best?
Natural or Dutch-process both work; Dutch gives darker color.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, bake a day before and frost the day you serve.
Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
Yes — they’re delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Do these taste like red velvet cake?
Yes — mildly cocoa-flavored with tang from vinegar and cream cheese frosting.
Why use cornstarch in cookies?
It keeps them soft and chewy.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just bake in batches.
🏁 Conclusion
These Frosted Red Velvet Cookies are everything you love about red velvet cake — rich color, soft texture, and creamy frosting — in a handheld cookie form. Perfect for celebrations, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.