Description
Irresistibly soft red velvet sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting. These bakery-style treats feature a tender crumb, subtle cocoa flavor, and stunning red color perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, food coloring, and vinegar until fully combined.
5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain.
6. Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone.
8. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until creamy.
10. Frost cooled cookies using an offset spatula or piping bag.
Notes
Cookies can be stored unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Frosted cookies keep for 3 days in the refrigerator.
Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
For more vibrant color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: red velvet cookies, sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, holiday cookies, valentine cookies