These Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of cookies with the airy, tender charm of cupcake tops. Topped with a swirl of luscious cream cheese frosting and garnished with cookie crumbs, these vibrant red treats are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or any occasion that calls for something special!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Unique Texture: A chewy cookie with the lightness of a cupcake top.
- Rich Frosting: Silky cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish.
- Vibrant and Festive: A stunning red velvet color perfect for celebrations.
- Straightforward Recipe: Easy-to-follow steps with no fancy equipment required.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant milk powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons red liquid-gel food coloring (see notes)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 ounces (85g) block cream cheese
- 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools
- Mixing Bowls: Medium for dry ingredients and large for wet ingredients.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming butter and sugars and making the frosting.
- Cookie Scoop: To portion out even-sized cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely before frosting.
Preparation Tips
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a vibrant red hue without altering the dough’s texture. Avoid liquid food coloring, which can make the dough too wet.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter, egg, and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Measure Flour Properly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies. Weighing ingredients is even better for accuracy.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, instant milk powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the egg, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully combined. Add the food coloring and mix well.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Scoop Dough: Use a large cookie scoop (3–4 tablespoons) to portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 3 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the center of the oven for 12–15 minutes, until the cookies puff up and spread slightly. The edges should be set, and the bottoms a light golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and lump-free.
- Add Vanilla and Sugar: Mix in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to firm up.
4. Frost and Decorate the Cookies
- Frost the Cookies: Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cooled cookies.
- Add Crumbs: If you have any leftover or misshapen cookies, crumble them and sprinkle the crumbs on top of the frosting for decoration.
These cookies are as delicious as they are stunning, making them the perfect treat for any special occasion!
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic Pairings
- Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or latte for a cozy treat.
2. Holiday Dessert Platters
- Add these cookies to a festive holiday tray with:
- Chocolate crinkle cookies
- Sugar cookies with royal icing
- Snickerdoodles
- Peppermint bark
3. Special Occasion Dessert Boards
- Create a dessert board featuring:
- Mini cupcakes or macarons
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- White and dark chocolate truffles
- Creamy cheesecake bites
4. Gift Giving
- Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. Tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
5. Pair with Ice Cream
- Transform these cookies into a gourmet dessert by serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or red velvet ice cream on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
1. Overmixing the Dough
- Mistake: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies.
- Solution: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
2. Using the Wrong Food Coloring
- Mistake: Liquid food coloring can alter the dough’s moisture content, leading to overly wet or dense cookies.
- Solution: Use gel or powdered food coloring for vibrant results without changing the texture.
3. Overbaking the Cookies
- Mistake: Leaving the cookies in the oven too long can make them dry.
- Solution: Bake until the edges are set and the tops are puffed, but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
4. Frosting Too Soft to Pipe
- Mistake: Warm frosting can be too runny to hold its shape when piped.
- Solution: Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to firm it up before spreading or piping.
5. Uneven Cookie Sizes
- Mistake: Unevenly sized cookies bake unevenly, with some overbaking or underbaking.
- Solution: Use a cookie scoop to portion out consistent-sized dough balls.
Side Dish Recommendations
1. Hot Beverages
- Serve alongside hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or a spiced chai latte for a cozy pairing.
2. Fresh Fruit
- Complement the cookies’ sweetness with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or orange slices for a refreshing contrast.
3. Light Desserts
- Pair with vanilla pudding or a small slice of angel food cake to round out a dessert spread.
4. Savory Cheese Pairings
- Add a savory element to balance the sweetness by serving alongside a cheese board featuring Brie, cream cheese, or mascarpone.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar: Vinegar is essential for the signature tang of red velvet and helps keep the cookies tender.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour and a kitchen scale if possible to avoid dense cookies.
- Cool Cookies Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Customize the Topping: Sprinkle cookie crumbs, red velvet sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips on top for a decorative flair.
These serving ideas and tips ensure your Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies will be a standout addition to any dessert spread or special occasion!
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