Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies: A Decadent Dessert Mashup!
Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are a fun twist on a beloved classic! Imagine the soft, chewy texture of a cookie combined with the rich, decadent flavor of a red velvet cupcake. These cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from cozy family nights to festive celebrations.
You’re about to make a batch of irresistible cookies that are topped with creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting, these cookies are easy to whip up and will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Get ready to indulge in a treat that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. These red velvet cupcake cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation!
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
- Stunning Appearance: Gorgeous deep red color with a beautiful crackled top
- Two Desserts in One: The best of red velvet cupcakes and cookies combined
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The ultimate indulgent topping
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any sweet moment
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Piping bag or zip-top bag (for frosting)
- Wire cooling rack
- Spatula
- Whisk
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
For the Cookies:
- Butter: ½ cup (salted or unsalted)
- Sugars:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Egg: 1 large egg
- Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons red gel food coloring
- Dry Ingredients:
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, softened
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough
- Nutty Version: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute egg with flax egg, use vegan butter and cream cheese
- Extra Decadent: Drizzle melted white chocolate over frosted cookies
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
1. Prepare and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring. Mix until well combined and the color is evenly distributed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, cornstarch, and baking powder. Sifting the dry ingredients helps prevent lumps.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Form Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Gently flatten the tops of the cookies slightly with the back of a spoon.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly crackled.
- The centers should look soft but will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Frost
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in powdered sugar.
- Beat until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread frosting on completely cooled cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are perfect:
- As a Valentine’s Day treat
- For birthday parties
- Packed in lunch boxes
- As a decadent dessert with coffee or tea
Storing Your Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keep frosted cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Cookie | 150 | 7g | 20g | 2g | 12g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I get the perfect red color?
Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant red without affecting the cookie’s texture.
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Absolutely! Adjust baking time to 8-10 minutes for smaller cookies.
Get ready to impress everyone with these show-stopping Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies. They’re not just a dessert – they’re a experience!
