Name: Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies: Indulge in Chewy Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Consider a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.); 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (Carob powder serves as a caffeine-free substitute.); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (Enhances overall flavor.); 1/2 cup butter (Softened for creaming.); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (Melted coconut oil can be swapped in.); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg (Flax egg can be used for a vegan alternative.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Optional for those who want an extra kick.); 1 tablespoon liquid-gel food coloring; 1 teaspoon white vinegar (Balances sweetness.); 8 ounces cream cheese (Vegan cream cheese can replace this.); 1/4 cup butter (Softened for creaming.); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 splash milk (Substitute with non-dairy milk for vegan.)

Have you ever wished for a sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds? These Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies deliver just that—a mouthwatering blend of chewy cookie and soft cupcake in every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a dome-shaped cookie, its airy center infused with the rich essence of red velvet, all crowned with a silky swirl of cream cheese frosting. Not only are these cookies a delightful indulgence for any gathering, but their quick prep time makes them an easy go-to whenever that baking urge hits. So, whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea, these cookie cupcakes are bound to impress. Ready to elevate your dessert game with this scrumptious hybrid? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are These Cookies Irresistible?

Chewy Perfection: Each Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookie strikes a balance between chewy and cakey, providing a unique texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Stunning Presentation: The vibrant red color and creamy frosting make these cookies a showstopper at any event, perfect for impressing guests or enhancing celebrations.

Quick & Easy: With a straightforward preparation process, you can whip up these delights in no time—ideal for unexpected guests or midnight cravings!

Versatile Treat: These cookies can be customized with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, allowing you to create variations that suit every palate. Pair them with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat!

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of rich red velvet and creamy frosting ensures these cookies are a hit among kids and adults alike, making them perfect for any occasion.

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability to the cookies; consider a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.
Cocoa powder – Adds a touch of chocolate flavor; carob powder serves as a caffeine-free substitute.
Baking soda & baking powder – These leavening agents ensure that your cookies puff up perfectly.
Salt – Enhances the cookies’ overall flavor, creating a balanced sweetness.
Butter – Adds richness and tenderness to the mix, creating a soft cookie.
Vegetable oil – Contributes to a moist texture; melted coconut oil can be swapped in for a unique twist.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar – These sweeteners work together to achieve the perfect flavor and texture in your red velvet cupcake cookies.
Egg – Binds all the ingredients together; a flax egg can be used as a vegan alternative.
Vanilla extract – Introduces aromatic flavor depth; it’s optional for those who want an extra kick.
Liquid-gel food coloring – Provides a stunning vibrant color; avoid liquid food coloring to keep the moisture balance intact.
White vinegar – Balances sweetness and enhances that beautiful red hue.

For the Frosting

Cream cheese – The star ingredient for frosting, lending rich flavor; vegan cream cheese can replace this for a dairy-free option.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens your frosting, making it easy to spread.
Milk – Adjusts frosting consistency; substitute with non-dairy milk if necessary to keep it vegan.

Get ready to create delicious Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies that everyone will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture is crucial for the structure of your Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies, so ensure there are no lumps before setting it aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Mixture
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 3/4 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds richness to your cookies, ensuring they have a delightful texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add one large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of liquid-gel food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully combined, which should take about 30 seconds. This vibrant mixture will provide the classic red velvet color and flavor that defines your cookies, so make sure it’s well blended.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. You should have a sticky, batter-like dough that holds together nicely but isn’t too dry. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to less tender cookies; let the dough rest for a moment while you prepare to scoop.

Step 5: Scoop Dough
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, portion out the dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each dollop. You should aim for about 12 cookies per batch, which will spread slightly while baking. This spacing ensures that your Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies have room to puff up nicely in the oven.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time allows the cookies to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Step 7: Make Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by creaming together 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter in a bowl. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of powdered sugar and a splash of milk until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This silky cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to your cookies.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies have completely cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously over each cookie. For an extra touch, sprinkle some cookie crumbs on top of the frosting to enhance the presentation of your delicious Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies. Enjoy this delightful treat at your next gathering!

What to Serve with Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Indulging in these delightful cookie hybrids sets the stage for a warm and inviting gathering filled with sweet treats and joyful conversations.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of red velvet, adding a refreshing contrast in temperature and texture.
Fresh Berries Medley: A colorful mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookies, brightening up your plate beautifully.
Decadent Hot Cocoa: The chocolatey richness of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with the cupcakes’ flavors, creating a cozy vibe, especially on chilly days.
Classic Milk: The timeless combination of milk and cookies can’t be beat! Dipping the cookies into cold milk enhances their softness and tastes heavenly.
Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side elevates these cookies even further, providing a luxurious mouthfeel with each bite.
Nutty Chopped Pecans: Sprinkling chopped pecans over your cookies introduces a delightful crunch, harmonizing with the tender cake-like texture.
Sparkling Rosé: Pair these sweet cookies with a glass of bubbly sparkling rosé for a fun celebration. The fruity notes enhance the red velvet experience, making it feel special.
Lemonade Spritzers: A zesty homemade lemonade spritzer lightens the palette, offering a refreshing contrast that cuts through the cookie’s richness.
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top of the frosting adds a splendid depth of flavor and a touch of elegance.

Make Ahead Options

These Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and flavor. Alternatively, bake the cookies and keep them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze them for 2-3 months; frost them just before serving to ensure the cream cheese retains its creamy texture. When ready to enjoy, just thaw the cookies if frozen, frost them, and indulge in these delightful treats without the hassle of last-minute baking!

Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to achieve the perfect rise in your cookies. Stale leavening agents can lead to flat cookies.
Room Temperature Butter: Always use softened butter for the cream mixture. Cold butter won’t cream properly, leading to dense cookies rather than light and fluffy red velvet cupcake cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and produce tough cookies, compromising that chewy texture you’re aiming for.
Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting. If they’re warm, the cream cheese frosting may melt and slide off, ruining that beautiful presentation.
Customize your Frosting: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to your frosting for an added flavor twist that complements the rich red velvet cookies.

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful cookies with some fun twists and substitutions!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to maintain the cookie’s chewy goodness.
Caffeine-Free: Substitute cocoa powder with carob powder for a chocolatey flavor without caffeine—perfect for those looking for a gentler option.
Fruity Twist: Add a handful of chopped strawberries or raspberries in the dough for a fruity burst that pairs beautifully with the red velvet flavor.
Vegan Delight: For a plant-based treat, swap the egg with a flax egg and use vegan cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese for icing.
Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for added crunch and flavor—a delicious contrast to the soft texture.
Themed Colors: Experiment with food coloring for different occasions! Use pastel shades for springtime gatherings or deep greens for a festive twist during the holidays.
Chocolate Chip Fun: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an irresistible chocolate overload that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese frosting.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an inviting warmth that complements the sweet red velvet flavor beautifully.

Don’t forget, these cookies are versatile enough to satisfy any craving! If you’re looking for more cookie inspiration, be sure to check out our Delightful Butter Thumbprint Cookies or the festive Pecan Snowball Cookies. Enjoy making these delectable treats in your own delightful way!

How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Room Temperature: Unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy their chewy texture anytime.
Fridge: If you’ve added cream cheese frosting, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This will help maintain their freshness and creamy topping.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for best results.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost before serving for a delightful treat!

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, ensure that your all-purpose flour is fresh and has not been sitting for too long. Look for cocoa powder that’s rich in flavor, and check that your baking soda and powder are within their expiration dates—this ensures your cookies will rise properly. For the best results, use room temperature butter, as it creams better with sugars, creating a lighter texture in your Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies.

How should I store my cookies to maintain freshness?
Very good question! If you have unfrosted cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For frosted cookies, keep them in the fridge for about the same duration, ensuring they stay cool and fresh. I often place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking and keep that lovely frosting intact.

Can I freeze my Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies?
Absolutely! For longer preservation, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies. Simply wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, and then frost to keep that delightful texture!

What can I do if my cookies come out too tough?
Don’t be discouraged! If your cookies turn out tough, it may be due to overmixing or using cold butter. To avoid this in the future, mix your wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined, and always use softened butter. Remember, the goal is a sticky dough that holds together without being overworked.

Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Very much so! For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that performs well in baking. If you’re looking for a vegan version, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg and replace the cream cheese with a smooth vegan alternative. These adaptations make your Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies enjoyable for everyone without sacrificing flavor!