Soft and Chewy Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing

There’s just something magical about red velvet, and when you turn that classic cake into a soft, chewy cookie topped with a swirl of luscious cream cheese frosting it becomes completely irresistible. These Red Velvet cookies with cream cheese Frosting are one of my favorite easy desserts to whip up when I want something pretty and delicious. They’re rich in cocoa flavor, beautifully vibrant, and that tangy frosting brings it all together.

These cookies are always a hit around Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or whenever we want a little something special in the cookie jar. You’ll love how simple they are to make and they freeze well, too!

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! They combine the best of red velvet cake and chewy cookie texture, and that cream cheese frosting gives them a bakery-style finish. Plus, they’re perfect for parties, gifting, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. Kids love the color and frosting, and you’ll love how easily they come together with basic pantry staples.

Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses everyday ingredients, but together they make something truly special.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
• Cocoa powder: Just a touch gives the classic red velvet flavor.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft in the center.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with spreading.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Red food coloring: Gives that signature red velvet hue.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Cream cheese: The star of the frosting tangy, creamy, and so good!
• Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting smooth and sweet.

Yield and Timing

• Servings: 18-20 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

What Is Needed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
6. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just set. Let cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Once cookies are completely cool, spread frosting over each one. Add sprinkles if desired.

Top Tips

1. Don’t overbake! The cookies should still look soft in the center they’ll continue to set as they cool.
2. Use gel food coloring if you want a deeper red color without thinning out the dough.
3. Cool completely before frosting or the cream cheese will melt and slide right off.
4. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if you want slightly thicker cookies that spread less.
5. Let the kids decorate with heart sprinkles or red sugar for a fun baking activity.

Recipe Variations

• Add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a sweet surprise inside.
• Use chocolate frosting for a double chocolate twist.
• Turn them into sandwich cookies with frosting in the middle!

Recommended Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze the baked (unfrosted) cookies for up to 2 months. Just frost once thawed.

How to Store and Reheat

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Let them come to room temp before serving.
• To freeze, store unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.

What To Serve With This Recipe

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. They’re also perfect on a Valentine’s dessert platter alongside chocolate-covered strawberries and brownies.

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Red velvet has roots in the early 20th century, believed to have been made popular by the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Traditionally made with buttermilk and vinegar for tenderness, these cookies are a simplified version that still gives you that signature flavor and texture without needing fancy ingredients or techniques.

More Cookie Recipes

• Cookies to Celebrate in Sweet Style

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing

Michelle

Soft, chewy red velvet cookies topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting—perfect for any celebration or just because!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 18 Cookies

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup cream cheese softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just set. Let cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
• Once cookies are completely cool, spread frosting over each one. Add sprinkles if desired.

Notes

• Let cookies cool fully before frosting.
• Store in fridge if not serving the same day.
• Great make-ahead treat for parties or gifts.

Keyword Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing