Dreamy Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Cravings

My latest kitchen experiment with red velvet cupcake cookies completely transformed my weekend baking routine.

Sweet surprises often emerge from unexpected culinary adventures.

Soft, pillowy textures blend perfectly with rich crimson colors in this delightful treat.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the deep, velvety undertones dancing across each bite.

Cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible creamy dimension that makes these cookies sing.

Home bakers seeking a playful twist on classic desserts will adore this recipe.

Curious hands and hungry hearts should definitely dive into creating these magical morsels.

Why Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Get Much Love

• Super easy red velvet cookies that transform classic cupcake flavors into delightful handheld treats perfect for dessert lovers.
• Beginner bakers can confidently create these cookies with basic mixing techniques and straightforward instructions, ensuring success even for novice home cooks.
• Stunning red color and cream cheese filling make these cookies impressive for gatherings, birthdays, holiday events, and potluck celebrations, guaranteed to wow guests with minimal effort.
• Faster to prepare than traditional cupcakes, these cookies offer the same rich red velvet taste with simplified preparation, allowing quick satisfaction of sweet cravings in under 30 minutes.

Essential Ingredients in Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for cookie structure, white and fine-textured.
• Cocoa Powder: Creates rich chocolate flavor, deep brown and intense.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly, neutral white powder.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, fine white crystals.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Primary creaming ingredients, create soft cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together, provides moisture and structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor, clear brown liquid.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives signature red velvet color, bright red liquid.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess, smooth white dairy product.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Create smooth, sweet filling with creamy texture. Cream cheese should be softened for easy mixing.

Quick Directions for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for smooth cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy using an electric mixer.

• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• Sour cream

Mix until vibrant red color emerges.

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until soft dough forms.

Step 3: Whip Up Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.

Step 4: Form Cookie Sandwiches

Scoop dough and flatten on baking sheet.

Place cream cheese filling in center of each dough circle.

Top with another dough layer, gently sealing edges.

Space cookies 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide cookies into oven for 10-12 minutes.

Look for crispy edges and soft centers.

Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Handy Pointers for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

• Cream Softly for Fluffiness: Beat butter and sugar thoroughly until light and airy to create a softer, more tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
• Measure Food Coloring Carefully: Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without watering down the dough, ensuring a rich and consistent red velvet appearance.
• Chill Dough for Better Shape: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before assembling to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Control Cream Cheese Filling: Use room temperature cream cheese and avoid overmixing to prevent a runny filling that might leak during baking.
• Seal Edges Gently: Press cookie edges carefully to fully enclose the cream cheese filling, creating a delightful surprise center without any spillage.

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best results.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel. Heat gently to prevent cream cheese filling from becoming too runny.
• If serving within 1-2 days, keep cookies covered at room temperature in a sealed container to preserve their delicate texture and prevent drying out.

Favorite Matches for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

• Pair these rich red velvet cookies with cold, creamy milk. The smooth, chilled beverage cuts through the intense sweetness and provides a refreshing balance.
• Serve alongside a small shot of strong espresso or cappuccino. The robust coffee notes complement the deep cocoa undertones and create a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Elevate the cookie's elegance with a glass of light, bubbly champagne. The crisp, effervescent drink adds a touch of luxury and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Add fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side. Their bright, tangy flavor creates a delightful contrast against the rich, sweet cream cheese and red velvet cookie.

Flavorful Variations for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Velvet Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers can enjoy these rich cookies without worry.
• Vegan Red Velvet Option: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cashew cream cheese alternative for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Red Velvet Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the classic red velvet flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Infusion: Fold in dark chocolate chips into the dough for an extra layer of decadence and texture, creating a more indulgent cookie experience.

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Red velvet cupcake cookies blend classic dessert magic with irresistible cookie charm. Rich cocoa notes and cream cheese frosting create a delightful fusion you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Frosting:

• 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish (Optional):

• Red sprinkles
• White sprinkles
• Mini chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to ensure effortless cookie release.
2. Create a powder mixture by whisking together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside for later incorporation.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, vigorously cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency, typically taking 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Introduce egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and sour cream to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to achieve a vibrant red velvet hue and smooth texture.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.
6. Prepare the cream cheese filling by whipping softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and peaks form easily.
7. Portion out tablespoon-sized red velvet dough balls, gently flattening each on the prepared baking sheet, creating a base for the cream cheese center.
8. Place a teaspoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each dough base, then carefully cover with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges to encapsulate the filling completely.
9. Arrange the assembled cookies with approximately 2 inches of spacing between them to allow for spread during baking.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for slightly crisped edges while maintaining a soft, cupcake-like center.
11. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes post-baking, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before assembling to prevent excessive spreading and maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without altering the dough’s consistency compared to liquid food coloring.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with the cookie dough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg