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Easy Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Easy Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, chewy, and bursting with a subtle vanilla-cocoa flavor. With their vibrant pink color and creamy frosting, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any time you want a fun and festive treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft & Chewy Texture – The perfect balance of tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
  • Beautiful Pink Color – A fun and festive twist on classic velvet flavors.
  • Creamy Frosting – A rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that pairs perfectly.
  • Easy to Make – No chilling required, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, parties, or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pink Velvet Cookies:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Cocoa powder (just a touch for a classic velvet flavor)
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Buttermilk (keeps them soft and moist)
  • Pink gel food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Pink sprinkles
  • White chocolate drizzle
  • Crushed freeze-dried strawberries

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. Cream Butter & Sugars – In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Egg & Flavoring – Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until combined.
  3. Add Food Coloring – Stir in pink food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
  4. Combine Wet & Dry – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

  1. Scoop Dough – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  2. Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
  3. Cool – Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat Ingredients – In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  2. Frost the Cookies – Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  1. Decorate – Add sprinkles, a white chocolate drizzle, or crushed strawberries.
  2. Enjoy! – Serve immediately or chill for a firmer frosting.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 18-20 cookies
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Cooling & Frosting Time: 10 minutes

Variations

  • Strawberry Pink Velvet Cookies – Add 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract for a fruity twist.
  • Chocolate Drizzle – Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the frosted cookies.
  • Heart-Shaped Cookies – Roll and cut dough into heart shapes for special occasions.
  • Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting.
  • Serving Tip: Let refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I make these without food coloring?

Yes! They’ll have the same delicious flavor but a light natural color.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes! Try buttercream, white chocolate ganache, or a simple glaze.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Use a cookie scoop and gently shape them before baking.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar to create a similar effect.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Why did my cookies turn out dry?

Make sure to measure flour correctly and avoid overbaking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Store cookies and frosting separately, then assemble when ready to serve.

Can I add mix-ins?

Yes! White chocolate chips or chopped nuts would be delicious.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required, making this recipe quick and easy!

What’s the best way to frost these cookies?

Use a piping bag for a clean look or a spatula for a more rustic style.

Conclusion

These Easy Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect soft and chewy treat, combining rich vanilla-cocoa flavors with a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. Whether for a holiday, party, or just a fun baking day, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy a delightful, colorful dessert!

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Easy Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 18 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Pink Velvet Cookies are soft, chewy, and buttery, with a hint of vanilla and a beautiful pink hue! Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anytime you want a sweet and pretty treat!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pink Velvet Cookies:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar (helps with the velvet texture)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pink or red food coloring
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or 2 tbsp milk + 1/4 tsp vinegar)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream (if needed for consistency)

For Garnish:

  • Pink sprinkles or sanding sugar
  • White chocolate shavings
  • Heart-shaped candies (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in egg, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

  1. Scoop 1 ½-inch dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
  3. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
  3. If needed, add 1 tablespoon milk for a thinner consistency.

Step 4: Frost & Decorate

  1. Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto cooled cookies.
  2. Garnish with sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or heart-shaped candies.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Want a richer color? Add an extra ¼ teaspoon food coloring.
  • No buttermilk? Use regular milk with a few drops of lemon juice.
  • Make ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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