Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

If you love the rich, decadent flavor of red velvet cake but are craving something more bite-sized and portable, then Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are the perfect treat! These cookies combine the best aspects of both cupcakes and cookies: soft, chewy, and packed with a creamy texture, all with the signature red velvet flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Here’s how to make these delicious red velvet cupcake cookies!

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Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Red velvet cupcakes are a classic dessert, known for their vibrant color and unique taste, often enhanced by a rich cream cheese frosting. Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies take all of these beloved elements and turn them into an easy-to-make cookie form, giving you that same indulgent flavor in every bite.

These cookies are soft on the inside with slightly crisp edges, mimicking the texture of a cupcake. And, with a tangy cream cheese filling in the center, you get the best of both worlds in one delightful dessert.

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Ingredients for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel works best)
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

this recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add in the egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and sour cream. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined, creating that signature red velvet color.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the dough is resting, make the cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

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Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of red velvet dough and flatten it slightly on your prepared baking sheet. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each flattened dough ball.

Take another tablespoon of dough and gently place it on top of the cream cheese filling, pressing the edges to seal the filling inside.

Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to crisp. The center should still feel soft, which is exactly what you want to keep that cupcake-like texture.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

1. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring produces a more vibrant, consistent color than liquid food coloring. This is especially important for achieving that signature red velvet look.
2. Don’t Overbake: The key to soft, chewy cookies is not overbaking them. When the edges turn golden and the center is still soft, they are ready to come out of the oven.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find the dough too sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming the cookie dough balls. This can help with handling.
4. Adjust the Cream Cheese Filling: For a less tangy flavor, reduce the amount of cream cheese in the filling, or add more powdered sugar for a sweeter profile.

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Why These Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Are a Must-Bake

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays and holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers with friends and family. Their stunning red color and irresistible flavor make them a treat that looks as good as it tastes.

These cookies also have the versatility to be served as part of a dessert spread, packaged as gifts, or simply enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or milk. No matter the reason, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

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Final Thoughts

If you love the flavor of red velvet and the convenience of cookies, this recipe for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies will become one of your go-to desserts. With soft, chewy cookies and a creamy filling, they’re a delightful treat that’s perfect for any sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just to satisfy your craving, they are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Serving and Storage Tips for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Serving Tips:

1. Perfect Pairings: Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a sweet dessert wine to enhance their rich flavor.
2. Serving for Special Occasions: These cookies are a showstopper at any event. Whether you’re serving them at a birthday party, holiday gathering, or a bridal shower, their vibrant red color and creamy filling will add a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
3. Room Temperature or Chilled: You can serve these cookies at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a colder treat, store them in the fridge and serve them chilled—this can add a refreshing twist to the creamy filling.
4. Decorate for Extra Flair: For an added festive touch, sprinkle the cookies with a little powdered sugar or decorate them with small candy hearts or edible glitter. These simple additions can make the cookies even more visually appealing for special events.

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Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature Storage: Store your Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain their soft, chewy texture and keeps the cream cheese filling fresh.
2. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers or want to keep them fresh for a longer period, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will help preserve the cream cheese filling, and the cookies will stay fresh for about 1 week.
3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage:
   • Unbaked Cookie Dough: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can freeze it. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
   • Baked Cookies: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies as well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
4. Avoid Overstacking: When storing the cookies, especially in layers, place parchment paper between each layer to prevent the cookies from sticking together and to preserve the cream cheese filling.

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By following these serving and storage tips, your Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies will stay fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy at any time. Whether you’re preparing them for an event or saving them for later, these tips will ensure that every bite is as delightful as the first!

1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

While gel food coloring is preferred for achieving the vibrant red hue typically associated with red velvet, liquid food coloring can be used in a pinch. However, the color may not be as intense, and the liquid could slightly alter the texture of the dough. To get the best results, gel food coloring is recommended.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and cream cheese filling in advance. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. If you freeze the dough, make sure to thaw it in the fridge before baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature or longer in the fridge.

3. How can I make the cream cheese filling less tangy?

If you prefer a sweeter cream cheese filling, you can add more powdered sugar to balance out the tanginess. Start with an additional tablespoon of powdered sugar and taste-test until you reach your desired sweetness. You could also try using mascarpone cheese for a milder flavor.

4. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the unbaked cookie dough and the baked cookies. For unbaked dough, roll it into balls, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

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