Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are the perfect fusion of rich, velvety cupcakes and soft, chewy cookies. They boast a beautiful red hue, a tender crumb, and a hint of cocoa flavor, making them an eye-catching and delicious treat. The cream cheese frosting drizzle adds a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cookie base. Perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you crave something indulgent yet unique.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Large eggs
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Milk (optional, for thinning the frosting)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the red food coloring and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of milk if needed to reach drizzling consistency.
10. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: Around 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Twist: Add white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.
• Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Frosting Alternative: Use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter topping.
• Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats; adjust the baking time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Store Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the cookies more moist?

Ensure you don’t overbake them and measure the flour correctly to avoid dryness.

Can I use natural food coloring instead of artificial?

Yes, beet juice or natural red food coloring can be used, though the color may be less vibrant.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Do I need to refrigerate the frosting?

If you’re not serving the cookies immediately, it’s best to refrigerate them due to the cream cheese frosting.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This could be due to overly soft butter or not chilling the dough if the kitchen is warm.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients, but bake in batches to ensure even cooking.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works best, but Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a richer flavor.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, or you can opt for a light dusting of powdered sugar.

How can I achieve a brighter red color?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more intense red hue.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of cupcakes and cookies into one irresistible dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress with their vibrant color, soft texture, and rich flavor. Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet bites with friends and family!

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