Name: Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned, and leveled); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tablespoon eggnog (or milk); 1 tablespoon red food coloring or 3/4 teaspoon gel; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional for holidays); 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature; Sprinkles for decorating (optional); 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 tablespoons eggnog (or milk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of ground nutmeg and salt

There’s something about that classic red velvet flavor paired with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that just feels like a celebration in every bite. This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe takes all the best parts of the beloved cake and transforms them into soft, chewy cookies with a frosting that’s simply irresistible.

The image shows a white plate with eight red velvet cookies, each topped with a thick swirl of cream-colored frosting sprinkled with small red sugar crystals. The cookies are round, deep red, and have a slightly rough texture. The white frosting sits on top in a smooth, soft layer, with a slight spiral pattern from the spreading. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a soft fabric partially visible at the bottom edge. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these cookies during the holiday season, and the kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery. They’re not just gorgeous with their bright red color and snowy frosting but also a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make everyone pause and say, "Wow."

Soft & Chewy Texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance between cakey and chewy, keeping every bite tender and satisfying.
Classic Red Velvet Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder, vanilla, and a touch of peppermint gives the cookies that signature taste you know and love.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy, spiced frosting complements the deep red dough beautifully, making each cookie feel indulgent.
Festive & Fun: The bright red cookies topped with sprinkles or holiday decorations make these a standout treat for any occasion.

The image shows several red velvet cookies on a white marbled surface. Some cookies have a smooth layer of cream-colored frosting sprinkled with small red sugar crystals on top, while others are plain with white chocolate chips scattered on their surface. A few cookies are decorated to look like Santa faces with three layers: a red velvet cookie base, a white frosting layer covering most of the cookie, and toppings forming facial features including dark round chocolate chips for eyes, a red candy for the nose, shredded coconut representing a beard, small red sprinkles on top forming a hat, and a tiny white marshmallow on one side. A small white bowl filled with red and white sugar crystals is placed among the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in these cookies. From the cocoa adding subtle chocolate depth to the red food coloring (or natural beet powder for those interested) creating vibrant color without overpowering the flavor, this recipe balances richness and brightness perfectly.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small heap of unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl with baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, eight tablespoons of unsalted butter cut into sticks, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy eggnog, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red gel food coloring, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl with clear peppermint extract, a small dollop of sour cream on a white ceramic plate, a small block of cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a tiny white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, and a small white ceramic bowl with fine salt, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the right amount of chewiness when measured carefully using the spoon-and-level method.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Just enough to deepen the flavor without turning the cookies into chocolate overload.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them tender.
Butter: Room temperature butter ensures the sugar beats up nicely for fluffiness in the dough.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for softness.
Eggnog or milk: Adds subtle creaminess and balances the dough’s texture.
Red food coloring or beet powder: Creates that signature red hue — gel, liquid, or natural are all options based on preference.
Vanilla and peppermint extracts: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor while peppermint adds a festive twist, perfect for holidays.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and acidity, making cookies cakey yet tender.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, adding tang and richness that pairs beautifully with the cocoa.
Powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt: These create a sweet, spiced frosting that adds complexity and balance.
Sprinkles: Optional, but I love how they add a pop of color and fun texture on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is such a joy to play around with. I often swap the peppermint extract for almond extract during the non-holiday months or add a handful of white chocolate chips in the dough for extra indulgence. Feel free to customize to your taste!

Variation: One holiday season, I skipped the peppermint and instead zest a little orange peel into the frosting, which added a bright twist that my family adored.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready and Prepped

Before starting, make sure your sour cream, egg, and butter have warmed up to room temperature — this really helps everything blend smoothly. While your oven preheats to 350°F, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup. Trust me, prepping like this saves stress during baking.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they’re evenly combined and helps the leavening distribute throughout, so you avoid any bitter baking soda pockets.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar to Fluffy Perfection

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about two minutes until light and fluffy. This is key to getting a tender cookie. If you mix less, cookies turn dense; more, and you risk melting the butter. Watch carefully — this part makes a huge difference.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Food Coloring

Beat in the egg, followed by eggnog or milk, red food coloring (or beet powder), vanilla, and peppermint extract, mixing until just combined — about 30 seconds. The dough will turn a lovely vibrant red and smell incredible if you’re using peppermint!

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients with Sour Cream

Lower mixer speed to low, add half the flour mixture, then the sour cream, then the rest of the flour mixture. Mix just until combined: overmixing develops gluten and makes cookies tough, so keep it gentle here.

Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Bake

Scoop dough into roughly 2-tablespoon balls — the dough is sticky, so I spray my hands with cooking spray mixed with a bit of flour to make it manageable. Space the balls at least 2½ inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until centers are barely set but edges look firm. Remove and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat cream cheese, butter, eggnog (or milk), and vanilla in your stand mixer until smooth. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, then gradually beat in powdered sugar. If frosting is too stiff, add a little extra eggnog to reach a spreadable consistency. The frosting’s creamy and slightly spiced flavor adds that perfect finishing touch.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once cookies are completely cool, spread the frosting generously. Sprinkle on festive sprinkles, or get creative with crushed candy canes or tiny Santa face candies for holidays — it always brings smiles!

Top Tip

I’ve made these cookies dozens of times, and here are some tricks I've picked up that make a big difference especially if you want every batch to be just right.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with room temp butter, egg, and sour cream for smooth mixing and even baking.
Don’t Overmix: This is key. When adding the flour, mix just until it disappears to keep cookies tender.
Handling Sticky Dough: Spray your hands with cooking spray before scooping. It saves so much frustration without adding flour that alters texture.
Bake Just Right: Pull cookies out when centers are still a little soft—they’ll set as they cool to keep that chewy softness.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple and festive by topping these cookies with red and white sprinkles or tiny silver balls. Around Christmas, crushed candy canes add a delightful crunch and pop of peppermint. For a birthday party, colorful confetti sprinkles instantly brighten the presentation.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a brunch or dessert buffet, I often serve them alongside fresh berries or a creamy vanilla yogurt dip to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these cookies is on a tiered dessert stand with matching red and white napkins for parties. You can also stack a few with a dollop of frosting between each to make mini cookie sandwiches—a real crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend layering them between parchment paper sheets so the frosting doesn’t stick and tear when you grab one.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw completely and frost fresh for best results. I’ve also frozen frosted cookies but recommend flash freezing them first to keep the frosting from smearing.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth, pop a room-temp cookie in the microwave for 10-12 seconds before frosting, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Just avoid overheating or the frosting might melt too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I omit the red food coloring in the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! While the vibrant red color is classic, you can skip it entirely or try natural beet powder if you prefer. The flavor remains delicious either way.

How do I prevent my cream cheese frosting from being too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened but not melted. Gradually add powdered sugar to thicken the frosting, and add your eggnog or milk sparingly until you hit the perfect spreadable consistency. Chilling the frosting for a bit helps too.

Can I make the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To adapt this recipe for vegan or dairy-free diets, you can substitute dairy butter with plant-based margarine, use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting, and replace egg with a flax or chia seed egg. Note that flavors and textures might vary slightly.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Properly stored in an airtight container, the Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting will stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature if unfrosted, or up to 4 days refrigerated if frosted. For longer storage, freezing is best.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe really holds a special place in my heart — it’s one of those treats that brings people together and makes everyday moments feel a bit more magical. Once you try this recipe, I think it’ll quickly become your go-to for celebrations or just a sweet pick-me-up. Enjoy baking, frosting, and most importantly, savoring every bite!