You are going to adore how easy it is to make this batch of red velvet cookies! They are a perfect cut-out cookie recipe that is loaded with chocolate flavor and easily topped with your favorite homemade cream cheese icing. Whether you cut these in random shapes or use this recipe for hearts like shown, it's a great Valentine's Day cookie recipe everyone loves!
Red Velvet Cookies
I love to roll out and cut out cookies. They are ideal for cutting into shapes for holidays, and in particular, this red velvet recipe is perfect for Valentine's Day. I really love how pretty they are on a platter, and kids will love eating a red cookie.
If you like red velvet, you'll also like these red velvet crinkle cookies, red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, and top it all off with a cup of creamy red velvet hot chocolate! All are delicious, easy to make, and a great addition to your Valentine's Day party or event.
What do Red Velvet Cookies Taste Like?
Red velvet is a classic chocolate flavor. Most often, it is a red food coloring that adds the bright red color, and underneath you have rich chocolate. This cookie is a light chocolate flavor that is simple, delicious, and perfectly accented by the cream cheese icing on top.
Tips for Decorating Red Velvet Cookies
I love these cookies because they are perfect for decorating. That means I can use my favorite cream cheese icing below and some fun sprinkles. I love sprinkles on cookies, and this is a perfect recipe. If you want to add sprinkles to the cookies, you can do that both before or after baking. This is totally up to you.
If no icing will be on the cookies, I recommend adding the sprinkles before baking or just when they come out of the oven. Fresh from the oven the cookies are soft enough that the sprinkles will stick and stay in place. If not then, you will need icing to hold them in place.
When decorating these cookies, I recommend letting them cool completely before handling them to add icing. You can ice by spreading with a small spatula, or you can use a piping bag and tip to create a design. I love the idea of adding a ring of icing around the outside and then spreading just enough on the inside of that heart to sprinkle on some of your favorite sprinkles.
Can You Freeze Red Velvet Cookies?
Yes! One of my favorite things about this cookie dough is how easy it is to make ahead of time. When making cookies to freeze, there are two methods that work best. Below you will find my tips for making cut out cookies and freezing for later.
- Prepare the dough and wrap tightly in plastic wrap then place inside a labeled and dated Ziploc bag. Freeze this roll of dough for up to 4 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out and cutting as directed.
- Prepare and bake the cookie dough, then allow it to cool completely. Stack together in an airtight freezer container or in freezer Ziploc bags that are dated and labeled. When ready to eat, thaw overnight at room temperature then enjoy.
What are Red Velvet Cookies Made Of?
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- Red food color
- All purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Sift or whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and cocoa powder and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth.
To the butter mixture, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, and then mix well.
Scrap down the sides of the bowl then add in the prepared dry ingredients mixing until fully combined.
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll the dough to the desired thickness (¼"-½"). Dust with additional flour if it feels too wet.
Cut out hearts or other shapes and place the cutout cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12-16 minutes or until just browning along the edges.
Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfers to continue cooling on a wire rack for an additional 25-30 minutes.
How to Make Cream Cheese Icing
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Add in the powdered sugar a little at a time until just combined.
Mix in the vanilla extract and continue beating until light and fluffy.
Pipe or spread onto cookies then decorate with additional sprinkles or candy pieces.
More Cookie Recipes
You'll never visit my kitchen when there isn't a homemade cookie in the jar. I love cookies and how easy they are to make for a crowd. Below you will find some of my favorite cookie recipes that are delightful for sharing. Whether you want something semi-homemade, classic, or decadent, this list has something to please.
- Classic Coconut Macaroons Cookie Recipe
- Perfectly Soft Cookies and Cream Cookies Recipe
- Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Dipped with Sprinkles
- Copycat Subway White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
- Easy Sugar Cookies with Homemade Glaze
- Soft Italian Cookies Recipe
- Best Ever Cream Cheese Cookies with Funfetti Topping
Chef's Tip
To get the most even thickness across your dough, I recommend using an adjustable rolling pin. These are excellent because they have so many different thickness options and help you keep the entire sheet of dough even.
📖 Recipe
Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
These red velvet cookies with an easy cream cheese icing are a perfect addition to any Valentine's Day party! Slightly chocolate flavored and soft, they are a tasty treat kids will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- 3 leveled cups All Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup corn starch
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
How to Make Red Velvet Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Sift or whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and cocoa powder and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth.
- To the butter mixture, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring and then mix well.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl then add in the prepared dry ingredients mixing until fully combined.
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll the dough to the desired thickness (¼"-½"). Dust with additional flour if it feels too wet.
- Cut out hearts or other shapes and place the cut out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-16 minutes or until just browning along the edges.
- Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to continue cooling on a wire rack for an additional 25-30 minutes.
- Ice the cookies or store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
How to Make Cream Cheese Icing
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add in the powdered sugar a little at a time until just combined.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread onto cookies then decorate with addition sprinkles or candy pieces.
Notes
Cookies best stored in an airtight container at room temperature if not iced. If cream cheese icing is added, they should be refrigerated.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
48Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 154Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 40mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 13gProtein: 1g
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