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Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Recipe

Ah, there’s something so comforting about indulging in soft, luscious cookies. As the chilly days begin to set in, I often find myself gravitating toward treats that cozy up my heart and home. One of my family’s beloved recipes is these delightful Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies. They are not only visually stunning with their vibrant redness, but they also burst with the rich and velvety flavors that remind me of those classic red velvet cakes we all adore.

Whether you’re craving a delightful sweet for a gathering or simply want to treat yourself on a peaceful afternoon, these cookies are precisely what you need. Plus, they are incredibly fun to make! I remember the first time I baked them with my little one, our hands covered in batter and laughter filling the kitchen. Memories like those are what make cooking such a joyful experience.

This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing: The vibrant color and delicious frosting are sure to impress friends and family at any gathering.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun color and sweet flavor, making it a great recipe to make together.
Indulgent Treat: With creamy frosting and tender cookie texture, they’re like a little piece of cake in cookie form.
Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a personalized touch.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up a batch of these delightful Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies:

1 & 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, spoon and leveled
1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon instant milk powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, or any neutral flavored oil
1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 to 2 teaspoons red liquid-gel food coloring *see notes
3 ounces (85g) block cream cheese
6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 & 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar

How to Make Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Recipe

Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps to create your very own Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, milk powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine softened butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract to combine. Then, add in vinegar and as much red food coloring as needed to reach your desired color. Remember, it will deepen as you mix in the dry ingredients!
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold together until you have a thick, sticky cookie dough.
Using a large (3 to 4 tablespoon) cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies in the center of your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed and spread out. The edges should be a light golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
For the cream cheese frosting, in a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until lump-free and smooth.
Add in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. If the frosting is too soft, pop it into the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up to your desired consistency.
Pipe or spread the creamy frosting onto your cooled cookies. If you have an oddly shaped cookie, crumble it up and sprinkle the bits on top for an added decorative touch!

Variations & Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with your Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies! Here are a few delicious variations to try:

Chocolate Chips: Add in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
Nuts: Fold in finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
Coconut Flakes: Stir in some toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair.
Different Frosting: Try using a rich buttercream or whipped cream cheese frosting instead for a different taste experience.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of red food coloring, consider using beet juice for a more natural coloring alternative.
Storage Suggestions: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Frosting Trick: If you’re in a rush, spreading the frosting rather than piping it can save time and still looks lovely!

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 Cookie
Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 24g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 75mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute with gluten-free flour or use a dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternative.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep fresh for about 5 days!

How long does it last?
These cookies can be enjoyed for up to a week when stored properly, but they are best eaten within the first few days for optimal freshness.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a way to create lovely moments filled with laughter and sweetness in your home. Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering or enjoying them with a warm cup of tea by yourself, they are sure to bring comfort and smiles. Save this Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Recipe to your cozy treats board so it’s ready whenever you need a delightful indulgence! Happy baking!