Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies

Vibrant red discs, soft and chewy at the edges, yielding to a melt-in-your-mouth center, Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful confection that perfectly balances rich flavour with a tender texture. These are not your average cookies; they are miniature red velvet cakes, transformed into a handheld treat, each bite delivering the subtle cocoa hint of red velvet beautifully complemented by a tangy, creamy swirl of cream cheese frosting baked right in. Envision the enticing aroma filling your kitchen as these cookies bake to a gorgeous crimson hue, promising a delightful indulgence that is both visually stunning and utterly delicious. This recipe is an invitation to create moments of pure cookie bliss, where classic red velvet meets the comforting simplicity of a perfectly baked cookie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Effortless Elegance

Impress with minimal effort. Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies offer a touch of sophistication without demanding hours in the kitchen. The vibrant red colour and creamy swirl create a visually striking treat that looks like it came straight from a bakery, yet is surprisingly simple to make at home. They are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any gathering, be it a casual afternoon tea or a more formal dessert spread.

Two Treats in One

Indulge in the best of both worlds. These cookies cleverly combine the beloved flavour of red velvet cake with the satisfying texture of a soft-baked cookie, all topped with a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a delightful two-in-one dessert that offers a complete flavour experience in every bite, eliminating the need to choose between cake and cookies.

Perfectly Balanced Flavours

Experience a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy. The subtle cocoa notes of the red velvet cookie base are perfectly balanced by the rich, creamy tang of the cream cheese swirl. This flavour combination is not overly sweet, offering a sophisticated and well-rounded taste that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Soft and Chewy Texture

Savour a melt-in-your-mouth texture sensation. These cookies are designed to be incredibly soft and chewy, with slightly crisp edges giving way to a tender, almost cake-like interior. The combination of textures, from the chewy edges to the soft center and creamy swirl, creates a truly delightful eating experience.

Make-Ahead Marvels

Bake with convenience in mind. Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies are ideal for making ahead of time, freeing you up on busy days or when entertaining. They store beautifully and are just as delicious, if not even better, the next day, allowing flavours to meld and deepen, making them a practical and stress-free dessert option.

Ingredients

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For the Luscious Red Velvet Cookies

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, provides the structural base for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while maintaining a tender crumb. All-purpose flour is the workhorse of baking, creating the perfect balance of structure and softness. Measure accurately using the spoon-and-level method for consistent results.
• 1 tsp baking powder, a crucial leavening agent that contributes to the cookies’ light and airy texture, giving them a delicate lift. Baking powder is essential for achieving the signature soft and slightly puffy texture of these cookies. Ensure it is fresh for optimal leavening.
• ½ tsp baking soda, another leavening agent that works in synergy with baking powder to create a tender crumb and enhance the red velvet flavour. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients, contributing to the characteristic tang of red velvet. Ensure it is fresh for effective leavening.
• ½ tsp salt, balances the sweetness of the cookies and enhances all the other flavours, preventing them from tasting flat or overly sugary. Salt is a flavour enhancer, bringing out the complexity of the cocoa and vanilla and preventing an overly sweet taste.
• 1 cup granulated sugar, provides the primary sweetness for the cookies and contributes to their tender texture and slightly crisp edges. Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Butter adds richness, flavour, and moisture to the cookies, ensuring they are tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Softened butter creams smoothly with sugar, creating a light and airy base. Use good quality unsalted butter for the best flavour.
• 2 large fresh eggs, at room temperature. Eggs act as binders, emulsifiers, and add richness and moisture to the cookie dough, contributing to the overall structure and texture. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother emulsion. Use large eggs for consistent results.
• 1 cup buttermilk, adds moisture, tanginess, and tenderness to the cookies, contributing to the signature red velvet flavour profile. Buttermilk reacts with baking soda, enhancing leavening and creating a tender crumb. Use real buttermilk for the authentic flavour and texture. If unavailable, a substitute can be made (see FAQ).
• ¼ cup vegetable oil, adds moisture and tenderness, ensuring the cookies remain soft and chewy even after baking and cooling. Vegetable oil is a neutral oil that contributes to a tender crumb without adding its own distinct flavour.
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, provides the subtle chocolate flavour that is characteristic of red velvet. Cocoa powder adds depth and complexity to the flavour profile, complementing the buttermilk and vanilla. Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer taste.
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, enhances the overall flavour profile, adding warmth and depth to both the cookie and the cream cheese swirl. Vanilla extract complements the cocoa and buttermilk, creating a more complex and aromatic cookie. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavour.
• 1 tsp red food coloring gel, provides the signature vibrant red hue of red velvet cookies, making them visually striking and appealing. Red food coloring gel is more concentrated and less likely to thin the batter compared to liquid food coloring. Use gel food coloring for intense colour.
• 1 tsp white vinegar, reacts with baking soda and buttermilk, further enhancing the leavening and contributing to the tangy flavour of red velvet. White vinegar is a key ingredient in traditional red velvet recipes, adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

For the Tangy Cream Cheese Swirl

• 4 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature. Cream cheese is the defining element of the swirl, providing a tangy and creamy counterpoint to the red velvet cookie. Full-fat cream cheese is essential for achieving the desired rich flavour and creamy texture. Ensure it is fully softened for smooth mixing.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, adds sweetness to the cream cheese swirl, balancing the tanginess and creating a harmonious flavour profile. Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese and contributes to its smooth texture.
• 1 large fresh egg yolk, acts as a binder and adds richness and smoothness to the cream cheese swirl, creating a decadent and flavourful topping. Egg yolk enhances the richness and creaminess of the swirl and helps it set slightly during baking. Use a large egg yolk for consistent results.
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract, enhances the flavour of the cream cheese swirl, adding warmth and depth that complements the red velvet cookie base. Vanilla extract complements the tangy cream cheese and sweet sugar, creating a balanced and aromatic swirl. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavour.

How to Make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies ?

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cookie Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the baked cookies.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt throughout the flour mixture. Set aside the dry ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and noticeably lighter in texture. This creaming process is crucial for incorporating air and creating tender cookies.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully emulsified into the butter and sugar mixture before adding the next.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring gel, and white vinegar. This wet mixture combines the liquid ingredients and flavourings for the red velvet cookies.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop gluten and result in tougher cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate small bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat until light and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.

Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of red velvet cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to ensure uniform size for even baking and consistent cookies.

Spoon or pipe a small dollop of cream cheese swirl onto the center of each cookie dough mound. Gently swirl the cream cheese into the cookie dough using a toothpick or knife for a marbled effect.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are no longer glossy in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft and chewy texture. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.

Let the baked Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before serving or storing.

Tips for Variations

Extra Chocolatey Indulgence

Enhance the chocolate flavour by adding mini chocolate chips to the red velvet cookie dough. Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips just before scooping the dough for added texture and flavour.

Cinnamon Spice Infusion

Warm up the flavour profile with a hint of spice. Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a cozy and aromatic note that complements the red velvet.

Nutty Delight Cookies

Add a textural element and nutty flavour by incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts into the red velvet cookie dough. Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts just before scooping the dough for added crunch and nutty flavour. Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavour.

Lemon Zest Swirl Boost

Brighten the cream cheese swirl with a touch of citrus. Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. Zest of one lemon adds a subtle citrusy note.

Espresso Powder Depth

Deepen the cocoa flavour and add a hint of coffee by incorporating 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Espresso powder enhances the chocolate notes and adds a subtle coffee complexity.

Serving Suggestions

Elegant Dessert Tray

Showcase Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies on a tiered dessert tray, interspersed with fresh berries and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. A tiered tray elevates the presentation and makes them visually appealing for gatherings.

Cookie Box Gift

Package Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies in decorative cookie boxes lined with tissue paper for a thoughtful and homemade gift. Cookies are a classic and appreciated homemade gift.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

Serve Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies alongside a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a comforting and sweet treat. They are perfect for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or after-dinner dessert.

Ice Cream Sandwich Delight

Create a decadent ice cream sandwich by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream between two Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies. Ice cream sandwiches offer a cool and refreshing twist on the cookies.

Simple Sweet Treat

Enjoy Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies as a simple and satisfying sweet snack any time of day. They are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or enjoying as a treat with family and friends.

FAQ

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, you can use liquid red food coloring, but you may need to use more to achieve the desired vibrant red colour. Liquid food coloring is less concentrated than gel, so you may need to add more to achieve the same intensity. Be mindful that adding too much liquid food coloring can slightly thin the batter.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too thin?

To prevent excessive spreading, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and do not over-grease the baking sheets. Chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before scooping can also help reduce spreading.

Can I make the cream cheese swirl ahead of time?

Yes, the cream cheese swirl can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before using for easier swirling.

How long do Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies stay fresh?

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They may become slightly softer over time, but the flavour will remain delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to slightly thicken and curdle before using in the recipe. This creates a suitable acidic substitute for buttermilk in baking.

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