Why Make This Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies bring together the best of both worlds—cookies and cupcakes—in a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their vibrant red hue, velvety texture, and rich cream cheese frosting, these cookies are not only easy to make but also visually stunning. They are ideal for holiday parties, birthday celebrations, or simply an afternoon snack. Imagine biting into one of these cookies and experiencing the buttery richness paired with a hint of chocolate, complemented by the sweet and tangy frosting. It’s a dessert that promises to put a smile on anyone’s face!
How to Make Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
Making these delectable cookies is simpler than you might think. You start by whisking together the dry ingredients in one bowl. Then, you’ll mix the wet ingredients in another, culminating in a thick, vibrant dough. Once the dough is ready, scoop it onto a baking sheet, and with just a short bake time, you’ll have soft, slightly chewy cookies. As they cool, whip up a smooth cream cheese frosting to top these beauties. The combination of flavors and textures here will leave your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients:
- 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup 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 unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons red liquid-gel food coloring
- 3 ounces block cream cheese
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, milk powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine softened butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Whisk in egg and vanilla extract. Then add vinegar and red food coloring, mixing until vibrant.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a thick dough.
- Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 3 inches apart.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For frosting, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cookies.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (based on 24 cookies):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g
How to Serve Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
These cookies shine as a standout dessert at gatherings. Serve them on a festive platter to add a pop of color to your table. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat, whether during a casual get-together or a fancy celebration. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or crushed nuts on top of the frosting.
How to Store Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the unfrosted cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw and frost!
Expert Tips for Perfect Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the right texture.
- For a deeper red color, don’t be shy with the food coloring—just remember to mix well.
- Avoid over-baking. Check the cookies at the 12-minute mark; they should puff and have a slightly soft center.
- If you find the dough too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help make it easier to scoop.
- Feel free to use a pipe bag for an elegant touch on the frosting!
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cookies: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a double chocolate delight.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter and egg with vegan alternatives, such as applesauce for the egg and coconut oil or nut butter for the butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, cake flour will make your cookies more tender, but you might need to reduce the amount slightly as it absorbs more moisture.
2. How can I make the cream cheese frosting lighter?
To achieve a lighter frosting, whip the butter and cream cheese longer until fluffy, and you can add a touch of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
3. What if I don’t have red food coloring?
If you don’t have red food coloring, you could try beet juice or other natural food colorings, although the shade may vary.
4. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be puffed and lightly golden around the edges while still appearing soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance, scoop it into balls, and freeze them. Just bake straight from the freezer for a quick treat!
6. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour in this recipe.
7. Can I half the recipe?
Yes, you can easily half the ingredient amounts if you want to make fewer cookies!
8. How thick should the frosting be?
Aim for a spreadable but thick frosting. It should hold its shape when piped onto the cookies.
9. What’s the best way to frost the cookies?
Using a piping bag with a round tip or simply spreading with a knife works beautifully to give a nice finish.
10. Can these cookies be decorated for special occasions?
Definitely! Customize them with sprinkles or edible glitter for holidays, birthdays, or other celebrations.
Conclusion
Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are a colorful and delicious treat that will impress family and friends alike. These cookies are not only breathtaking to look at but also boast a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that are simply irresistible. With easy preparation and a chance to customize, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, rally your friends or family, and start baking these delightful cookies today! You won’t regret it, and we’d love to hear how your baking adventure turned out!
Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, milk powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine softened butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Whisk in egg and vanilla extract. Then add vinegar and red food coloring, mixing until vibrant.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a thick dough.
- Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 3 inches apart.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For frosting, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cookies.