Let's make a delicious dessert for Valentine's Day! What's better than homemade red velvet cookies with cream cheese icing? NOTHING - we completely agree. Let's have some fun with this simple valentine treat and make them together.
If you're looking for JUST the recipe - keep scrolling! :) It's down there, both the Red Velvet Cookies and the Cream Cheese Icing recipe!
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Introduction
There's something inherently captivating about the rich, velvety allure of red velvet desserts. Among the myriad of options, red velvet cookies with cream cheese icing stand out as a delightful treat that combines the iconic flavor with the convenience of a handheld delight. Paired with a luscious cream cheese icing, these cookies elevate the classic red velvet experience to a whole new level. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the art of making homemade red velvet cookies with cream cheese icing, bringing the joy of baking into your own kitchen.
The Essence of Red Velvet
Before we dive into the cookie-making process, let's take a moment to appreciate the essence of red velvet. This iconic flavor is a harmonious blend of cocoa, vanilla, and buttermilk, with a touch of tanginess from the addition of vinegar. The vibrant red hue, which is the hallmark of red velvet, can be achieved using natural food coloring or beet juice. It's this combination of flavors and the striking color that makes red velvet a beloved choice for desserts.
Red Velvet Cookies Recipe
- Salted Butter, softened (1/2 cup): Provides richness and a buttery flavor to the cookies.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their tender texture.
- Egg (1): Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies.
- Red Food Coloring: This will be to your visual satisfaction. We did one long squeeze of the Red Gel Color from our website. The red achieves the signature red hue of red velvet; adjust according to your preference.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (2 tablespoons): Cocoa powder not only contributes to the flavor but also intensifies the red color of the cookies.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and achieve the perfect texture.
- Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Starts the leavening when heat is activated (cookies in the oven).
- 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour: Provides a solid foundation of all-purpose flour to give your cookies structure and texture.
** We added one more strong squeeze of Red Gel at the end.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and red gel color: Beat until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate all of the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can affect the texture of the cookies.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Scoop and bake: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets (or cell mat, as we used here), spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
No red velvet cookie is complete without the crowning glory of cream cheese icing. This velvety smooth and tangy frosting perfectly complements the sweet and slightly cocoa-infused red velvet cookies.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing
- Cream Cheese, softened (4 ounces): Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture.
- Unsalted Butter, softened (1/4 cup): Adds a luxurious buttery flavor to the icing.
- Confectioners' Sugar (1 3/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the icing.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the icing.
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and butter: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and well combined.
- Add confectioners' sugar: Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.
- Incorporate vanilla extract: Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
- Ice the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese icing onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another, creating a delightful red velvet cookie sandwich.
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe provides a fantastic foundation for red velvet cookies, there's always room for creativity and personalization. Here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your red velvet cookie-making experience:
- Additions for Texture and Flavor:
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Fold in semisweet or white chocolate chips or chunks for added richness and a delightful contrast in texture.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Incorporate finely chopped nuts for a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the cookies.
- Experiment with Shapes:
- Traditional Rounds: The classic round shape is always a winner.
- Heart-Shaped Cookies: Perfect for special occasions like Valentine's Day or anniversaries.
- Thumbprint Cookies: Create an indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with a dollop of cream cheese icing.
- Customize Cream Cheese Icing:
- Lemon Zest: Add a touch of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese icing for a citrusy kick.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the icing for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Presentation Matters:
- Cookie Sandwiches: As mentioned earlier, turn these cookies into sandwich delights by generously spreading cream cheese icing between two cookies.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
- Storage and Freshness:
- Airtight Containers: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
- Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese icing, it's advisable to refrigerate any leftover cookies, especially during warmer weather.
- Gift-Worthy Treats:
- Gift Jars: Layer the dry ingredients of the cookie recipe in a mason jar, attach a recipe card, and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift. Everyone will LOVE these red velvet cookies with cream cheesie icing!
- Decorative Packaging: Place the cookies in decorative boxes or bags tied with ribbon for a delightful present.
Conclusion
In the world of baking, creating red velvet cookies with cream cheese icing is more than just following a recipe; it's an invitation to explore your culinary creativity. The distinctive combination of flavors, the vibrant red hue, and the velvety finish make these cookies a standout treat that's perfect for any occasion.
As you embark on this delightful baking journey, relish the sweet aromas wafting through your kitchen and the joy that comes from crafting something delicious from scratch. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, the simplicity of this recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy the process of making and savoring these homemade red velvet cookies.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the magic of red velvet unfold in your kitchen. From the first mix of ingredients to the final bite, every step is an opportunity to create not just cookies but cherished memories and moments of pure indulgence. Happy baking!
THANK YOU!
We appreciate your support so much and hope you enjoyed this free tutorial on how to make homemade red velvet cookies with cream cheese icing! Be sure to check out all of the tutorials we have on our blog! Incredible decorating techniques are taught, along with delicious and challenging dessert recipes!
The Ed-ucational Blog (click here)
You can also find so many amazing tutorials on our Gel Colors at the link below! They are incredible for coloring almost ANY sugar medium, from icing and fondant, to buttercream! Click the link below to learn more:
All The Gel Color Tutorials Here! (click here)
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Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing - Free Tutorial!
