NYC Red Velvet Cookies are a decadent and eye-catching treat, combining the signature flavors of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of cookies. These cookies are rich and buttery, with a subtle cocoa flavor and a hint of tanginess from the cream cheese or buttermilk. The vibrant red color makes them as visually stunning as they are delicious. Often topped with white chocolate chips or a swirl of cream cheese frosting, they bring a little touch of New York-style indulgence to every bite.
The first time I made these, I was craving something festive and special, and NYC Red Velvet Cookies were the perfect choice! The cookies turned out soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness, and the rich cream cheese frosting added a nice tang that elevated the flavor. What I love most about these cookies is how they’re a fun twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining the joy of baking cookies with the indulgence of a cake-inspired treat. They’re perfect for celebrations, gift-giving, or whenever you want to impress with a unique, eye-catching dessert!
Perfect for:
- Holiday baking
- Special occasions
- Gifting
- Red velvet lovers
- Tea time
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these NYC Red Velvet Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire:
- Rich Red Velvet Flavor: These cookies capture the distinct taste of red velvet cake in a chewy, indulgent cookie form.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Filling: A sweet and tangy cream cheese filling perfectly complements the cookies’ rich flavor.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have the ideal balance of softness and chewiness, making them irresistible.
- Vibrant Red Color: The bright red hue adds a festive touch to your cookie platter.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a hint of chocolate without overpowering the flavor.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.
- Quick and Easy Recipe: With only a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together in no time.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, milk, or tea.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual afternoon snack, these cookies fit the bill.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 20 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Highlights
- Red Food Coloring: Gives these cookies their signature vibrant red hue.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy richness to the dough, enhancing the red velvet flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Provides the signature tangy flavor in the frosting, complementing the cookies perfectly.
- Chocolate Chips: Offers a subtle chocolate flavor and added texture to each bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Red Velvet Cookie Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Mix Frosting Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Chill Frosting: Place the frosting in the fridge while you prepare to bake the cookies.
Bake the Cookies:
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
- Serve: Enjoy these indulgent red velvet treats with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for NYC Red Velvet Cookies:
- For Holiday Parties: Serve these red velvet cookies as a festive treat during holiday gatherings.
- As a Dessert Sandwich: Create a cookie sandwich with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
- With a Glass of Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk is always a hit.
- For Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special event.
- At Tea Time: Serve smaller portions for an elegant treat during afternoon tea.
- For a Sweet Gift: Package these cookies in a decorative box and gift them to friends and family.
- With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy experience.
- As a Classroom Snack: These cookies are perfect for school parties or celebrations.
- With Ice Cream: Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
- As a Bake Sale Treat: These cookies are sure to be a hit at any bake sale.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a vibrant red hue without thinning the dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can make them too dry.
- Frost Once Cool: Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before adding the frosting to avoid melting.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth frosting.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Red Velvet Cookies: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg as a substitute for the egg.
- Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add more chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate flavor.
- Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Mini Red Velvet Cookies: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats that are perfect for gifting.
- Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Filling: Instead of frosting, fill the cookies with a tangy cream cheese filling for a different texture.
- With White Chocolate Chips: Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Special Equipment
- Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar and beat the frosting.
- Baking Sheets: For even baking of your cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies evenly.
- Cookie Scoop: For evenly portioned cookies.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For smooth and fluffy cream cheese frosting.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different food coloring?
Yes, you can use any red food coloring, but gel food coloring gives the best results. - How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure to freeze them in an airtight container. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chill the dough for up to 2 days before baking. - Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, you can enjoy the cookies without frosting, or you can drizzle them with a glaze instead. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you need more cookies for a crowd. - What if the frosting is too thick?
If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. - Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Yes, you can fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. - Can I use a store-bought frosting?
Yes, store-bought cream cheese frosting works in a pinch, but homemade is always better! - Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, the cookies will still taste delicious without the red color, though they won’t have that signature red velvet look.
Conclusion
NYC Red Velvet Cookies are a decadent and irresistible treat that bring the classic red velvet cake flavor to your cookie jar. With a creamy, tangy frosting center, these cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, rich, and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies will be a hit every time. Enjoy the soft, chewy texture and vibrant red color—they’re sure to become your new favorite cookie!