Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies: The Perfect Sweet Treat!

If you’ve ever been tempted by the irresistible allure of red velvet cake but didn’t want to bother with layers, frosting, and all the extra work, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies! They’re everything you love about red velvet cake but in a quick, easy-to-make cookie form. Seriously, they’re so good, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them sooner.

Now, I’m no expert baker, but when I first tried these Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies, I knew instantly that they were something special. They’ve got that soft, chewy texture, the rich flavor of red velvet, and a surprise creamy center that makes every bite feel like a little treat. You can enjoy them on a lazy afternoon, at a family gathering, or even take them to a party to impress your friends.

But what’s even better? They’re incredibly simple to make! No need for any fancy techniques or baking skills. Just grab a few ingredients, and in no time, you’ll have these red velvet beauties fresh from the oven. If you love easy, fun, and amazing recipes that taste like a special occasion, then keep reading!

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Okay, so why should you make these cookies? Let’s talk about it.

1. Easy to Make

I’m all about saving time in the kitchen, and these cookies are a breeze to make. No complicated steps, no need to mess with cake pans or multiple layers. The recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and there’s no need to spend hours putting everything together.

2. Soft, Chewy Texture

These cookies have the perfect texture – soft, chewy, and a little pillowy, just like a cupcake. They’re not too thick or too thin, making them a great cross between a cake and a cookie. Every bite feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

3. Cream Cheese Filling

Let’s not forget the star of the show – the cream cheese filling. It’s what gives these cookies their red velvet cupcake flavor. The combination of the tangy, smooth cream cheese and the sweet cookie dough is just magical. It’s like a mini cupcake in every bite, but without the fuss!

4. Impressive Look

These cookies have a gorgeous red color that’s perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. They’re vibrant and eye-catching, so they’re not just delicious, they’re also a showstopper on your cookie plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Before we get into the baking process, let me tell you, these ingredients are as simple as they come. Don’t be intimidated by the list – I promise they’re mostly things you’ve got in your kitchen already!

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons red velvet cake mix (yes, the boxed kind works just fine!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Red food coloring (about 1 tablespoon or more for a bold color)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Don’t stress too much about these ingredients; they’re all pretty straightforward. The red velvet cake mix is what really makes the cookies pop, and the cream cheese filling brings that rich, tangy flavor we all love about red velvet.

How to Make Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Now comes the fun part – the baking! The process is super easy, and I’ve broken it down into simple steps to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get started!

Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

The first step is to make the cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. You want it to be smooth and fluffy. This is what gives the cookies that rich, tangy filling that’s the hallmark of red velvet cupcakes.

Once it’s nice and fluffy, pop the bowl in the fridge for a bit to chill. This helps it firm up, so it’s easier to work with when you’re filling the cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

While your cream cheese filling chills, you can start on the cookie dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for now.

Now, in another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this, but I’ve done it by hand, too – just make sure you mix it well. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, and mix until everything is combined. If you want the cookies to have a deep red color, feel free to add more food coloring! I usually go a little extra on this part – it makes them look so pretty.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir everything together until it’s just combined. You’ll end up with a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s perfect for shaping.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now it’s time to start shaping the cookies!

Scoop out a tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to gently make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. This is where the cream cheese filling will go!

Take the cream cheese mixture out of the fridge and scoop about a teaspoon of it into the indentation of each dough ball. Once you’ve got that cream cheese filling inside, take another spoonful of cookie dough and press it over the top of the cream cheese, sealing it in. You should have a little ball of dough with a creamy center hidden inside.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place your filled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still be soft, which is exactly what you want. When they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

• Chill the filling: Don’t skip this step! The cream cheese filling needs to chill before you put it in the cookies. If you don’t chill it, it may melt too quickly in the oven, which makes it harder to handle.
• Don’t overmix the dough: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until it’s just combined. Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
• Go for extra color: If you’re like me and love that rich, red color, feel free to add more food coloring. It gives the cookies that vibrant look and really makes them stand out.
• Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop makes sure all your cookies are uniform in size, so they bake evenly.
• Storage: These cookies store really well! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for even longer, pop them in the fridge.

Why These Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies Are a Must-Try

So, why should you try these Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies? Well, for starters, they’re super easy to make, and the process is fun and straightforward. No need for any complicated steps or advanced baking skills. You’ll have fresh cookies in no time!

But more importantly, they’re packed with that rich, red velvet flavor and the creamy filling that everyone loves. Plus, the texture is soft and chewy, making each bite feel like a little indulgence. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family get-together, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet.

These cookies are truly one of those recipes that you’ll keep coming back to – they’re just that amazing. And, as an added bonus, they make your kitchen smell wonderful while baking. What’s better than that?

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give these Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies a try. I know you’ll love them as much as I do! They’re soft, chewy, and filled with the perfect cream cheese center. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. These cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite, and you’ll be baking them again and again.

Let me know how they turn out for you – I’d love to hear about your baking adventures! And remember, whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are always a good idea.

Happy baking!