Name: Delicious Red Velvet Cookies with Creamy Frosting Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 51 min
Ingredients: ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Adds richness and moisture.); ½ cup Granulated Sugar (Provides sweetness.); ½ cup Brown Sugar (Use packed for moisture.); 1 large Egg (Room temperature.); 1 tablespoon White Vinegar (Enhances red velvet flavor.); 2 teaspoons Red Food Color (For iconic red hue.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds depth of flavor.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Opt for King Arthur brand.); 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder (Natural cocoa works best.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Leavening agent.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Leavening agent.); ½ teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Full-fat for richness.); ¼ cup Unsalted Butter (Room temperature.); 2 cups Icing Sugar (Sifted to avoid lumps.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor.)

As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, memories of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen come rushing back to me. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Classic Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies—a delightful twist on a beloved favorite. These cookies boast a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. Not only are they a feast for the eyes with their stunning red hue, but they also come topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that elevates them to a whole new level of indulgence. What’s best? This homemade version is a budget-friendly alternative to those pricey bakery treats, and they’re super easy to whip up! Are you ready to bring a little magic into your kitchen and impress your loved ones with deliciously vibrant cookies? Let’s dive into this recipe!

Why are Red Velvet Cookies So Irresistible?

Irresistible Texture: These cookies deliver a soft, chewy bite that rivals any bakery treat.

Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolatey taste combined with tangy cream cheese frosting creates a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable.

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these delights in no time.

Celebrate Together: Ideal for sharing at gatherings, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike with their festive appearance.

Budget-Friendly: Enjoy luxurious cookies without splurging by making these delightful red velvet cookies right at home—just like Creme Brulee Cookies but with a unique twist!

Prepare to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories with these delectable treats!

Red Velvet Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the cookies; helps with the perfect cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides essential sweetness and structure for the cookie.
• Brown Sugar – Use packed brown sugar for added moisture and a chewy finish.
• Large Egg – Binds everything together; make sure it’s room temperature for better mixing.
• White Vinegar – Enhances the signature tang of red velvet while activating the cocoa’s color.
• Red Food Color – Use about 2 teaspoons for that iconic red hue without altering flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a delightful depth of flavor to your cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour – The main structural ingredient; for best results, opt for King Arthur brand.
• Cocoa Powder – Essential for a touch of chocolate flavor; natural cocoa works best for this recipe.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – These leavening agents help your cookies rise and achieve that soft texture.
• Salt – A must for enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy frosting.
• Butter – Room temperature butter allows for a smooth and easy blending with the cream cheese.
• Icing Sugar – Sifted to avoid lumps and sweetens the frosting for a delightful topping.
• Vanilla Extract – A dash for added flavor in your frosting; enhances the overall taste.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Classic Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect soft texture. While the oven heats, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa, giving your cookies the rich chocolate flavor and beautiful rise they deserve.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of packed brown sugar using an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration creates a tender cookie texture, essential for your delightful Red Velvet Cookies.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Add a room temperature egg, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 2 teaspoons of red food color, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until fully combined, ensuring the vibrant color is evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving your cookies that iconic red hue.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix; this will maintain the soft, cake-like texture for your Red Velvet Cookies. You want the dough to be well blended but still slightly thick and sticky.

Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Chilling is key, as it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, resulting in thick and chewy cookies that are just like the ones from Crumbl.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Once chilled, use a cookie scoop to form large balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. Gently flatten the tops slightly, ensuring they’re ready for a perfect bake that yields cookies with set edges and soft centers.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the centers should look slightly underdone; this ensures that classic soft texture when biting into your Red Velvet Cookies.

Step 9: Cool on the Baking Sheet
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This cooling time allows the cookies to firm up a bit, making it easier to transfer them without breaking. Then, gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, start preparing the frosting by beating together 8 oz of room temperature cream cheese and ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a bowl until silky smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of sifted icing sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and fluffy, ready to top your cookies.

Step 11: Frost the Cookies
Once your Classic Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies are completely cool, pipe the luscious cream cheese frosting generously onto each cookie. For an added touch, sprinkle some crumbled reserved cookie pieces on top, creating a delightful texture contrast that will elevate your sweet creations.

What to Serve with Classic Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies

Imagine an inviting table adorned with delights, each one a perfect companion to your delightful cookies.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the velvety texture of the cookies, enhancing their sweetness. This pairing feels like a warm, cozy hug.
Fresh Berries Medley: Juicy strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries add a burst of freshness that cuts through the cookie’s richness. These vibrant fruits also bring a color pop to your dessert platter.
Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate, with whipped cream on top, deepens the indulgence of the cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience perfect for chilly days.
Chilled Milk: Classic and simple, a tall glass of cold milk complements each bite and enhances the soft texture of the cookies, making every nibble oh-so-satisfying.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee or espresso is a wonderful match for the cookie’s sweetness, waking up your taste buds with every sip.
Chocolate Ganache Dip: For true chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate ganache dip adds an extra layer of decadence that pairs perfectly with the cookies’ already delightful flavor profile.
Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cuts through the sweetness, cleansing your palate and providing a refreshing twist that balances the indulgence of the cookies.
Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes can add an element of sophistication to your dessert spread, enhancing the luxurious feel of your gathering.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A simple drizzle of homemade caramel sauce over the cookies adds an extra gooey touch that will delight anyone with a sweet tooth, elevating your treat to new heights.

Red Velvet Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make these red velvet cookies uniquely yours with these delightful twists!

Colorful Variations: Experiment with different food colorings to create a rainbow of vibrant cookies for special occasions.
Chocolate-Chip Infusion: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey surprise in every bite.
Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that complements the sweetness.
Spicy Kick: For a twist, sprinkle in some cinnamon or cayenne pepper to give your cookies a subtle hint of warmth.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of butter, and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese to create a scrumptious dairy-free treat.
Frosting Alternatives: Swap the cream cheese frosting with a rich chocolate ganache for an indulgent and decadent topping.
Lower Sugar: Substitute some granulated sugar with a sweetener like maple syrup or honey for a healthier version, adjusting flour amounts accordingly.
Cheesecake Center: Place a small dollop of cheesecake mixture in the center of the cookie dough before baking for a tasty surprise reminiscent of cheesecake.

Whether you’re trying to change flavors or cater to specific dietary needs, feel free to explore these variations! And if you’re in the mood for more delightful cookie recipes, don’t miss out on trying these scrumptious treats like Chocolate Chip Cookies or the unique French Toast Cookies. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Classic Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator. Simply scoop the dough into balls and store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to bake, simply place the dough on a baking sheet, and bake as directed for freshly baked cookies that taste just as delicious!

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your frosted Red Velvet Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their freshness.
Fridge: If you want to extend their lifespan, place the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Unfrosted Red Velvet Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for optimal freshness.
Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-baked taste again, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Cookies

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they stay thick and chewy.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold your wet and dry ingredients together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft texture.
Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should have set edges and slightly underdone centers for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth frosting, preventing lumps in your delicious red velvet cookies.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always stick with fresh cocoa powder and baking powder for the best flavor and texture, ensuring your cookies taste as delightful as they look.

Classic Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting red food color?
Absolutely! When choosing red food color, look for gel or paste forms rather than liquid; they provide more vibrant color without altering the cookie’s consistency. Aim for about 2 teaspoons for the perfect hue that gives your cookies that iconic red look!

How should I store my Red Velvet Cookies for freshness?
I recommend storing your frosted Red Velvet Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge, where they can last for about a week. Just remember to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together!

Can I freeze the Red Velvet Cookies? How do I do it?
Absolutely! Unfrosted Red Velvet Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Here’s how: Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge or let them come to room temperature before frosting.

What can I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
Very useful question! If your Red Velvet Cookies come out dry, it might be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the dough. To troubleshoot, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; also, ensure your butter is softened properly and follow the chilling time guidelines. A tidbit for the future: Always take them out when the edges are set but the centers look a little underdone.

Are Red Velvet Cookies a suitable treat for pets?
No, it’s best not to share these Red Velvet Cookies with your furry friends. Chocolate (from cocoa powder) and sugar can be harmful to dogs and cats. It’s always better to treat our pets with goodies specifically made for them—after all, they deserve a special treat just like we do!

How long does it take for the dough to chill?
For best results, chill the dough for about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps control spreading during baking, giving you those thick, chewy cookies you love. By chilling the dough, you’re ensuring a lovely texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds!