This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.

Prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible allure of these red velvet sugar cookies, a delightful treat that combines the beloved flavor of red velvet with the classic charm of sugar cookies. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create these soft and chewy delights that are perfect for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to Christmas, or even a cozy afternoon tea. Elevate your cookies to new heights by adorning them with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of your favorite decorations or cookie crumbles, making them an irresistible and visually stunning addition to any dessert spread.

Red velvet sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting and red sprinkles are stacked in a pile, with more cookies and a glass of milk in the background.

Everyone loves these homemade red velvet sugar cookies. After all, they’re so cute and delicious, and the recipe is really simple to make as well.

Also try love bug cupcakes, love bug cake balls, chocolate cherry cordials, red velvet marble loaf, and funfetti cake mix whoopie pies.

Red velvet sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting and red sprinkles sit enticingly next to a glass of milk.

Why You’ll Love It

Easy to make: You’ll find these red velvet sugar cookies simple to whip up.
So delicious: The classic red velvet cake flavor works so well in this recipe.
A versatile treat: Pair one (or two!) with your morning coffee, enjoy the cookies for dessert or make a batch to give as a gift.

Stacked red velvet sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting sit invitingly in front of a milk bottle, complete with a charming red-striped straw.

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Cocoa powder: For that distinctive red velvet flavor. I used Dutch process cocoa powder (this one) but you can use regular if you want.
Granulated sugar: To sweeten them.
Vanilla extract: Always delicious in cookies recipes.
Red food coloring: To color the cookies.
Egg: For binding the dough.
Baking powder: To get the perfect texture.
Cream cheese: For the frosting.
Powdered sugar: For sweetness and a smooth frosting consistency.

A delightful setup for baking awaits: bowls of sugar and flour, cocoa powder, and a block of butter. An egg sits alongside vanilla extract and a measuring spoon—perfectly poised to create delectable red velvet sugar cookies.

How to Make Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the cookie dough: Mix the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder in one bowl and beat the unsalted butter and sugar together in another. Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and then add the flour mixture to the wet mixture.
Chill the red velvet sugar cookie dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Shape your cookies: Roll the dough into dough balls and arrange them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, pressing down lightly to flatten a bit.
Bake them: Bake the cookies until done. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes and then allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Frost the cookies: Cream the butter with the powdered sugar and mix in the cream cheese. Pipe or spread this creamy cream cheese frosting on top of the cookies and add some cookie crumbles too if you like.

Red velvet sugar cookies topped with swirls of white frosting and red crumbs are arranged around a glass bottle of milk on a light pink surface.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
Red food coloring: Use gel food coloring or liquid food coloring, or even something natural like beet powder.
Different shapes: I made my cookies round and quite thick but you can try different shapes (maybe hearts for Valentine’s Day or bells for Christmas!)
More chocolate: Add some semisweet chocolate chips to the dough or even some white chocolate chips. Another idea is swapping the frosting for a white chocolate drizzle.

A stack of red velvet sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting sits invitingly on a white plate. In the background, a bottle of milk with a straw awaits, ready to complement every sweet, decadent bite.

Serving Suggestions

With a drink: Pair these chewy red velvet cookies with an oat milk espresso or gingerbread latte. I bet they’d also be great with hot chocolate.
As a snack:
Add an air fryer pizza dog to the plate for a contrasting savory bite.
For dessert:
Enjoy them as they are or serve with Nutella Oreo mousse cups for dunking!

Red velvet sugar cookies with white frosting and red crumbs are displayed beside a tall glass of milk on a pink background.

How to Store Red Velvet Cookies

Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freeze: You can freeze these either before or after baking in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw:
 Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for an hour or so.

Red velvet sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting and red crumbs rest invitingly on a cooling rack.

Top Tips

Chill the dough: This step is essential to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Red color intensity: Adjust the amount of food coloring to your preference. I find red gel food coloring works best for a vibrant red.
Baking time: Keep in mind that thinner cookies will bake faster than thicker ones. I made mine quite thick and they were done in 9 minutes.
Make extra dough: The dough balls freeze well so why not prepare a future batch? They keep for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Red velvet sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting and red crumbles, arranged next to a glass of milk.

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting FAQs

Can I make them in different shapes?

They can be made in festive shapes such as holly leaves or stars for Christmas. Some people like to sandwich 2 cookies together with buttercream frosting. This is a great idea, since you get 2 cookies that way, instead of one.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, but the color might be less intense. You could try beet powder or a natural red food dye.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

A buttercream frosting or even a simple glaze would also taste great.

Red velvet sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting and red crumbs rest elegantly on a white plate.

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Everyone loves these homemade red velvet sugar cookies. After all, they’re so cute and delicious, and the recipe is really easy to make as well.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies

Ingredients 

For the Cookies:

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

  • 4 Ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¼ Cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ Cups powdered sugar

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Make the Cookies:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder.
  • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix.
  • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
  • Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball, and repeat with the rest.
  • Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Press down lightly to flatten them slightly.
  • Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

  • While cookies cool, cream together butter and powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy, for about 3 to 4 minutes on low speed. Add the cream cheese and keep beating until stiff peaks form.
  • Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe cream cheese frosting on top and add cookie crumbles on top if desired.

Notes

Chill the dough: This step is essential to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Red color intensity: Adjust the amount of food coloring to your preference. I find red gel food coloring works best for a vibrant red.
Baking time: Keep in mind that thinner cookies will bake faster than thicker ones. I made mine quite thick and they were done in 9 minutes.
Make extra dough: The dough balls freeze well so why not prepare a future batch? They keep for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Treat yourself to these delicious red velvet sugar cookies. They’re one of the most delicious cookie recipes for red velvet fans. The cookies are sweet and a little chewy with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The combination of vanilla extract and cocoa powder gives them their characteristic red velvet flavor. The cream cheese icing is optional but it’s so good I highly recommend adding it.

Other Recipes to Try

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

You Might Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 from 2 votes

2 Comments