Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are the best of both worlds—everything you love about rich, chocolatey red velvet cupcakes baked into soft, chewy cookie form. Topped with a dollop of creamy frosting, these vibrant treats are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something sweet and beautiful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the flavor of red velvet with the ease of cookies
Soft, chewy, cupcake-like texture
Topped with luscious cream cheese or vanilla frosting
Eye-catching red color perfect for holidays or celebrations
No need for cupcake liners or extra tools
Customizable with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or white chocolate drizzle
Great for gifting or party trays
Kid-friendly and fun to decorate
Quick to bake and serve
A festive treat for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays

ingredients

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies 10 Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are the best of both worlds—everything you love about rich, chocolatey red velvet cupcakes baked into soft, chewy cookie form. Topped with a dollop of creamy frosting, these vibrant treats are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something sweet and beautiful.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring
White vinegar
Optional: mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips

For the frosting (optional):

Cream cheese (softened)
Unsalted butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fluffy.
Once cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spread frosting on top like a cupcake.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 9–11 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Add mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the dough
Top with cream cheese glaze instead of thick frosting
Sprinkle crushed Oreos, red velvet crumbs, or sprinkles on top
Skip frosting for a simpler, brownie-like cookie
Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a holiday twist
Sandwich frosting between two cookies to make red velvet whoopie pies

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days if frosted. For best texture, let chilled cookies come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months—frost after thawing.

FAQs

What makes red velvet cookies different from chocolate cookies?

Red velvet has a subtle cocoa flavor with a slight tang from vinegar and a rich red hue, giving it a unique flavor and look.

Can I use cake mix instead?

Yes, red velvet cake mix can be used with eggs and oil for a shortcut cookie version.

Do I have to use food coloring?

No, but red food coloring gives these cookies their signature look.

What’s the best frosting for these?

Cream cheese frosting is classic, but vanilla buttercream also works great.

Can I make these without cocoa powder?

Cocoa is essential for red velvet flavor, so don’t skip it!

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

They’re soft and chewy with a cake-like center—just like a cupcake.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with xanthan gum.

Do these cookies need to be chilled before baking?

No chilling required—just mix, scoop, and bake.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, but the color may be more muted than with artificial dye.

How do I get the perfect frosting swirl?

Use a piping bag with a star tip, or just spread with a spatula for a rustic look.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are the perfect marriage of cookie and cupcake—vibrant, flavorful, and topped with luscious frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, celebration, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress and disappear quickly. Give them a try and enjoy the magic of red velvet in every bite.

Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies