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I stumbled onto these Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies while trying to decide between making cookies or cupcakes and wow what a happy accident! They've got this amazing texture that's somehow both chewy and fluffy topped with the creamiest cream cheese frosting you can imagine. The color is absolutely stunning too perfect for making any day feel special.
Why You'll Love These
These little beauties give you the best of both cookie and cupcake worlds. You get that satisfying chewiness from a cookie but also that tender cakey center we all love in cupcakes. Plus they're super easy to make but look like they came from a fancy bakery. The cream cheese frosting just takes them over the top.
Ingredients for Success
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour keeps these sturdy but still tender.
- Sugar: I use both white and brown sugar for the perfect sweetness and chew.
- Butter and Oil: Butter for flavor oil for that amazing soft texture.
- Milk Powder: My secret weapon for getting that cake-like richness.
- Baking Powder + Baking Soda: These work together to give us those pretty domed tops.
- Red Food Coloring: For that classic red velvet look we love.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the dreamiest frosting you'll ever taste.
- Egg and Vinegar: These make everything work together perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds that something special to both cookie and frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Dough Ready
- Mix all your dry ingredients in one bowl. In another beat your butter oil and sugars until fluffy. Add the egg vanilla red coloring and vinegar mix it up good then gradually fold in those dry ingredients until you've got a lovely sticky dough.
- Time to Bake
- Scoop them onto your lined baking sheet leave some room between each one they'll spread a bit. Into the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes then let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a rack.
- Whip Up That Frosting
- Beat your butter and cream cheese until they're super smooth add powdered sugar and vanilla and keep mixing until it's light as a cloud.
- Make Them Pretty
- Once your cookies are totally cool top them with generous swirls of frosting. Sprinkle some cookie crumbs on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Be careful with your flour measuring too much will make them dry. Everything needs to be room temperature before you start. Watch them like a hawk in the oven we want soft centers. And please please wait until they're completely cool before frosting them trust me on this one.
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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If they're frosted keep them in the fridge they'll stay perfect for about 4 days. No frosting? Room temperature is fine. When I'm planning ahead I'll bake the cookies and wait to frost them until right before serving they're always best that way.
A Treat for Any Occasion
These cookies are my go-to for everything from holiday parties to just because days. They're fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for whenever you need something sweet. I love having one with my afternoon coffee or sharing a plate with friends they always get rave reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What food coloring works best?
Liquid-gel or gel, avoid plain liquid.
- → Why add milk powder?
Creates tender, cake-like texture.
- → Why add vinegar?
Reacts with cocoa for red color.
- → Can I make frosting ahead?
Yes, refrigerate until needed.
- → What if frosting is too soft?
Chill 30-60 minutes to firm up.