Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

When a chewy cookie meets a tender cupcake and both get a swirl of rich cream cheese frosting, magic happens. These Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies bring together everything you love in a red velvet treat—soft, buttery texture, just a hint of cocoa, and a decadent frosting topping—all in one beautifully domed, bakery-style cookie.

Perfect for both summer celebrations and winter holidays, these American-inspired cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. With a small batch size that yields just four generous servings, they’re ideal for small gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you want a homemade indulgence without going overboard.

Why You’ll Love These Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

• Chewy meets airy – a delightful mix of cookie chew and cupcake fluffiness
• Silky cream cheese frosting – smooth, sweet, and just tangy enough
• No special equipment – just a bowl, a whisk, and a cookie scoop
• Small batch recipe – perfect for treating yourself or gifting
• Stunning presentation – bakery-style domes with a gorgeous red hue

Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a cozy winter night in, or a summer tea party, these cookies fit every occasion.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp instant milk powder
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1–2 tsp red liquid-gel food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 3 oz (85g) cream cheese, softened
• 6 tbsp (90g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (195g) powdered sugar

How to Make Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Milk powder
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:

1. Whisk butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Whisk in the egg, then add vanilla extract and white vinegar.
3. Stir in food coloring until you achieve a bright red shade. It will deepen once mixed with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine and Scoop

1. Fold dry ingredients into wet until a sticky dough forms.
2. Use a large cookie scoop (3–4 tbsp size) to portion dough onto prepared baking sheets.
3. Leave at least 3 inches between cookies—they spread!

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the center of the oven for 12–15 minutes.
2. Cookies should puff up and have slightly golden edges.
3. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Mix in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
4. If too soft, refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before piping.

Frost and Decorate

1. Pipe or spread frosting onto completely cooled cookies.
2. For extra charm, crumble one cookie and sprinkle crumbs over the frosted tops.
3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips for the Best Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

• Use gel food coloring for a bold red hue without thinning the dough.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth mixing.
• Chill the frosting slightly for easier piping.
• Don’t skip the milk powder – it enhances the cookie’s soft, cakey texture.

Flavor Twists and Variations

• Add mini chocolate chips for extra richness.
• Swirl the frosting with a hint of raspberry jam for a fruity touch.
• Turn into sandwiches by layering two cookies with frosting in the middle.

When to Serve These Cookies

These Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are ideal for:

• Valentine’s Day or romantic dinners
• Christmas cookie trays
• Summer garden parties
• Baby showers or birthdays
• “Just because” baking days

They’re easy to make and impressive to serve, making them a baker’s dream.