These Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with creamy frosting. They’re a sweet treat that celebrates the classic red velvet flavor in cookie form!
Every bite feels like a little party! I love how the cookie stays soft and tastes just like your favorite cupcake. Perfect for cookie lovers and a great treat for special occasions!
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the cookies their structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in cookies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: It adds a subtle chocolate flavor. You could use Dutch-process cocoa for a richer taste or substitute with carob powder if preferred.
Red Food Coloring: Liquid red food coloring is standard, but you can opt for gel food coloring for a more vibrant shade. If you’re avoiding food dyes, you can use beet juice, though it may slightly alter the taste.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, full-fat cream cheese is ideal for optimal texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cream cheese instead.
Granulated Sugar: This is used for sweetness and texture. You can substitute it with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor, though it may change the cookies’ color a bit.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Frosting?
Making a smooth cream cheese frosting can be tricky if you rush it. Here are my steps for success:
- Start with softened cream cheese and butter at room temperature. This helps them blend easily.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until very smooth before adding the powdered sugar.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to avoid a messy cloud of sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Keep mixing until fluffy; this can take a few minutes, but it will make a big difference in texture.
How to Make Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Red Velvet Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Colorful sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes before frosting them. Including cooling time, you should set aside about 1 hour before these delightful cookies are ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps everything combine smoothly when you mix them with the wet ingredients. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness helps create a nice texture in your cookies.
4. Add the Eggs:
Beat in the two eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg is added, so they are fully incorporated into the batter. This keeps your cookies moist and contributes to a good structure.
5. Add the Flavors:
Now, pour in the vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until everything is well blended and the color is spread evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add your sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a low speed on your mixer, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your cookies tough.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on the lined baking sheets. Make sure to leave a couple of inches between each scoop to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for a soft cookie.
10. Make the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will take about 2 minutes.
11. Add Sugar and Flavor:
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined. Taste it – it should be sweet, creamy, and delicious!
12. Frost the Cookies:
After your cookies are completely cooled, generously pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Get creative with it!
13. Decorate:
Finally, sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the frosted cookies as you wish. This adds a festive touch and makes them even more delightful!
14. Serve or Store:
Enjoy your cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best taste, let them come to room temperature before serving.
There you have it! Soft, rich Crumbl-style Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, you can replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you don’t want them to dry out, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies without frosting for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Frost them after thawing for the best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Red Food Coloring?
If you’d prefer not to use food coloring, you can use beet juice for a natural alternative. Keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly, but it will give a lovely color!