These Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! They are soft, chewy cookies with a rich red velvet flavor and tasty cream cheese frosting on top.
Who can resist a cookie that tastes like dessert? I love how these cookies are perfect for any celebration or just a sweet pick-me-up. They’re so easy to share, but good luck trying not to eat them all! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It’s a great substitute and works well in cookie recipes!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives a rich chocolate flavor. If you run out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, which is milder, or substitute it with an equal amount of carob powder for a different taste.
Red Food Coloring: This is essential for achieving that signature red velvet color. If you prefer a natural alternative, beet juice or powdered beet can work as substitutes, but the shade will differ. Plus, it’s healthier!
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, cream cheese adds a delicious tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a slightly different but creamy frosting.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor balance. In a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil. Just keep in mind that coconut oil might change the taste a bit, so choose based on what you like!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To get the perfect chewy cookies, there are a couple of tips to remember. First, don’t overmix the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
- Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. Room temperature works best.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step helps in achieving that nice, soft texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; take them out when just set to avoid overbaking.
With these tips and ingredients, you’ll be set for a batch of delicious Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Red Velvet Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Multi-colored sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time and 10-12 minutes of baking. Once you account for cooling and decorating, you should plan for about 1 hour total before you can enjoy these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help your cookies bake evenly and prevent them from sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is the key to a delicious cookie texture!
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the butter mixture. Mix everything together until fully combined, so it looks nice and smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or your mixer on low speed to gently combine them. Be careful not to overmix; you want to stop as soon as you see no more flour visible!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop. Lightly flatten the tops of the dough with the back of a spoon—this helps them bake evenly.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges look set and the tops spring back lightly when touched. Once baked, take them out and let them cool fully on the baking sheet.
8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are baking and cooling, let’s whip up that tasty cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. This should take just a minute or two.
9. Add Sugar and Vanilla:
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat this mixture on medium speed until it becomes creamy and fluffy. You want it smooth and ready for spreading!
10. Frost the Cookies:
Once your cookies are completely cool, take your frosting and either pipe it or dollop a generous amount onto the top of each cookie. Feel free to get creative with your frosting style!
11. Add Some Fun Decoration:
To finish off, sprinkle the frosted cookies with multi-colored sprinkles for a festive touch. This makes them look just as great as they taste!
12. Serve or Store:
These delicious cookies are best served immediately, but you can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you refrigerate them, make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Enjoy your delightful Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies! They are sure to impress your friends and family!
Can I Use Different Food Coloring?
Absolutely! While red food coloring gives these cookies their signature color, you can use other gel food colors like pink or purple for a fun twist. Just keep in mind the final shade will change.
What Texture Should I Expect?
You can expect these cookies to be soft and chewy! Key factors for achieving this texture include not overmixing the dough and underbaking them slightly, so they remain tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—simply wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve!
Can I Make the Cookie Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking for even results.