Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for all things red velvet, you are going to fall head over heels for this Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine tender, chewy red velvet cookies hugging a luscious cream cheese frosting layer that’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. These cookie sandwiches are not only a feast for the eyes with their rich, vibrant color and playful sprinkles, but they also deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a special treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and careful steps to create a show-stopping dessert that is as fun to make as it is to devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe right depends on using straightforward, reliable ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each one plays a vital role in crafting those soft cookies and that irresistible frosting, giving you the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and color.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups + 1 tbsp / 300g): The foundation of your cookies, providing structure and that perfect chewy bite.
• Natural unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tbsp / 14g): Adds a subtle chocolate depth that complements the red velvet’s signature flavor.
• Baking soda (3/4 tsp): Helps your cookies rise to just the right fluffiness.
• Salt (3/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature (3/4 cup / 168g): Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies tender.
• Sugar (1/2 cup / 104g): Sweetens and helps with that chewy texture.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup / 112g): Brings a hint of caramel and extra chewiness to the cookies.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp for cookies + 1 tsp for frosting): Lifts flavors and adds warmth.
• Vinegar (2 tsp): Reacts with baking soda capturing the classic tang of red velvet.
• Red food coloring (1 1/2 tbsp): Gives that unmistakable vibrant red hue.
• Cream cheese, room temperature (8 oz / 226g): For the silky, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with these cookies.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature (6 tbsp / 86g): Makes the cream cheese frosting luxuriously smooth.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups / 460g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to creamy perfection.
• Sprinkles (optional): For that extra festive touch that makes these sandwiches irresistible to look at.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This simple preparation ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first helps distribute the cocoa and raising agents evenly, which is key to achieving those perfectly soft yet structured cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the unsalted butter with both the white and light brown sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy, and pale blend. This step is crucial for texture—it traps air that will make your cookies tender and chewy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg thoroughly, followed by vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda for that classic red velvet tang, while the food coloring gives the cookies that signature dazzling color.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle and stop once you see no more flour patches.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft—this prevents overbaking and keeps your cookies tender.

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 4 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up without becoming hard.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. The slow addition of sugar ensures that your frosting will be silky and spreadable without lumps.

Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches

Fill a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (I love using Ateco 844 for a nice swirl) with the frosting and pipe a generous amount onto the flat side of one cookie. Top it with another cookie and gently press together to form your sandwich. If you want to add sprinkles, gently press them onto the frosting edges for a fun, colorful finish.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cookie sandwiches until you’re ready to serve, allowing the frosting to set up nicely. Bring them to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or edible glitter around the frosting edges gives your cookie sandwiches a cheerful, festive look. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that pairs well with the rich cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of steaming hot coffee, or even a creamy chai latte. Fruit salads or a fresh berry compote make refreshing accompaniments if you want a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand for eye-catching presentation at parties or plate them alongside other finger desserts for a colorful cookie platter. Wrapping individual sandwiches in parchment paper tied with a ribbon also makes them perfect take-home favors or gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled cookie sandwiches by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a sweet treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Since these are chilled cream cheese-filled delights, reheating is not necessary. Instead, allow them to soften at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before enjoying to get that perfect soft cookie texture and creamy frosting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Absolutely! If you prefer natural options, beet juice or powdered beetroot can provide a lovely red tint, though it may be less vibrant than traditional food coloring. Just adjust the quantity to achieve the shade you like best.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute with mascarpone or a mix of soft goat cheese and butter, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly and may affect the frosting’s texture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour to keep the texture soft and chewy. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately for binding.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is not overly softened or melted when creaming with the sugar. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help keep the cookies from spreading too thin.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! This Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe scales beautifully. Just keep an eye on baking time as larger batches might require you to adjust baking sheets and timing slightly.

Final Thoughts

There is something profoundly joyful about making and sharing these Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the vibrant red dough to the dreamy cream cheese filling, every step builds up to a delightful treat that’s as impressive as it is comforting. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these sandwiches bring warmth, fun, and a touch of indulgence that’s hard to beat. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to enjoy some sweet moments with this absolutely irresistible recipe!

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