16 Easy Frosted Red Velvet Cookies

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something magical about red velvet.

It’s rich, velvety (of course), and just a little indulgent—the perfect treat when you want to make a moment extra special.

These easy frosted red velvet cookies have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I’m in the mood for something festive but not too fussy.

The best part? They’re as simple to make as they are delicious to eat!

Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe will have you covered.

Grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s turn a few everyday ingredients into something your friends and family won’t stop raving about.

Trust me, these cookies will disappear faster than you can say, “Pass the frosting!”

1. Frosted Red Velvet Cookie Recipe

These easy frosted red velvet cookies come together in no time and are perfect for bakers of any skill level.

Perfect for sharing or sneaking straight from the tray, these cookies are pure joy to make and even better to eat!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup buttermilk

For the Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies. Serve and enjoy!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until combined.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.

More Red Velvet Cookies to Make

One thing I love about red velvet cookies is all the different kinds you can make!

Here are some more red velvet cookie ideas I know you’ll love:

2. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Soft, chewy, and coated in a perfect powdered sugar crust, these crinkle cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Their deep red hue and crackled finish make them a showstopper for any dessert table.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions:

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring, mixing well.
Combine: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet. Chill dough for 1–2 hours.
Prep Oven and Dough: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets. Roll dough into balls, coat in powdered sugar.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

3. Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

These cookies are all about layers of indulgence.

Soft red velvet cookies hug a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup buttermilk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Mix Dough: Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Alternate adding dry mix and buttermilk. Chill 1 hour.
Bake Cookies: Preheat to 350°F, scoop dough onto lined sheets, and bake 8–10 minutes. Cool.
Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
Assemble: Spread filling on one cookie, top with another.

4. Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

Classic red velvet gets a chocolatey twist with these cookies studded with gooey chocolate chips.

Perfect for when you want something simple but still packed with flavor.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg, vanilla, and red food coloring.
Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until fully mixed. Fold in chocolate chips. Chill dough for 1 hour.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

5. Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze

These bite-sized cookies feature a soft red velvet base with a luscious dollop of cream cheese glaze in the center.

They’re elegant, fun, and perfect for parties.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk

Instructions:

Make Dough: Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Mix in dry ingredients. Chill 1 hour.
Bake: Preheat to 350°F, shape dough into balls, press centers, and bake 10–12 minutes. Cool.
Glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Fill cookie indentations.

6. Red Velvet Cookie Bars

All the rich flavor of red velvet cookies but in a quick, easy-to-slice bar form.

These are perfect for bake sales or when you need a no-fuss dessert.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Mix Dough: Combine dry ingredients. Whisk butter, sugars, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla. Mix with dry ingredients.
Bake: Spread in a greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Cool.
Frost: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar. Spread on cooled bars and add sprinkles.

7. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Fluffy red velvet cookies sandwich a smooth cream cheese filling in these fun and nostalgic treats.

They’re like little cakes you can hold in your hand!

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup buttermilk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Mix Batter: Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Alternate adding dry mix and buttermilk.
Bake: Scoop batter onto lined sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Cool.
Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Assemble: Spread filling between two cookies.

8. Red Velvet Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies combine the comforting chewiness of oatmeal with the classic red velvet flavor.

They’re hearty, sweet, and a little unexpected—perfect for a cozy treat.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup buttermilk

Instructions:

Mix Dough: Combine dry ingredients (flour, oats, cocoa, baking soda, salt). Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Add dry mix alternately with buttermilk.
Bake: Scoop dough onto lined sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Cool.

9. Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Drizzle

A drizzle of sweet white chocolate adds an elegant touch to these rich, chewy cookies.

They’re as pretty as they are tasty and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup white chocolate chips (melted for drizzling)

Instructions:

Make Dough: Combine dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt). Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Add dry mix alternately with buttermilk.
Bake: Scoop dough onto lined sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Cool.
Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies.

10. Red Velvet Peppermint Cookies

These cookies pair the classic red velvet flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint.

They’re a festive treat that’s perfect for the holidays or anytime you want a minty twist.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp peppermint extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
½ cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions:

Make Dough: Mix dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt). Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, peppermint extract, and red food coloring. Combine with dry ingredients.
Shape and Bake: Preheat to 350°F, scoop dough onto lined sheets, and bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool.
Top: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over cookies while warm.

11. Red Velvet Macaron-Style Cookies

A crisp shell with a chewy red velvet center makes these macaron-style cookies irresistible.

They’re a fancy dessert made simple, perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
1 cup almond flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
3 large egg whites
¼ tsp cream of tartar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp red food coloring
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Make Shells: Sift powdered sugar, almond flour, and cocoa. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar and sugar to stiff peaks. Fold in dry mix and food coloring. Pipe rounds, rest 30 minutes.
Bake: Bake at 300°F for 15–18 minutes. Cool.
Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.
Assemble: Fill shells with cream cheese mixture.

12. Red Velvet Cookie Cups Filled with Cream Cheese Frosting

These adorable cookie cups are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Each bite-sized treat is filled with creamy frosting for a sweet surprise.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Make Dough: Mix dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt). Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Combine with dry mix.
Bake Cups: Preheat to 350°F, press dough into greased mini muffin tins, and bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool and hollow centers.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Fill: Pipe frosting into cooled cookie cups.

13. Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

The rich flavor of red velvet pairs perfectly with a classic peanut butter candy kiss in the center.

These cookies are a fun twist on a nostalgic favorite.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
24 peanut butter candy kisses

Instructions:

Prepare Dough: Mix dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt). Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Combine with dry mix.
Bake Cookies: Preheat to 350°F, roll dough into balls, and bake for 8–10 minutes.
Add Candy: Press a peanut butter candy kiss into each cookie while warm.

14. Red Velvet Brownie Cookies

These cookies bring the dense, fudgy texture of brownies into a rich red velvet flavor.

They’re perfect for anyone who loves their cookies on the extra-decadent side.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring

Instructions:

Make Dough: Combine dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt). Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Mix in dry ingredients.
Bake: Preheat to 350°F, scoop dough onto lined sheets, and bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool.

15. Red Velvet Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks

Big chunks of dark chocolate take these red velvet cookies to the next level.

Each bite is a perfect mix of rich cocoa and creamy chocolate.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
1 cup dark chocolate chunks

Instructions:

Prepare Dough: Combine dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt). Cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Mix in dry ingredients, then fold in dark chocolate chunks.
Bake: Preheat to 350°F, scoop dough onto lined sheets, and bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool.

16. Red Velvet Sugar Cookies with a Cream Cheese Swirl

These soft sugar cookies are swirled with tangy cream cheese, giving them a marbled look and a burst of flavor.

They’re as stunning as they are delicious.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Prepare Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in egg, vanilla, and food coloring. Gradually combine with dry ingredients to form dough.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
Assemble Cookies: Scoop dough into balls, flatten slightly, and add a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center. Swirl with a toothpick.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 10–12 minutes, cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy!