Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Introduction

Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a visually stunning and delicious treat that combines the richness of a red velvet-inspired cookie with a delightful cream cheese topping. These cookies are soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth, with a subtle cocoa flavor and a vibrant pink hue. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re a perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays and baby showers to casual get-togethers. The combination of the cookies’ richness and the tangy sweetness of the frosting is sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

I remember the first time I made these for a birthday celebration, and they were an instant hit. The vibrant pink color made them stand out on the dessert table, and the creamy frosting was the perfect finishing touch. What’s great about Pink Velvet Cookies is how versatile they are—you can make them ahead of time and store them for later, or even experiment with different frosting flavors or toppings. The balance of flavors between the soft cookies and the tangy cream cheese frosting is just heavenly.

These cookies are surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick mix, you can create a batch of these stunning treats in no time. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want to enjoy a sweet snack, Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to leave everyone impressed and satisfied!

Perfect for:

  • Celebrations and holidays
  • Pink-themed parties
  • Special treats for family or friends
  • Desserts for cookie lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are bound to become your new favorite:

  • Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a tender texture that’s soft and chewy, making each bite irresistible.
  • Vibrant Color: The pink hue of the cookies adds a fun and festive touch, making them perfect for any event.
  • Delicious Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy, tangy frosting is the perfect complement to the sweet and subtly chocolaty cookie base.
  • Easy to Make: Despite their beautiful appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness of the frosting or add sprinkles for extra decoration.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 1 hour
  • Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories per cookie
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting:

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • ½ cup sour cream

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor without overpowering the pink velvet essence.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature pink hue.
  • Sour Cream: Helps make the cookies extra soft and moist.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides the rich, tangy base for the frosting that pairs perfectly with the cookies.
  • Butter: Ensures a rich, buttery flavor in both the cookies and frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Make the Cookie Dough:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined. The dough will be thick.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

  1. Form the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set, and the cookies have slightly puffed up. The centers should still be soft.
  3. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Beat the Frosting Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the Powdered Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until fully incorporated.

Frost the Cookies:

  1. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie using a butter knife or offset spatula.
  2. Decorate (Optional): You can sprinkle colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or a few extra pink food coloring dots for decoration if desired.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve: Serve the cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy!

How to Serve

  • For a Special Occasion: These cookies are perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any celebration that calls for a little extra sweetness.
  • With Tea or Coffee: Serve with your favorite warm beverage for a cozy treat.
  • For a Dessert Table: These cookies are ideal for dessert buffets or party trays, offering a vibrant and tasty option alongside other treats.

Additional Tips

  • Use gel food coloring for a deeper, more vibrant pink color.
  • Ensure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
  • If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with buttermilk or plain yogurt for a similar result.

Recipe Variations

  1. Lemon Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
  2. Chocolate Pink Velvet Cookies
  3. Pink Velvet Sandwich Cookies
  4. Pink Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips
  5. Mini Pink Velvet Cookies
  6. Strawberry Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
  7. Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Swirl
  8. Pink Velvet Cookie Bars with Frosting
  9. Vegan Pink Velvet Cookies with Vegan Frosting
  10. Pink Velvet Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing the Cookies: You can freeze the cookies before or after frosting. Place the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Cookie scoop
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Butter knife or offset spatula

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use any food coloring? Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color.
  2. Can I make these cookies in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cookies ahead of time and frost them just before serving.
  3. Can I make the frosting ahead? Yes, store the frosting in the fridge for up to 2 days before using.
  4. Can I use a different frosting? You can use buttercream or whipped cream as a substitute if you prefer.
  5. Can I make these cookies smaller? Yes, reduce the baking time slightly for smaller cookies.

Conclusion

Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a fun and festive treat that will add a pop of color and flavor to any occasion. These soft, chewy cookies are perfectly balanced with a rich cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful combination of sweetness and tang. The vibrant pink hue makes them a standout dessert, perfect for parties, holidays, or just because!

Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Their velvety texture and irresistible frosting make every bite a special moment to savor.

I’d love to see how your Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Happy baking!

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