Red Velvet Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh, have you ever had one of those desserts that’s just too good to put down? These Red Velvet Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting are that kind of treat. Picture soft, chewy red velvet cookies shaped into cute little cups and filled with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s like having the best of both worlds: a soft, decadent cookie and a rich, creamy filling that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to spoil yourself (you deserve it!), these little red velvet cookie cups are the perfect way to do it.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s why these red velvet cookie cups are going to steal your heart:

• Soft & Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy, with just the right amount of tenderness. When baked, they form a little “cup,” ideal for holding the creamy, dreamy frosting.
• Classic Red Velvet Flavor: Rich, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet, the red velvet flavor is iconic, and these cookie cups capture it in every bite.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: What’s a red velvet dessert without cream cheese frosting? The tangy frosting balances out the sweetness of the cookie, creating a flavor combination you’ll crave again and again.
• Adorable & Fun: These cookie cups are perfect for parties, holiday treats, or just because! They’re fun to make, cute to look at, and even better to eat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cookie cups can be made ahead and stored, making them a great treat to prepare in advance for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Red Velvet Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Butter: Softened butter provides the base for the cookies, giving them that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cookie dough just the right sweetness, without overpowering the flavor.

Egg: The egg helps bind everything together, giving the cookies structure.

All-Purpose Flour: The main ingredient that creates the base of the dough.

Cocoa Powder: Just a little cocoa powder adds that subtle chocolate flavor that makes red velvet, well, red velvet!

Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise to their soft, chewy texture.

Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavor in the dough.

Red Food Coloring: The secret to that beautiful, vibrant red hue that gives red velvet its signature look.

Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, comforting note to the dough.

Cream Cheese: The base for the frosting. It provides that creamy, tangy flavor we all know and love.

Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and the perfect consistency in the frosting.

Butter: Also for the frosting, it adds richness and smoothness.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting, giving it a nice depth.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these mouthwatering Red Velvet Cookie Cups:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.

3. Scoop the Dough

Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough into each muffin cup, pressing it gently to form a base. You don’t need to make it perfect, just a nice even layer of dough to fill the bottom of each cup.

4. Bake the Cookie Cups

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, use a spoon to gently press down the centers of the cookies to create little “cups” for the frosting. Allow the cookie cups to cool completely.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookie cups are cooling, make the frosting! In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If you want a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Fill the Cookie Cups

Once the cookie cups are completely cool, use a spoon or piping bag to fill the centers with the creamy cream cheese frosting. You can pipe it high for an extra indulgent treat!

7. Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately or store the filled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting

These little cookie cups are a treat on their own, but here are a few ideas for extra flair:

• Serve at Parties: They’re the perfect party treat, especially for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas! They’re bite-sized, so they’re easy to grab and go.
• Add a Drizzle: For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over the top of the frosting for extra sweetness.
• Top with Sprinkles: Add a little festive touch by sprinkling some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the frosting.
• Pair with a Drink: Enjoy these cookie cups with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of milk. They’re a classic combo!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you nail these Red Velvet Cookie Cups:

• Don’t Overmix: When making the cookie dough, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, and we’re going for soft and chewy!
• Chill the Dough: If you want even thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping it into the muffin tin. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
• Customize the Frosting: If you love a little extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or almond extract to the frosting for a fun twist.
• Make Mini Versions: For smaller portions, you can make mini cookie cups by using a mini muffin tin and cutting the baking time by a couple of minutes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re in a rush or just prefer the convenience, store-bought cream cheese frosting works just fine.

Q2: Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can bake the cookie cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just fill them with the frosting right before serving.

Q3: Can I freeze these cookie cups?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the cookie cups before frosting them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Let them thaw before frosting.

Q4: Can I use a different frosting?
A4: Of course! You can use vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a whipped cream topping for a different flavor. Get creative!

Q5: How do I store leftover cookie cups?
A5: Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them chilled!

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A6: Yes! You can fold in some mini chocolate chips to the dough if you want an extra burst of chocolate flavor in the cookie cups.

Q7: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A7: Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it soften a bit before scooping it into the muffin tin.

Q8: Can I make these without food coloring?
A8: Yes! If you prefer to skip the food coloring, you can still make the cookies—though they won’t have that classic red velvet look. The flavor will still be delicious.

Q9: How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan?
A9: Grease the muffin tin well, or line each cup with paper liners to ensure easy removal once they’re baked.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re making a bigger batch for a crowd, just double the ingredients and bake in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting are a beautiful, indulgent treat that’s sure to impress. The soft, chewy red velvet cookies paired with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting create the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or treating yourself to something sweet, these cookie cups will definitely be the star of the show. Happy baking, and enjoy!

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