❤️ Problem-Solved: Red Velvet Holiday Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting (Decadent & Moist!) – Viral Potential Score 86
Rich cocoa-infused cookies with tangy cream cheese frosting—perfect for festive gatherings platters paired with Italian panettone-inspired cookies.
These Red Velvet Holiday Cookies solve the problem of lackluster holiday desserts with their moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant color. Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, they're a visual and flavor centerpiece that pairs perfectly with Italian panettone-inspired cookies for a luxurious platter.
Bakers seeking indulgent solutions for evening gatherings desserts will love these cookies. Their soft, cake-like texture and festive presentation make them ideal for holiday parties or gift baskets. The combination of red velvet and cream cheese frosting creates a balance of rich and tangy flavors.
The secret to their decadence lies in the cocoa-infused dough, tinted deep crimson, and the swirled cream cheese frosting that adds a luxurious finish. These cookies maintain moisture through a precise sugar-to-butter ratio and a touch of buttermilk.
Pair these with the Anchor Gourmet Italian Panettone-Inspired Cookies for a platter that balances Italian elegance with American decadence. The contrast in textures and flavors creates a show-stopping spread that impresses guests and satisfies sweet cravings.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this cookie recipe as part of a 5-day holiday dessert series: start with the red velvet cookies, follow with panettone-inspired cookies, and finish with a festive dessert board. This sequence builds anticipation and engagement across your feed.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Step 2: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Step 3: Add red food coloring and mix until dough is smooth and deep red. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Step 5: Cool completely before frosting. Pipe cream cheese frosting in a zig-zag pattern and decorate with sprinkles.
Recipe Card
Red Velvet Holiday Cookies
Decadent, Moist, and Festive
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 1/2 cups butter
- - 1 1/2 cups sugar
- - 2 large eggs
👨🍳 Instructions
Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and sugars until fluffy.
💡 Use room temperature butter for best aeration.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cocoa.
💡 Add cocoa last to preserve its rich flavor.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Cocoa Powder
Provides the signature red velvet flavor. Use high-quality Dutch-process cocoa for the richest taste.
Substitutions: Natural cocoa powder (adjust baking soda to 1/4 tsp).
Buttermilk
Adds moisture and a slight tanginess. The acid reacts with baking soda for leavening.
Substitutions: 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tsp vinegar.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
🍰 Dough Chilling
Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development.
✨ Frosting Timing
Pipe frosting onto cooled cookies; allow 1 hour for setting before stacking.
❄️ Storage
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
🎨 Color Intensity
Add gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering texture.
Variations & Customizations
White Chocolate Frosting
Swap cream cheese for white chocolate ganache (1:1 ratio of white chocolate and heavy cream).
Mini Versions
Scoop dough into 1/2-inch balls for bite-sized cookies. Bake 7-8 minutes.
Spiced Variation
Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the dough for warm holiday spices.
Naked Cookies
Skip frosting and dust with powdered sugar for a minimalist look.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Anchor Gourmet Italian Panettone-Inspired Cookies (completes the meal)
- Dark Chocolate Truffles (serves beautifully alongside)
- Spiced Apple Cider (pairs perfectly with)
- Mini Eggnog Tarts (rounds out the platter)
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows or a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough up to 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Refrigerator Storage
Frosted cookies last 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer Storage
Baked unfrosted cookies freeze well for 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Reheating Instructions
Not required—cookies are best served at room temperature.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Cookies are dry.
A: Overbaking is likely. Check doneness at 9 minutes. Dough should be soft when removed.
Q: Frosting is too runny.
A: Chill frosting for 30 minutes before piping. Add 1 tbsp powdered sugar to thicken.
Q: Cookies spread too much.
A: Chill dough longer (up to 1 hour) and ensure oven is fully preheated.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Holiday Cookies are a show-stopping addition to any festive gathering. Their moist texture and vibrant color make them a visual and flavor centerpiece that pairs perfectly with Italian panettone-inspired cookies for a luxurious platter.
Pin now and add a velvety masterpiece to your holiday spread! What’s your favorite frosting for red velvet treats? 💬
