These Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are a treat that combines the best of both worlds! They are soft, chewy cookies with that classic red velvet flavor, topped with creamy frosting.
They’re perfect for any celebration or just because you deserve a sweet snack! I love pulling them from the oven and enjoying them warm. Who can resist that tempting cream cheese topping? 🧁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies, providing structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds a subtle chocolate flavor. If you want a more intense chocolate taste, use dark cocoa powder instead.
Red Food Coloring: This gives the cookies their classic look. If you prefer natural options, beet powder or pomegranate juice can work, though it might slightly alter the taste.
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and tang. In a pinch, you can make your own buttermilk by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Cream Cheese: This is key for the frosting. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt, but it won’t have the same creamy richness.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies are Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that soft and chewy texture in your cookies, follow these steps:
- **Don’t Overmix the Dough**: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until there are no visible flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- **Chill the Dough**: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to handle. Aim for at least 1 hour, but you can chill overnight for even better results.
- **Watch the Baking Time**: Bake until the edges are set, but the center should look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- **Cool Properly**: Allowing the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them set while keeping that soft center, then transfer them to a rack.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have deliciously soft and chewy red velvet cookie sandwiches that everyone will love!
How to Make Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Red velvet cake crumbs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus around 1 hour for chilling, and then about 10-12 minutes of baking. You’ll have delicious cookies ready to serve in under 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for now as you’ll need it shortly.
2. Make the Cookie Dough Base:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until it’s nice and light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Mixing well is key to getting that lovely texture!
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it’s fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour. Mix until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough!
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling will help your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
6. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling. Also, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Form and Bake Cookies:
Once chilled, take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheets with enough space between them so they can spread while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly gooey.
8. Cool Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them tender!
9. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and well mixed.
10. Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on the flat side of half of the cookies. If you like, sprinkle some red velvet cake crumbs on top for a pretty garnish!
11. Create Cookie Sandwiches:
Top each frosted cookie with another cookie, gently pressing them together to form delicious cookie sandwiches.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are best enjoyed fresh! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before you dig in!
Enjoy the delicious, tender cookies with creamy frosting—a perfect sweet indulgence!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Cake Flour?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour works great for this recipe, providing the right structure for your cookies. Just make sure to measure it correctly for best results.
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make your own buttermilk by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy them fresh, bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Can I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.