Forget everything you know about cookies because these Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are about to blow your mind. Combining the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake with the convenience of a cookie, this recipe is a game-changer for dessert lovers everywhere.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk gives these cookies their signature red velvet flavor and tender crumb.
- Using cream cheese frosting as a filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast that elevates the overall taste.
- The cookie’s cupcake-like texture is achieved by carefully balancing wet and dry ingredients, ensuring a moist interior with a slightly crisp exterior.
- This recipe is versatile, allowing for various decorations and toppings to suit any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Tip: Always preheat your oven for at least 10 minutes before baking to ensure consistent temperature.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and cocoa, ensuring every bite is perfectly flavored.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Slowly mix in the buttermilk. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to give the cookies their rise and signature tang. Tip: For a deeper red color, let the batter sit for 5 minutes before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Allow to cool before filling with cream cheese frosting.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps them combine more smoothly. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. To achieve a more intense red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. For a neater presentation, pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cookies using a piping bag.
Recipe Variations
- Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet contrast to the tangy cream cheese.
- Swap the cream cheese frosting for a vanilla buttercream for a different flavor profile.
- Top the cookies with crushed pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- For a holiday twist, sprinkle the tops with red and green sprinkles before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the food coloring, but the cookies will have a more traditional chocolate color rather than the signature red velvet hue. The taste will remain the same.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Frosted cookies should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Portion the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Summary
These Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are a delightful fusion of cookie and cupcake, offering the best of both worlds. With their moist texture, rich flavor, and creamy filling, they’re sure to become a new favorite.