These Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies are a delicious treat that combines the flavors of red velvet cake and sweet frosting. Soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy swirl, they are a cookie lover’s dream!
Every bite feels like a mini celebration—perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). I love enjoying these cookies with a glass of milk; they taste even better that way!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for a rich texture in your cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, but just omit any added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Red Food Coloring: It gives the cookies their signature color. If you prefer a natural option, beet juice or red beet powder can work as substitutes, though they may give a different hue.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have it, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Cocoa Powder: This adds depth to the flavor. You might try dark cocoa for a richer taste. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to maintain the balance of sweetness in the cookies.
Cream Cheese: Essential for that luscious frosting! If you’re looking for a lighter version, mascarpone cheese is a great alternative for a similar creamy texture.
How Can I Get the Perfect Creamy Frosting?
Making a smooth and fluffy cream cheese frosting is crucial. Start by letting your cream cheese and butter come to room temperature—this helps them blend more easily. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Beat the room temperature cream cheese and butter together until they are fully combined and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar. Mixing gradually prevents a sugary cloud and ensures a smooth texture.
- Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. This may take another minute or two.
To achieve a beautiful finish, use a piping bag to decorate each cookie; you’ll have that bakery touch at home!
How to Make Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Colorful sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking. After baking, you’ll need to let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, plus additional time for the cookies to cool completely before frosting. Altogether, you’ll spend roughly 1 hour before they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add egg and Flavor:
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a lovely red color.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Alternate adding the buttermilk along with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart since they will spread while baking.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool!
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should only take a couple of minutes!
10. Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and continue to beat the mixture until it’s fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
11. Frost the Cookies:
After the cookies are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a knife to spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously on each cookie.
12. Add Sprinkles:
Finish off by decorating the frosted cookies with colorful sprinkles. They will add a fun touch and a bit of crunch!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cookie creations immediately, or if you prefer, you can refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy. Let the refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for the best texture before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Crumbl Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine in this recipe if needed. Just ensure it’s unsalted to maintain the proper seasoning in your cookies.
How Do I Make Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cookies?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add a teaspoon to help bind the ingredients.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying!