As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of cocoa wafted through the air, instantly transporting me back to my childhood days filled with mom’s baking. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies—a recipe guaranteed to rekindle memories of soft, moist treats topped with rich cream cheese frosting. These delightful red velvet cookies are perfect not only for special celebrations but also for cozy nights in when you crave a bit of indulgence. What’s more, they’re incredibly simple to whip up, accommodating both seasoned bakers and those just starting their kitchen journey. Ready to add a splash of color and sweetness to your day? Let’s dive into this deliciously vibrant recipe!
Why are Red Velvet Cookies So Special?
Decadent Flavor: These cookies boast a rich chocolatey taste combined with the distinct flavor of red velvet, making every bite a blissful experience.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time. Perfect for those who are usually fast food fans but want to create something homemade!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They’re visually stunning and deliciously nostalgic, making them a hit at gatherings. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for perfection.
Creamy Topping: The luscious cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the cookie’s sweetness, creating an irresistible treat. Don’t forget to check out my other delicious options like Pumpkin Oat Cookies for more tasty ideas!
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with mix-ins or different frosting flavors to make them your own. This recipe is the perfect foundation for creativity in your baking adventures!
Red Velvet Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened) – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup) – Sweetens the cookies while aiding texture; feel free to adjust if you prefer less sweetness.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/3 cup, packed; reduce to 1/4 cup for less sweet cookies) – Brings deeper flavor and moisture; dark brown sugar works well for a more robust taste.
- Large Egg (1) – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal results.
- Vinegar (1 tsp) – Reacts with baking soda for leavening; apple cider vinegar is a great substitute.
- Red Gel Food Color (1-2 tsp) – Gives your cookies the signature red hue; experiment with other colors if desired.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances and deepens flavors; use pure vanilla for the best outcome.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups) – Provides structure; opt for a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Natural Cocoa Powder (2-3 tbsp) – Imparts a mild chocolate flavor; adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
- Baking Soda (1/2 tsp) – An essential leavening agent that contributes to cookie texture.
- Baking Powder (1/4 tsp) – Works in tandem with baking soda for proper rising.
- Salt (1/4 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese (6 oz, room temperature) – Forms the creamy base for the frosting; substitute Neufchâtel for a lighter option.
- Icing Sugar (1 cup, sifted) – Adds sweetness and thickness to the frosting; cornstarch can help stabilize it.
- Vanilla Extract for Frosting (1/2 tsp) – Lends additional flavor depth to your delicious cream cheese frosting.
Dive into these red velvet cookies and savor the delightful flavors that make each bite an experience!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies
Step 1: Dough Preparation
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter in a mixing bowl with granulated and light brown sugars for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Next, add the room temperature egg, vinegar, red gel food color, and vanilla extract, beating everything together until well combined. This creates a rich, vibrant base for your red velvet cookies.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients from Step 1, using a spatula to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will ensure your Crumbl copycat red velvet cookies remain soft and tender.
Step 3: Chill Dough
Once your dough is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Chilling is essential to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is slightly firm and easy to scoop.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough chills. Prepare a lined baking sheet and scoop the chilled dough into balls, about 1/3 cup each, flattening them slightly. Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet with enough space between each to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft and a little underbaked.
Step 5: Frosting Preparation
While the cookies bake, prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, whisk together room temperature cream cheese and softened butter until well combined and creamy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more icing sugar if necessary for thickness.
Step 6: Finish Cookies
Allow the baked red velvet cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting. Once cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to evenly spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. For an extra touch, sprinkle with reserved crushed cookie crumbs or any desired toppings to elevate your Crumbl copycat red velvet cookies to a bakery-level treat!
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Cookies
Room Temperature: Store freshly baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy chilled for a different experience!
Freezer: Freeze individual red velvet cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delightful for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again!
Make Ahead Options
These Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing deliciousness! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating the dough, firmly covered to prevent drying out. The cookies can also be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost them with cream cheese frosting, which can also be made ahead and stored separately for 3 days. This way, you’re just a few quick steps away from enjoying these soft, moist delights with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies
Imagine a warm gathering where the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air as guests savor every delightful bite.
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Chilled Milk: Perfect for dunking, the coolness of milk complements the rich, creamy frosting of the cookies and is a classic pairing.
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Rich Hot Cocoa: An indulgent beverage that enhances the chocolate notes, creating a cozy atmosphere for an evening treat. Enjoy alongside the cookies for a decadent experience.
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Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee provide a nice contrast as the bitterness balances the sweetness of the red velvet cookies.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream turns your cookies into an extraordinary dessert; the creaminess perfectly offsets the soft texture of the cookies.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing side of vibrant fruits adds a burst of freshness, cleansing the palate and beautifully contrasting the cookies’ sweetness.
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Sparkling Water: The crispness of sparkling water refreshes the senses while enjoying your cookies, adding a fun and fizzy element to the treat.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These elegant additions bring romance and glamour to your dessert table, enhancing the flavor profile and visual appeal.
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Cupcake Wine: A sweet, light wine pairs delightfully with the flavors of red velvet, making it an elegant option for celebrations or treat yourself moments.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer another layer of creamy goodness, complementing the cookies’ texture with their rich, tangy flavors.
Variations & Substitutions for Red Velvet Cookies
Customize these delightful red velvet cookies to suit your taste and dietary preferences with these fun and easy variations!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an equally tasty cookie without the gluten. These cookies remain soft and delicious while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting. They’ll still be rich and satisfying, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
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Extra Chocolatey: Add 1/3 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a brownie-like twist that enhances the cookie’s flavor. Chocolate lovers will adore this indulgence!
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Spiced Frosting: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream cheese frosting for a warm, spiced flavor. This little addition will give your cookies a cozy twist, great for festive occasions.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough before baking to add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. They will balance with the softness, providing an enjoyable texture contrast.
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Festive Colors: Create vibrant cookies by using different gel food colors to suit any occasion. Imagine green for St. Patrick’s Day or pastel shades for Easter; the sky’s the limit!
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Pumpkin Twist: Incorporate a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree in place of some butter for a delicious seasonal variation. This will make for a subtly spiced, super moist cookie reminiscent of fall treats.
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Savoury Kick: Drizzle a little cayenne pepper or chili powder into the batter for a surprising heat that beautifully complements the sweetness. Pair this with a savory cream cheese frosting for an extraordinary twist!
These variations are sure to please everyone, whether you prefer classic flavors or enjoy experimenting with new ones! Don’t forget to try your hand at other delightful options like Pumpkin Oat Cookies or indulge in my Chocolate Chip Cookies for more cozy options!
Expert Tips for Red Velvet Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Essential for preventing cookies from spreading during baking; make sure to chill for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure perfect shape.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smoother mix and better texture in your red velvet cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix your dry ingredients just until combined to maintain a soft and tender cookie; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Watch the Baking Time: Cookies should be soft in the center when you take them out; avoid overbaking to retain their moist, cake-like texture.
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Frost Cool Cookies: Only frost the cookies once they’ve fully cooled to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting and becoming runny.
Crumbl Copycat Red Velvet Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my red velvet cookies are done baking?
You’ll want to look for set edges while the centers remain soft. Bake for 10-11 minutes at 375°F—if the edges are slightly firm, but the center is still a bit underbaked, your cookies are perfect!
What should I look for when selecting cream cheese for the frosting?
Opt for full-fat cream cheese, as it provides the best flavor and texture for your frosting. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Neufchâtel can also be a lighter alternative that still delivers a creamy consistency.
How should I store Crumbl copycat red velvet cookies to keep them fresh?
For optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these red velvet cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze your cookies! First, let them cool completely, then place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once firmly frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread, it’s often due to warm dough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 15-20 minutes before baking to allow it to firm up. Also, double-check that your butter is softened, not melted, as melted butter can cause excess spreading.
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, this recipe contains no nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies. However, always check ingredient packaging, as cross-contamination can sometimes occur in processing facilities.
Decadent Red Velvet Cookies that Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated and light brown sugars for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add the room temperature egg, vinegar, red gel food color, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop the chilled dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Prepare the frosting by whisking cream cheese and softened butter until smooth; gradually add icing sugar and vanilla extract.
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting them.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies and garnish as desired.
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