The Perfect Red Velvet Cookie Cups Recipe for Sweet Treats

Baking these delightful red velvet cookie cups will transport you to a world of sweet, chocolatey bliss.

Crimson-hued dough swirls with rich cream cheese filling, creating a mesmerizing dessert.

Soft, velvety textures melt in your mouth with each bite.

Decadent layers of flavor promise an unforgettable treat that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will absolutely adore this simple yet impressive creation.

Crafted with love, these cookie cups make any gathering feel extra special.

You won’t be able to resist their irresistible charm and mouthwatering appeal.

What Goes In Red Velvet Cookie Cups

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the red velvet cookie cups.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cookie base.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a crisp cookie exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of red velvet treats.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie cups.
• White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and contributes to the classic red velvet tanginess.

• Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, creamy, and sweet frosting that complements the red velvet cookie cups.

• Salt, Baking Soda: Crucial for balancing flavors and helping the cookies rise and achieve the right texture.

How To Make Red Velvet Cookie Cups

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). This sets the stage for your delightful cookie cup transformation.

Step 2: Create the Dry Powder Blend

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking soda

Set this dusty mixture aside for the grand cookie cup creation.

Step 3: Cream the Sweet Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and dreamy.

Step 4: Add the Color and Flavor Boosters

• Egg
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar

Mix everything until perfectly combined and vibrant red.

Step 5: Marry the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce the dry powder blend into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a smooth, luscious dough forms.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Cups

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions into a greased muffin tin. Use your fingers to press centers, creating adorable little cups.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the tin.

Step 8: Whip Up the Creamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and cloud-like.

Step 9: Fill the Cookie Cups

Once cooled, pipe or spoon the dreamy cream cheese frosting into each cookie cup.

Step 10: Celebrate and Devour

Serve these gorgeous red velvet cookie cups and watch smiles bloom!

Handy Hints For Red Velvet Cookie Cups

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect cup shape.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without adding extra liquid to the batter.
• Press the center of each dough ball gently with the back of a spoon to create an even indentation for filling.
• Allow cookie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin to maintain their structure and prevent breaking.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, ensuring a consistent and creamy texture in both cookie and frosting.

New Twists On Red Velvet Cookie Cups

• Chocolate Chip Delight: Replace red food coloring with mini chocolate chips, fold into the batter for a classic chocolate chip cookie cup variation.
• Nutty Sensation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture and rich, earthy flavor profile.
• Fruity Fusion: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract and top frosted cups with fresh raspberries or strawberry slices for a vibrant, fruity touch.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle sea salt flakes for a sweet and salty combination.

Best Things To Serve With Red Velvet Cookie Cups

• Pair Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting with Bold Red Wine: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, balancing the sweetness of the red velvet cookie cups.
• Enhance Dessert with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Smooth, cold vanilla bean gelato provides a delightful contrast to the warm, soft cookie cups, creating a luxurious texture and refreshing flavor combination.
• Match Chocolate Mocktail with Dessert Decadence: A rich chocolate mocktail made with dark chocolate, milk, and a hint of cinnamon elevates the red velvet experience, intensifying the cocoa notes in the cookie.

Ways To Store Red Velvet Cookie Cups

• Store frosted cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent frosting from smearing.
• Wrap unfrosted cookie cups individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Warm cookie cups in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain their soft texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
• Let refrigerated cookie cups sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavor.

FAQ Guide For Red Velvet Cookie Cups

• What gives red velvet its distinct color?

The red food coloring creates the signature vibrant red hue, which is traditionally enhanced by a small amount of cocoa powder and white vinegar in the recipe.

• Can I make these cookie cups without a muffin tin?

You can use a mini muffin pan or carefully shape the dough into cups on a regular baking sheet, though the results might be less uniform.

• Why is white vinegar added to the recipe?

White vinegar helps activate the baking soda, creating a tender texture and enhancing the slight tanginess characteristic of red velvet desserts.

• How do I ensure my cookie cups have perfect cup shapes?

Gently press the center of each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your thumb after placing them in the muffin tin to create an indentation for the frosting.

What’s Sweet About Red Velvet Cookie Cups

• Craft Sweet Party Treats: These red velvet cookie cups transform classic cookies into adorable, individual desserts perfect for gatherings, birthdays, and special celebrations.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: The recipe requires basic baking skills with straightforward steps, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create something impressive.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: With rich red velvet flavor and creamy cream cheese frosting, these cookie cups guarantee smiles and second helpings from both kids and adults at any event.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize these treats by adding sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or different frosting colors to match themes or personal preferences.

Red Velvet Cookie Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 23-25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cookie cups blend rich chocolate and cream cheese frosting into a delightful dessert experience. Sweet Southern charm meets modern baking magic, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Flavoring and Coloring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate the egg, vibrant red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar into the butter mixture, blending until fully integrated.
5. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform dough forms.
6. Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them into the prepared muffin tin, using your fingers to create a gentle indentation in the center of each.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for slight golden edges and a set center. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely within the tin.
8. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and airy.
9. Once cookies have cooled, fill each cup with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or spoon.
10. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect cup shape.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without altering the cookie’s texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Reduce sugar content by using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie alternative without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg