Introduction
Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies are a stunning dessert that combines the elegance of red velvet with the delicate, fragrant touch of rose. These soft, cake-like cookies are filled with a creamy, flavorful rose buttercream that perfectly complements the slight cocoa flavor of the red velvet. The vibrant red color makes them a visually striking treat, ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, weddings, or any time you want to impress with a luxurious, homemade dessert.
I remember baking these for a special dinner with friends, and the reaction was amazing. The combination of flavors is something truly unique—rich, yet light, and the rose adds a sophisticated touch. What’s even better is how easy they are to make. The cookies are soft and moist, while the buttercream filling is rich without being overwhelming. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or just treating yourself to something extra special. Whether for a celebration or an everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day
- Weddings and bridal showers
- Elegant gatherings
- Gift-giving
- Fans of red velvet and floral flavors
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
Here’s why Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies will become your new favorite treat:
- Soft and Cake-Like Texture: The cookies have a tender, soft texture that’s almost like a mini cake, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Rich Red Velvet Flavor: The slight cocoa flavor of the red velvet pairs beautifully with the subtle floral notes of the rose.
- Delicate Rose Buttercream: The rose buttercream filling is silky smooth, with just the right amount of floral essence to elevate the cookies.
- Visually Striking: These cookies stand out with their bold red color, making them the perfect showstopper at any event.
- Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are simple to prepare and perfect for baking beginners.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Servings: 24 sandwich cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Rose Buttercream Filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons rose water (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or as needed for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Ingredient Highlights
- Red Food Coloring: The key to that iconic red velvet look, giving the cookies their vibrant, signature color.
- Rose Water: The floral essence of rose water adds an aromatic and delicate touch to the buttercream, balancing the richness of the cookies.
- Buttermilk: The buttermilk in the cookies adds moisture and helps create a tender texture, typical of red velvet cakes.
- Butter: Butter is used in both the cookies and the filling to ensure richness and a smooth, creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies:
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Egg, Food Coloring, and Vinegar: Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vinegar until fully incorporated.
- Add the Vanilla and Buttermilk: Mix in the vanilla extract and alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon to form round cookie shapes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Rose Buttercream Filling:
- Make the Buttercream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, rose water, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, adding more cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the buttercream and add more rose water if you desire a stronger floral flavor.
Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
- Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of rose buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie, pressing gently to seal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the perfect combination of red velvet and rose!
How to Serve Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies can be served in many delightful ways:
- As a Tea-Time Treat: Pair these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- For Special Occasions: These cookies make a beautiful addition to any celebration, especially for Valentine’s Day or weddings.
- Gift-Giving: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- As Part of a Dessert Table: Display these cookies alongside other delicate treats for an elegant dessert spread.
Additional Tips for Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
Here are some tips to ensure your Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies are perfect every time:
- Use Gel Food Coloring: For the most vibrant red color, gel food coloring is recommended as it doesn’t alter the texture of the dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so mix just until combined.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chilling it for 15-20 minutes will make it easier to scoop and shape.
- Adjust the Rose Flavor: Rose water can be potent, so start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to your preference. If you don’t have rose water, you can also use rose extract or another floral flavoring.
- Store in an Airtight Container: These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freeze the Dough: Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
Here are 10 variations you can try for Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies:
- Red Velvet Vanilla Sandwich Cookies: Swap out the rose buttercream for a classic vanilla buttercream for a simpler flavor.
- Chocolate Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
- Lemon Red Velvet Cookies: Replace the rose water with lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice in the buttercream for a citrusy twist.
- Red Velvet Cream Cheese Frosting: Use cream cheese frosting in place of the rose buttercream for a tangy filling.
- Matcha Red Velvet Cookies: Add matcha powder to the cookie dough for a unique combination of red velvet and green tea flavors.
- Red Velvet Strawberry Filling: Swap the rose buttercream with a strawberry-flavored buttercream for a fruity twist.
- Pistachio Red Velvet Cookies: Add chopped pistachios into the cookie dough or sprinkle them on the filling for a nutty crunch.
- Coconut Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the buttercream or dough for a tropical flavor.
- Vegan Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk, along with vegan buttercream, to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cookies: Replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Special Equipment for Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies easier:
- Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will make the buttercream smooth and fluffy.
- Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheets for easy cookie removal.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements help ensure the best results.
- Zester (if using lemon or other flavoring): For adding zest to your buttercream or cookies.
- Wire Rack: A cooling rack lets the cookies cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Oven Thermometer: Ensures accurate oven temperature for perfect cookies.
- Storage Containers: Keep your cookies fresh with airtight containers.
Frequently Asked Questions for Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
- Can I use non-dairy butter for the buttercream?
Yes, you can use plant-based butter for a dairy-free buttercream filling. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time. - Can I use a different floral flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with different floral extracts like lavender or orange blossom in place of rose water. - Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the food coloring if you prefer a more subtle, brown-red hue, or try using natural food coloring. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies are a stunning dessert that combines the elegance of red velvet with the delicate, fragrant touch of rose. These soft, cake-like cookies are filled with a creamy, flavorful rose buttercream that perfectly complements the slight cocoa flavor of the red velvet. The vibrant red color makes them a visually striking treat, ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, weddings, or any time you want to impress with a luxurious, homemade dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Rose Buttercream Filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons rose water (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or as needed for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Ingredient Highlights
- Red Food Coloring: The key to that iconic red velvet look, giving the cookies their vibrant, signature color.
- Rose Water: The floral essence of rose water adds an aromatic and delicate touch to the buttercream, balancing the richness of the cookies.
- Buttermilk: The buttermilk in the cookies adds moisture and helps create a tender texture, typical of red velvet cakes.
- Butter: Butter is used in both the cookies and the filling to ensure richness and a smooth, creamy texture.
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Egg, Food Coloring, and Vinegar: Beat in the egg, red food coloring, and vinegar until fully incorporated.
- Add the Vanilla and Buttermilk: Mix in the vanilla extract and alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon to form round cookie shapes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Rose Buttercream Filling:
- Make the Buttercream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, rose water, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, adding more cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the buttercream and add more rose water if you desire a stronger floral flavor.
Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
- Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of rose buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie, pressing gently to seal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the perfect combination of red velvet and rose!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-170 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies are a stunning fusion of flavors that take the classic red velvet cookie to the next level. The combination of the deep, velvety cocoa taste and the subtle hint of rose creates a sophisticated treat that’s both elegant and delicious. Whether you’re serving them at a celebration or wrapping them up as a thoughtful gift, these cookies will add a touch of charm and sweetness to any occasion.
These cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare and versatile enough for you to play with different fillings, like cream cheese, buttercream, or even a fruity spread. Perfect for pairing with tea or as a sweet surprise for friends and family, they’re sure to be a hit.
I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies turn out! Snap a pic, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations! Happy baking!