Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

Introduction

Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet dessert, featuring soft, chewy cookies sandwiched together with a rich cream cheese filling. These cookies have the signature red hue and slight cocoa flavor of red velvet cake, combined with the indulgent tang of creamy frosting.

I first made these cookies for a special occasion, and they quickly became a favorite. The vibrant red color and the sweet, tangy cream cheese filling make them an impressive treat for any celebration. The combination of soft, chewy cookies with a creamy, velvety center is irresistible, and each bite feels like a little indulgence.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a birthday, or just looking for a special treat, these sandwich cookies are sure to impress. They’re as delicious as they are stunning, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Holiday baking
• Special occasions
• Gifts for loved ones
• Red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

Here’s why Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies will become your new favorite treat:

• Soft and Chewy Cookies: These cookies have a tender, cake-like texture with a hint of chewiness.
• Classic Red Velvet Flavor: A balance of cocoa, vanilla, and a touch of tang from buttermilk.
• Irresistible Cream Cheese Filling: A creamy, tangy filling that perfectly complements the cookies.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red color makes these cookies a showstopper.
• Easy to Make: No need to fuss with a full cake—enjoy all the flavors of red velvet in an easy-to-handle cookie form.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 12 sandwich cookies (24 individual cookies)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps achieve the soft texture characteristic of red velvet.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides the subtle chocolate flavor essential for red velvet desserts.
• Cream Cheese: The key to a rich and tangy filling that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature vibrant color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Add Buttermilk and Food Coloring: Gradually mix in the buttermilk and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake the Cookies:

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop evenly sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may still look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

10. Beat the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy.

Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:

11. Spread the Filling: Using a knife or piping bag, spread or pipe a generous layer of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of half the cookies.
12. Create Sandwiches: Top with the remaining cookies, pressing gently to create a sandwich.

How to Serve Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As a Dessert Platter: Arrange on a platter alongside other cookies or desserts for an impressive display.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a warm beverage for an indulgent afternoon treat.
• For Special Occasions: These cookies are a beautiful addition to Valentine’s Day or Christmas celebrations.
• Gift Giving: Wrap the cookies in cellophane bags or tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

1. hill the Dough: Before baking, refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
2. Use Buttermilk: For an authentic red velvet flavor, use buttermilk in the cookie dough to enhance the richness and slight tanginess.
3. Measure Flour Correctly: Always spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid using too much, which can make your cookies dry.
4. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
5. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese for the frosting are at room temperature for a smoother, creamier filling.
6. Perfect Consistency of Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, add a little milk or heavy cream to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too runny, add powdered sugar to thicken it.
7. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a vibrant red color without affecting the texture of the dough, unlike liquid food coloring.
8. Keep the Cookies Soft: Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh.

Recipe Variations for red velvet sandwich cookies

• Peppermint Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive twist.
• Chocolate-Dipped Sandwich Cookies: Dip one half of each sandwich in melted chocolate and allow to set.
• Nutty Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Use vegan butter, cream cheese, and a flax egg substitute for a dairy-free, egg-free option.
• Heart-Shaped Sandwich Cookies: Shape the dough into hearts for Valentine’s Day.
• Sprinkle-Filled Sandwich Cookies: Roll the edges of the cream cheese filling in colorful sprinkles for a fun look.
• Dark Chocolate Filling: Use a dark chocolate ganache in place of cream cheese filling for a richer flavor.
• Mini Sandwich Cookies: Make smaller cookies and assemble mini sandwiches for bite-sized treats.
• Lemon Cream Filling: Swap the vanilla in the filling for lemon juice and zest for a citrusy contrast.

Freezing and Storage for red velvet sandwich cookies

• Freezing: Store unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble with filling when ready to serve.
• Storage: Keep assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Special Equipment for red velvet sandwich cookies

Here are some tools to make preparing your Red Velvet Sandwich easier:

• Hand or Stand Mixer – To mix the dough thoroughly and achieve a smooth consistency.
• Baking Sheets – For placing the cookie dough to bake.
• Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier when baking.
• Cookie Cutters – To shape the cookies into uniform circles.
• Cooling Racks – To allow the cookies to cool evenly and prevent sogginess
• .Offset Spatula – To spread the cream cheese filling evenly between the cookies.
• Rolling Pin – To roll out the dough to an even thickness before cutting
• .Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk – For mixing dry ingredients or whisking the cream cheese filling.
• Pastry Bag or Ziploc Bag – To pipe the cream cheese filling neatly between the cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions for red velvet sandwich cookies

1. Can I use store-bought frosting?
   Yes, but homemade cream cheese filling tastes fresher and more authentic.
2. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
   Absolutely! The cookies will still taste great without the red color.
3. How do I prevent the filling from squishing out?
   Chill the cookies briefly after assembling to help the filling firm up.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, this recipe doubles easily to make more cookies.
5. Can I freeze assembled cookies?
   It’s better to freeze the cookies and filling separately for the best texture.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a visually stunning and delicious dessert that combines the classic red velvet flavor with a luscious cream cheese filling. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or a sweet indulgence at home, these cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. With their vibrant color and rich taste, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it an ideal choice for everything from holiday baking to an afternoon treat. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these red velvet sandwich cookies will definitely be a hit.

I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!