Name: Red Velvet Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 44 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightful twist on classic desserts, this Red Velvet Cookie Cups Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. These little gems combine the rich, velvety flavor of traditional red velvet cake with the warmth and chewiness of soft cookies, all packed into bite-sized cups that are perfect for any occasion. With a luscious cream cheese frosting nestled inside each cookie cup, this recipe brings together irresistible flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy night in, these cookie cups are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth like no other treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several small red velvet cookie cups are arranged in rows on a black wire rack placed over a white marbled surface. Each cookie cup has a hollow center with a rough, crumbly texture. A white piping bag held by a woman's hand is squeezing smooth white cream filling into one of the cookie cups in the front row. The contrast between the deep red of the cookies and the bright white of the cream filling is clear. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to making these Red Velvet Cookie Cups Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender crumb created by the flour and cocoa to the vibrant color from the red food coloring, and the tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the cookies’ sweetness.

Flour (1 ½ cups): Provides the sturdy base for the cookie structure while keeping them soft and tender.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup): Adds that subtle chocolate undertone essential to classic red velvet flavor.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookie cups rise perfectly with a soft crumb.
Butter, softened (¼ cup): Adds richness and moisture for a luscious texture.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and aids in creating chewy edges.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Contributes a depth of caramel-like flavor and softness.
Egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): Gives that signature vibrant red hue that’s visually stunning.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon for frosting): Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors.
White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the baking soda for lift and adds a hint of tanginess typical of red velvet.
Cream cheese, softened (16 ounces): The star ingredient in the frosting, providing a rich, tangy contrast.
Butter, softened for frosting (½ cup): Ensures the frosting is creamy and smooth.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting for easy piping.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, kosher salt, and baking soda in a small bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and an even chocolate flavor throughout your dough.

Step 2: Cream Your Sugars and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it aerates the dough, making the cookie cups nice and tender.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Color

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then add the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Mixing these in now not only brings that vibrant red color but also starts layering the beautiful red velvet flavor we’re so excited about.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookie cups tough, so be gentle here to keep them soft.

Step 5: Prepare Muffin Tins and Portion Dough

Grease two 24-cup mini muffin tins generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cup about three-quarters full with cookie dough. This will allow the cookie to spread while leaving room to create the cup shape later.

Step 6: Bake and Shape the Cookie Cups

Bake in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes. As soon as you take the tins out, press down gently into the center of each cookie cup with the end of a mixing spoon or spatula to create a perfect little well for the frosting. Let them cool for 5 minutes in the tins before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookie cups are cooling, whip up the frosting by combining softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat everything together until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost the Cookie Cups

Transfer the cream cheese frosting into a large zip-top bag and snip off a small corner to create a piping bag. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting into each cooled cookie cup, filling the indentations perfectly. This step is the ultimate indulgence and will have everyone’s eyes lighting up!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Cups Recipe

Nine small red velvet cupcakes with smooth, creamy white frosting dots on top are arranged neatly in three rows inside a white box decorated with a pattern of alternating red and pink hearts along the side. In the background, there is another white plate with more red velvet cupcakes that have the same white frosting dollops, all set on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is gently holding the box on the left side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your cookie cups by adding simple garnishes such as a light dusting of cocoa powder, mini red sprinkles, or even a single white chocolate chip on top of the frosting. These little touches add extra flair and a pop of color, making them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie cups with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a comforting combo. For special occasions, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness and add freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dazzle your guests, arrange the cookie cups on a festive platter lined with parchment paper and scatter edible flowers or red and white candies around. You can also place them in decorative mini cupcake liners for easy handling and extra style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days without losing their delightful texture. If your kitchen feels warm, storing them in the fridge is ideal to keep the frosting fresh.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet first and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain their shape and texture.

Reheating

If you prefer soft and slightly warm cookie cups, gently reheat them in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid heating too long to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting excessively, which can cause a mess but taste-wise it’s still delicious!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without red food coloring?

Absolutely! While red food coloring gives classic red velvet its signature look, you can skip it for a more subtle chocolate cookie cup. Alternatively, natural food colorings like beet juice can be tried but might slightly alter the flavor.

Is it okay to use regular vinegar or lemon juice instead of white vinegar?

White vinegar is preferred because of its neutral taste, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in equal amounts if needed. Just keep in mind these may impart a slightly different tang.

Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the cookie cups in the muffin tins, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help intensify the flavors and is great for planning ahead.

What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?

If mini muffin tins aren’t available, you can try using standard muffin tins but reduce the dough amount for each cup so the cookies stay bite-sized. Adjust baking time as necessary and press the indentation as usual.

How can I make the cream cheese frosting less sweet?

If you find the frosting too sweet, simply reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add a splash more vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to balance flavors. You can always taste as you go to customize it perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Red Velvet Cookie Cups Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved treat. The combination of soft red velvet cookie, tangy cream cheese frosting, and beautiful presentation is simply unbeatable. Whether for everyday indulgence or a special event, these cookie cups promise smiles and satisfied taste buds every time you share them. So grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fall in love with this scrumptious dessert!