Name: Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup (½ of a stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons buttermilk; 2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 8 ounces cream cheese, chilled; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ to 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 24 reviews

If you’re someone who loves the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet but also craves a fun, handheld treat, you are going to fall head over heels for this Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a tender crumb infused with just the right amount of cocoa and that signature red hue, while being generously filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. It’s a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, ideal for sharing with friends or elevating your everyday snack game.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small red velvet sandwich cookies with three layers: two deep red, soft-textured cookie layers and a smooth, white cream filling in the middle. Some cookies are fully assembled on a silver cooling rack with the cream just peeking out, while others are open-faced, showing the thick white cream spread on the bottom cookie. There is also a piping bag filled with white cream resting on a white marbled surface under the cooling rack. The colors are vibrant, highlighting the contrast between the red cookies and the white cream, all placed on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this delightful Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s providing structure, flavor, or that vibrant red color that makes these cookies stand out.

All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their tender yet sturdy texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate note, essential for classic red velvet flavor.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leaveners to help the cookies rise and stay soft.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: A duo that brings sweetness and moisture for the perfect chew.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake-like texture.
Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang, intensifying the flavor.
White distilled vinegar: Reacts with the buttermilk and lifts the red color while adding subtle tang.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
Red food coloring: The key to that striking, classic red velvet appearance.
Cream cheese, chilled: Essential for that creamy, tangy frosting that sandwiches the cookies.
Unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting): Adds creaminess and smooth texture in the frosting.
Confectioners’ sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to pipeable perfection.

How to Make Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—it makes cleanup a breeze. In a small bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients now helps distribute the leavening agents evenly for a consistent rise and flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream your room temperature butter along with granulated and light brown sugars on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is vital for aerating the dough, which ultimately contributes to the soft, tender crumb of your cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

One at a time, beat in the eggs until fully incorporated, ensuring your batter stays smooth and silky. Then add the buttermilk, white distilled vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. Watch as your batter transforms with that deep, festive red tint that signals you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture. Blend just until all ingredients come together, taking care not to overmix—overhandling can lead to tough cookies, and we want ours tender and soft!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a heaping tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart since these cookies spread. Pop them into the oven and bake for 8 to 9 minutes until the tops appear set and cake-like. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool, beat together chilled cream cheese, room temperature butter, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until fluffy and light, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar in two batches, mixing on low speed first, then increase the speed to combine until smooth and pipeable. Adjust the sugar quantity to achieve your desired frosting thickness.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Match cookies by size so your sandwiches are neat and even. Pipe or generously spread the cream cheese frosting on one cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top to form a perfect sandwich. These treats are almost too pretty to eat, but trust me, they’re irresistible!

How to Serve Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe

A stack of seven red sandwich cookies is placed on a white cake stand with a decorative edge. Each cookie has two bright red, soft-textured layers with a smooth, thick white cream filling in between. The cookies have a slightly rough surface and are stacked with three on the bottom, three in the middle, and one on top. The cake stand sits on a white marbled surface, and the background is plain and light, making the red and white colors stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider dusting your finished sandwiches lightly with sifted cocoa powder or a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter for extra sparkle during special occasions. Alternatively, a few red sprinkles or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add delightful visual appeal and an extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, but don’t stop there! They’re also fantastic alongside a cup of hot coffee or a soothing cup of chai tea, where the warming spices complement the cocoa and cream cheese flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe on a pretty cake stand or arrange them in a decorative tin for gifting. For parties, present them in small, clear boxes tied with a ribbon—your guests will be impressed by the professional look and eager to taste these little delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent the cookies from drying out. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These sandwich cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their texture or flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Serve chilled or let them come to room temperature; the frosting will soften slightly, making them even more luscious. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the frosting and alter the cookie’s texture.

FAQs

Can I make the cookies without red food coloring?

You can skip the red food coloring, but keep in mind that the iconic red velvet look is part of the charm. Without it, these cookies will resemble a mild chocolate flavor but won’t have that signature appearance.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make ½ cup, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then use it as a substitute. This helps maintain the tender texture and slight tang.

Can I use regular cream cheese or light cream cheese for the frosting?

For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese chilled as it provides the ideal balance of tanginess and creaminess. Light cream cheese tends to be too soft and may make the frosting too runny.

Is it okay to make the dough or frosting ahead of time?

You can prepare the frosting up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The cookie dough is best baked fresh for optimal texture, but you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking if needed.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your ingredients, especially butter, are at room temperature but not overly soft. Chilling the dough briefly before scooping can also help, as can spacing the cookies well apart on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those treats that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies impress with their balance of tender cake-like texture and rich cream cheese frosting. Once you make them, I bet they’ll become a beloved favorite—and you’ll have a delicious new go-to for every occasion.