Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches

If there’s one dessert that effortlessly combines elegance and fun, it’s the Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich. Soft, tender red velvet cookies sandwiching a luscious cream cheese frosting are perfect for holidays, birthday parties, or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. These treats aren’t just beautiful—they taste as good as they look, with a balance of sweetness, a hint of cocoa, and the tangy cream cheese that makes red velvet desserts so irresistible.

What’s even better? They’re versatile. Dress them up with sprinkles for a festive touch, or leave them classic for a more refined dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to try something new, these cookie sandwiches are approachable, fun, and downright delicious.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes these Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches different from ordinary cookies?

1. Soft, Tender Cookies: Each cookie is perfectly soft, with just the right chew. They’re baked until the centers are soft and pillowy, giving a luxurious texture.
2. Tangy-Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting has a balance of sweetness and tang, complementing the red velvet flavor flawlessly.
3. Customizable Decoration: Sprinkles allow you to adapt the cookies to any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or themed parties.
4. Simple Assembly: Despite looking fancy, piping the frosting and sandwiching the cookies is straightforward.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Cookies can be baked ahead, and frosting prepped in advance, making them perfect for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive & Fun: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays.
• Flavorful & Balanced: Red velvet’s subtle cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting.
• Kid-Friendly: The colorful red cookies and sprinkles will appeal to children and adults alike.
• Perfect Portion Size: Each sandwich is individually sized for serving and sharing.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for cookie swaps, parties, or gifting.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here is the full list of ingredients, grouped by component:

Red Velvet Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups + 1 tbsp (300g) all-purpose flour, measured accurately
• 2 tbsp (14g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (112g) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp vinegar
• 1 1/2 tbsp red food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 6 tbsp (86g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Serving Size

• 1 cookie sandwich per serving
• Yield: 16 cookie sandwiches

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Medium mixing bowl for dry ingredients
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack
• Piping bag with piping tip (Ateco 844 recommended)
• Spatula
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Red Velvet Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy. You’ll notice the color change as it aerates.
4. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Stir in vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until evenly blended.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
7. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll gently into balls and place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 7–9 minutes, until cookies spread slightly and the centers appear soft. Do not overbake; cookies will firm as they cool.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 4–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting & Assemble Sandwiches

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and incorporated.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until fluffy and fully combined.
5. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a tip (Ateco 844 recommended).
6. Pipe frosting onto one cookie at a time, then top with a second cookie to create a sandwich.
7. Decorate edges with sprinkles, if desired.
8. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve at room temperature. Best enjoyed within 3–4 days.

Tips & Variations

• Red Food Coloring: Less than 1 ounce is sufficient. Adjust for your preferred color or use 1/2 tsp red gel icing.
• Sprinkle Themes: Customize for holidays or celebrations. Heart sprinkles for Valentine’s, red & green for Christmas, or rainbow for birthdays.
• Frosting Flavor: Add lemon zest or cocoa to alter frosting flavor.
• Cookie Size: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats or larger ones for indulgent desserts.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Flavor Profile & Texture

• Texture: Soft, tender cookies with a slight chewiness; creamy frosting that balances sweetness with tang.
• Flavor: Mild cocoa undertones from the red velvet, tangy-sweet frosting, and buttery, rich cookie base.
• Appearance: Vibrant red cookies with creamy frosting and decorative sprinkles make an eye-catching dessert.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	401 kcal
Sugar	42.3 g
Sodium	221.7 mg
Fat	18.4 g
Carbohydrates	57 g
Protein	3.4 g
Cholesterol	60.3 mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and eggs; vegetarian-friendly. Vegan adaptations possible.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Bake cookies a day in advance. Store in airtight containers.
• Frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
• Assemble sandwiches hours ahead of serving. Frosting will firm slightly in the fridge.
• Refrigerate completed sandwiches for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I reduce the red food coloring?
Yes, adjust based on desired color intensity. Gel icing colors provide a more concentrated color with less product.

2. Can these cookie sandwiches be frozen?
Yes. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

3. What piping tip should I use?
Ateco 844 or similar round tip creates smooth, professional frosting layers.

4. Can I make mini sandwiches?
Absolutely! Use smaller cookie dough portions and pipe frosting accordingly for bite-sized treats.

5. Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with buttercream?
Yes, but the tangy cream cheese is a hallmark of red velvet flavor.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
1	Preheat oven & prep sheets	5 min
2	Mix dry ingredients	5 min
3	Cream butter & sugars	3 min
4	Add wet ingredients	2 min
5	Combine dry & wet	3 min
6	Portion & bake cookies	7–9 min
7	Cool cookies	15 min
8	Make frosting	10 min
9	Assemble sandwiches	10 min
Total	1 hr 52 min

Serving Suggestions

• Display on a decorative platter with extra sprinkles.
• Perfect for classroom parties, cookie swaps, or gift boxes.
• Ideal accompaniment to coffee, tea, or milk.

Recipe Variations

1. Holiday Red Velvet: Peppermint extract + red/green sprinkles.
2. Chocolate Lovers: Cocoa in frosting for double chocolate sandwiches.
3. Birthday Bash: Rainbow sprinkles + colored gel frosting.
4. Mini Bites: Smaller cookies for party-friendly portions.

Ingredient Spotlight: Cream Cheese & Cocoa

• Cream Cheese: Provides tang and richness; full-fat cream cheese yields best texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Subtle chocolate flavor; use natural cocoa for authentic red velvet taste.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Measure flour accurately using spoon-and-level method.
• Avoid overmixing dough to maintain soft, tender cookies.
• Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Use piping bag for clean, consistent frosting application.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Airtight container, up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Individually wrap sandwiches, store in airtight container, up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge.
• Avoid leaving frosted cookies at room temperature for long periods.

Expanded Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches are the perfect blend of soft, tender cookies and tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. With their vibrant red color and festive sprinkles, they make an elegant yet fun treat for any occasion. Easy to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and utterly delicious, these sandwiches will become a favorite for family gatherings, holidays, and parties.

Treat yourself and your loved ones with these indulgent delights. With just a few steps, you can create a dessert that tastes as good as it looks, and the smiles it brings are priceless. Try this recipe, share it with friends, and watch it disappear fast—these cookie sandwiches are truly unforgettable.

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