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Tender Red Velvet Heart Cookies Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

red velvet heart cookies - featured image
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These tender red velvet heart cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (315g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (15g), preferably Dutch-processed
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g), softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup buttermilk (120ml) or substitute with ½ cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 8 oz cream cheese (225g), softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113g), softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360g), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar.
  6. With the mixer on low, alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk in thirds and halves respectively, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold gently to avoid overmixing.
  7. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  8. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about ¼ inch (6mm) thick.
  9. Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them about 2 inches (5cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  10. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking.
  11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  12. While cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  13. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
  14. Once cookies are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Optionally, pipe frosting with a star tip for a neat finish.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and keep cookies tender. Use gel food coloring and vinegar to maintain vibrant red color. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft. If dough is sticky when rolling, chill again for 10 minutes. Frost cookies only after they have completely cooled to prevent melting. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, see variations section.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cookies, heart cookies, cream cheese frosting, Valentine's Day cookies, soft cookies, cocoa cookies, holiday baking

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/tender-red-velvet-heart-cookies-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-perfect-for-valentines-day/