Are you dreaming of soft, chewy cookies with a tangy cream cheese frosting and a delightful red velvet flavor? Then you've come to the right place! This Lofthouse Red Velvet Cookies recipe brings the magic of those iconic holiday treats right into your kitchen. Forget the store-bought versions; making these delicious cookies at home is easier than you think, and the results are infinitely more rewarding. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these homemade delights – perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel recommended for vibrant color)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (this helps intensify the red color)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Red Velvet Cookie Dough:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix; slightly lumpy batter is okay.
- Add Color & Vinegar: Stir in the red food coloring and white vinegar. The vinegar reacts with the cocoa to enhance the red hue. Mix until the dough is evenly colored.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Avoid overbaking, which can result in dry cookies.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Butter & Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start with 3 cups and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Vanilla & Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, spatula, or even a piping bag for a more professional look.
Tips for the Best Lofthouse Cookies:
- Use quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies with crispier edges, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies to prevent overbaking.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra indulgence.
- Use different extracts: Experiment with almond extract or peppermint extract for a unique twist.
- Decorate: Get creative with your frosting! Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 25-30g
These Lofthouse Red Velvet Cookies are a delightful treat that's perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). The combination of the soft, moist cookies and the tangy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. Enjoy baking and savoring these easy and healthy(ish) holiday cookies!