Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love those classic, show-stopping treats that bring both flavor and a pop of color to any gathering, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, a little chocolatey, and perfectly paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting that you’ll want to dunk into every time. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be grabbing your baking tools immediately and making them again — and again.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe are simple pantry staples, but combined just right for that melt-in-your-mouth feel. I always recommend using good quality cream cheese and fresh butter because they really shine through in the frosting and dough.

• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter allows for better mixing and contributes to a tender, rich cookie.
• Light brown sugar: Packed full of moisture and molasses, it keeps cookies chewy and flavorful.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a necessary crisp balance to the sweetness and texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture to keep cookies soft.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making the cookies taste homemade and warm.
• Red velvet bakery emulsion or red gel food color: The secret to that vibrant red hue and signature flavor without the bitterness cocoa powder can sometimes bring.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• Cocoa powder: Adds the faint chocolatey undertone classic to red velvet treats.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie’s structure.
• Milk chocolate chips: I love how the melty chips add sweetness and texture—plus, pressing a few on top makes them pretty!
• Cream cheese: Essential for the tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with these cookies.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting that silky smooth sweetness.
• Milk: Helps loosen the frosting to pipe easily without losing fluffiness.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to make it your own. Once you get the basics down, you can play around with flavors, textures, and even dietary tweaks that suit your needs.

• Variation: I sometimes substitute white chocolate chips for the milk chocolate ones for a creamier sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting.
• Dairy-Free Version: If you want a dairy-free twist, using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives works well, just be sure to adjust chilling times to firm up the dough.
• Boozy Kick: Adding a teaspoon of bourbon or rum into the frosting is a fun adult twist that livens up the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by setting your butter out ahead of time so it’s nice and soft—that’s key. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter with both your light brown and granulated sugars. You’ll know you’re done when the mixture looks light, creamy, and fluffy—usually around two minutes. This step is crucial because it sets the tone for the cookie’s texture.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now, crack the egg in and add the vanilla extract plus the red velvet bakery emulsion or red gel food coloring. I prefer using bakery emulsion because it gives you that authentic red velvet flavor without making the cookies taste artificial. Mix everything in until it’s smooth and well combined, scraping down your bowl if any streaks remain.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients Gently

Sift together the baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and flour to avoid lumps and mix them into the wet mixture on low speed. This step needs a gentle hand — you want the flour just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough. Once it’s almost mixed, crank the mixer up high for 20 seconds to bring the dough together into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in one cup of the milk chocolate chips with a spatula so they’re evenly distributed throughout. I like to keep a little bit of chips aside to press on top of each cookie before baking—that extra bit of melted chocolate on top is pure joy!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them so the cookies can spread without merging. I usually bake six cookies at a time to give them enough room. Before you pop them in, press 3-4 chocolate chips on top of each dough ball for that classic bakery look. Bake at 350°F for about 12 minutes, then let them cool on the pan for 10-15 minutes—they’ll set perfectly as they rest without drying out.

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip your frosting. Beat together cream cheese and butter until light and smooth—about two minutes. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk, then whip on high for another two minutes until fluffy and irresistible. The frosting should be pipeable but sturdy enough to hold its shape.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Once cookies are fully cooled, pipe a swirl of frosting onto one cookie, then sandwich it gently with another. Try not to squeeze too hard—you want the frosting to peek out slightly without squishing everywhere. The look is just as important as the taste here!

How to Serve Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with a few extra chocolate chips pressed on top of each cookie—their melty shine just finishes the look perfectly. Sometimes, I dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar over the top for a subtle wintery touch, especially around the holidays. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even add edible gold glitter or tiny heart sprinkles for a festive vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair these sandwiches with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat, or serve alongside a cup of rich coffee or hot cocoa to balance the sweetness. For parties, I love arranging them on a platter with fresh berries or mint leaves to add freshness and a pop of color.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I like stacking the cookies in a cookie tower, tied together with a pretty ribbon. Another fun idea is making mini versions using a small scoop for bite-sized sandwich cookies perfect for a buffet or tea party. Wrapping individual sandwich cookies in cellophane bags with a colorful tag makes them ideal homemade gifts, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, I store these Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to 5 days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is key to keep them fresh and prevent spoilage. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for an event, you can freeze the baked cookies (without frosting) in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw completely, frost, and assemble. I’ve also frozen fully assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly, and just thawed in the fridge before serving—both ways work well!

Reheating

Since these cookies have frosting, I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave. But if you want to enjoy a warm cookie, try separating the cookies before assembling, warm them individually for 10 seconds, then add frosting after cooling slightly. This keeps the frosting fresh and makes for a delightful treat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want a treat that’s a bit more special than your usual cookie. It’s fun to make, looks stunning, and has that indulgent combo of soft cookie and tangy frosting that everybody loves. If you’re looking for a recipe to impress friends or just reward yourself with something sweet and pretty, give this one a go—I promise you’ll be smiling with every bite. Happy baking, friend!

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