Indulge in the decadent, rich flavors of this Red Velvet Cookie Cake, a perfect fusion of a soft cookie and cake-like texture. This dessert is a showstopper, with its deep red color and creamy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a new dessert for Valentine’s Day, or just craving something sweet, this Red Velvet Cookie Cake is sure to satisfy. With its soft, chewy center, and a smooth, tangy cream cheese topping, it’s a perfect treat to impress guests or enjoy with family.

This easy-to-make dessert gives you the essence of a red velvet cake, but in the form of a giant cookie. The combination of red food coloring, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract creates that signature flavor, and the cream cheese frosting adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s an irresistibly moist treat that’s perfect for any celebration or even just a cozy dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft, Chewy Texture

The cookie cake has the perfect chewy texture—soft and tender in the middle with a slight crispness around the edges.

2. Cream Cheese Frosting

The homemade cream cheese frosting is light, tangy, and perfectly sweet, adding the perfect complement to the rich red velvet flavor.

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3. Quick and Easy

This cookie cake is simple to make and doesn’t require the complicated steps of a traditional cake, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers.

4. Customizable Add-ins

While this recipe calls for white chocolate chips, you can add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even sprinkles to make it your own.

5. Perfect for Celebrations

The vibrant red color and delicious flavor make this cookie cake an ideal dessert for holidays, birthdays, or even just a special treat to enjoy with loved ones.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar (packed)
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk)
Red gel food coloring (or liquid food coloring)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
White chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream cheese (softened)
Unsalted butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Variations

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake: Swap the white chocolate chips for semisweet or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.
Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor in the cookie cake.
Flavored Frosting: You can infuse the cream cheese frosting with a little lemon zest, almond extract, or even a tablespoon of cocoa powder to complement the red velvet cake flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. You can also use a pizza pan or any round oven-safe dish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until fully incorporated. Stir in the buttermilk and red gel food coloring (or liquid coloring) until combined. Make sure the red color is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture soft and tender.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them into the dough gently.

Pour the dough into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The edges should look golden brown.

Allow the cookie cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookie cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Once the cookie cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can leave it as a smooth layer or get creative with piping the frosting into decorative patterns. Slice and serve!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid a tough cookie cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth frosting.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time, as every oven is different. Start checking with a toothpick at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Chill the Frosting: If the cream cheese frosting is too soft to spread, place it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly.

How to Serve

This Red Velvet Cookie Cake can be served as a fun and festive dessert for parties, birthdays, or as a sweet treat for family gatherings. Serve it as a slice on its own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookie cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The frosting will stay fresh and creamy, and the cookie cake will retain its soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-frosted cookie cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. When ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature and then frost it.

Reheating

To reheat individual slices, warm them up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For a warmer treat, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

Yes, you can use liquid food coloring, but gel food coloring produces a deeper and more vibrant red color with less liquid.

2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese frosting?

You can replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple buttercream frosting or even serve the cookie cake without frosting for a lighter treat.

Yes, you can substitute regular milk or make a simple buttermilk substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar with enough milk to equal 2 tablespoons of buttermilk.

4. Can I add more cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor?

If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough, but be sure to balance it with more liquid if necessary.

Absolutely! You can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even more white chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese frosting for extra flair.

6. Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a buttercream or even a whipped cream frosting for a lighter texture.

7. Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe, as it gives you control over the amount of salt. However, you can use salted butter if that’s all you have, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.

The cookie cake is done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, and use a larger pan.

10. Can I freeze the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese frosting. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Cookie Cake is the perfect treat for any celebration or when you simply want something sweet. Its rich red color, soft texture, and tangy cream cheese frosting make it a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Easy to make and sure to impress, it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of red velvet cake in a fun, cookie-cake hybrid form. Enjoy every slice!

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