Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a bakery-style showstopper you can whip up at home, these Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies will absolutely win your heart. Imagine a chewy, luxurious red velvet cookie crowned with a swirl of dreamy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of crushed crimson cookie crumbs. Every bite delivers moist, rich chocolate flavor with that signature zing of tang, transporting you straight to a Crumbl bakery counter — but better, because you made them yourself! These cookies are perfect for celebrations, gifting, or (let’s be honest) treating yourself on a regular Tuesday.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list — each item is straightforward, easy to find, and absolutely essential for creating authentic Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies. While some supplies might seem basic, their combination is what delivers that classic flavor, soft texture, and rich red color.

• Butter: Use either salted or unsalted, but make sure it’s softened so your cookies turn out extra tender and flavorful.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel undertone that makes the cookies irresistibly chewy.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the texture and sweetness, ensuring the cookies are just right.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps achieve that soft, cakey crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth that highlights the red velvet flavor.
• White Vinegar: Gives the red velvet its signature tang and activates the baking powder for an extra fluffy bite.
• Red Gel Food Coloring: Go with gel for vibrant, bold color without thinning your dough.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key — it provides that classic, subtle chocolate touch without overpowering.
• All Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cookies, creating a soft, cakey center and chewy edges.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings all the rich flavors together and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
• Cornstarch: Delivers that famous tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality loved in bakery cookies.
• Baking Powder: Lightens the crumb and helps the cookies rise into pillowy perfection.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese whips up into the ultimate luscious, tangy frosting.
• Butter (for frosting): Adds richness and ensures silky-smooth frosting that pairs perfectly with red velvet.
• Vanilla Extract (for frosting): Layers more warmth and flavor right into the frosting swirl.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a light, fluffy frosting that pipes beautifully onto each cookie.

How to Make Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper — this step is crucial not only for preventing sticking but also for those perfect bottoms on your Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies. Go ahead and set it aside so you’re ready for dough magic!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns super creamy and light. Taking an extra minute here will make your cookies incredibly fluffy, so creaming well is worth it!

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients and Color

Add the egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring to your sugar-butter mixture. Whisk until everything is blended and you get that signature red velvet hue. If you’re after super vibrant color, stick closer to 2 teaspoons of gel food coloring — don’t be shy!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until the flour just disappears. Avoid overmixing — stop as soon as there are no dry streaks left. Remember to save a tablespoon of cookie dough for your finishing touch later!

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop (or your hands), portion the dough into 9 equal balls. Arrange them on the baking sheet, then gently flatten each to about 1/2 inch thick. Pop them in the oven for 10 minutes, then let them cool on the tray for 10-15 minutes. That patience pays off — it keeps the cookies tender and helps set their shape.

Step 6: Prepare the Cookie Crumble Garnish

Don’t forget the tablespoon of dough you set aside! Shape it into a small disc and bake for 7-8 minutes. Once it’s baked and cooled, crumble it up — this is your delicious, crunchy topping for that jaw-dropping bakery finish.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, then add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping for 3-5 minutes until it’s gorgeously light. If your frosting seems a bit soft, chill it briefly, then re-whip for extra structure.

Step 8: Decorate the Cookies

Scoop the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip — or just snip the corner off a ziplock bag for a rustic approach. Pipe generous swirls onto each cooled cookie, then shower them with your homemade red velvet cookie crumbs. Ta-da! You’ve just made authentic Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies at home.

How to Serve Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and texture, always finish your Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies with a sprinkle of those homemade cookie crumbs. You can also dust a little pistachio or gold leaf for festive occasions, or add a few chocolate curls for an over-the-top presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or an indulgent chocolate milkshake. If you want a pairing that complements the tangy cream cheese frosting, try a tart berry compote on the side — it cuts through the richness and elevates the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dessert into a celebration by serving your cookies on a tiered stand, wrapping them individually with ribbon for gifted party favors, or, for a twist, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for an outrageously good red velvet ice cream sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep uneaten cookies in an airtight container in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, making them a handy grab-and-go treat for any occasion.

Freezing

Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies can be frozen, frosted or unfrosted. For best results, freeze the cookies and frosting separately; thaw and frost right before serving. If you freeze them with frosting, lay them flat, then transfer to a container once solid. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Let the cookies come to room temperature after refrigerating or thawing. For a just-baked taste, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds (unfrosted is best, but if frosted, just a few seconds to avoid melting the icing too much).

FAQs

How do I get that vibrant red color in my Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid — gel creates a strong, bold color without thinning your dough. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to reach your ideal red velvet shade.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the all purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend. Just be sure to watch the texture as some blends absorb more moisture than others.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for the frosting?

Leave the cream cheese (and butter) at room temperature for about an hour. If you’re short on time, unwrap and microwave for 10-15 seconds, but don’t let it melt!

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?

Yes, natural is perfect for this recipe. It gives that classic red velvet flavor and reacts properly with the vinegar and baking powder to create just the right lift.

Why do my cookies come out dry?

Dryness usually means overbaking or overmeasuring flour. Check your oven’s calibration, and be sure to scoop and level your flour so you don’t pack too much in.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing just how simple, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious these Crumbl red velvet cupcake cookies are when you make them at home. They’re showstoppers for any gathering and such a joy to whip up and share. Give them a try — you just might find your new favorite cookie recipe!

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