Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Is there anything more comforting than a soft, chewy cookie, especially one dressed in vibrant pink and crowned with a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting? These Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate indulgence. Inspired by the iconic bakery treat, this recipe brings that bakery magic right to your kitchen. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or just a delightful weekend baking project, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Imagine sinking your teeth into a velvety smooth cookie with a hint of cocoa, perfectly balanced by the rich, creamy frosting. Get ready to experience cookie perfection! This recipe is updated for 2024 with insights from my own testing to get them just right!

I’ve always been a huge fan of Crumbl Cookies, but sometimes a trip to the bakery just isn’t in the cards. That’s why I started experimenting with recreating my favorites at home. These Pink Velvet Cookies are the result of many batches, countless tweaks, and (thankfully) a lot of delicious cookie eating. My background in culinary arts, with a focus on baking and pastry, has given me the knowledge to really understand the science behind cookie making – how different ingredients interact, and how baking times and temperatures affect the final product. Plus, pink velvet is having a MOMENT, showing up everywhere from lattes to cupcakes, making these cookies perfectly on-trend. I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks with you so you can achieve cookie greatness in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

The key to incredible Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies lies in high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookie. I recommend unbleached for a softer texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds that signature velvet flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best result. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker color and deeper flavor.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and spread. Make sure they are fresh for optimal results!
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened but not melted.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Contribute to sweetness, moisture, and texture. Brown sugar adds a chewy element.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their vibrant pink hue. Gel food coloring is recommended for the most intense color without adding excess liquid.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the cookies. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and stability to the frosting. Softened to room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and helps to achieve the desired consistency.

Substitution Tips:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Look for one that already contains xanthan gum.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Egg-Free: Substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Vegan: Combine all of the dairy and egg free substitutions.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pink Velvet Cookies

Here are my top tips for ensuring your Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Chill the Dough: This is crucial! Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours (or even overnight) prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and allows the flavors to meld together.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies that bake evenly, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. I use a 1/4 cup scoop for a good size cookie.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting will prevent lumps and create a silky smooth frosting.
• Decorate Creatively: While the classic Crumbl look is a simple swirl of frosting, don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations! Sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a festive touch.
• Even Color: Ensure the red food coloring is thoroughly mixed into the dough for an even, vibrant pink color.

FAQ: Your Pink Velvet Cookie Questions Answered

Why are my cookies spreading too thin?

This is usually caused by butter that is too warm or not chilling the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, and chill the dough for at least 2 hours before baking. Also, avoid over-greasing your baking sheet.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

How do I keep my cookies soft?

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help keep them soft.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the dough. For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. For the dough, scoop it into individual cookies and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Why is my frosting lumpy?

Lumpy frosting is usually caused by cold cream cheese or powdered sugar that hasn’t been sifted. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature and sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting.

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

While gel food coloring is recommended for the most vibrant color, you can use liquid food coloring. However, you may need to use more liquid coloring to achieve the desired pink hue, which can affect the consistency of the dough.

These Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just cookies; they’re an experience. The soft, velvety texture, the subtle cocoa flavor, and the tangy cream cheese frosting create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can easily recreate this bakery favorite in your own kitchen. And don’t forget to tag me on social media when you make these! I can’t wait to see your cookie creations! Try these other popular cookie recipes: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Peanut Butter Cookies!

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