Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: A Delicious Delight

Red velvet, with its vibrant color and subtly tangy flavor, has captivated dessert lovers for years. While red velvet cake might be the most famous iteration, red velvet sandwich cookies offer a delightful twist – a perfect balance of soft, chewy cookies and a creamy, decadent filling. This recipe, affectionately dubbed “Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies,” is designed to be approachable and foolproof, even for novice bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these stunning and utterly delicious treats!

## Why These Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Are Special

What makes these cookies stand out? Several factors contribute to their irresistible appeal:

* **Ease of Preparation:** This recipe prioritizes simplicity. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients are required. The steps are clearly outlined, ensuring a smooth baking experience.
* **Perfect Texture:** The cookies are soft and chewy, not cakey or crumbly. This desirable texture is achieved through a careful balance of ingredients and baking time.
* **Vibrant Red Color:** The classic red velvet hue is achieved with a combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring. We’ll discuss options for achieving the desired color naturally as well.
* **Creamy Dreamy Filling:** The cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the slightly tangy red velvet cookies. It’s rich, smooth, and adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Both the cookies and the frosting can be made in advance, making these cookies perfect for parties and gatherings. You can bake the cookies one day and assemble the sandwiches the next.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. It’s always a good idea to measure everything out before you start baking to ensure accuracy.

### For the Red Velvet Cookies:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 1/2 cups (300g). Provides the structure for the cookies.
* **Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:** 2 tablespoons (12g). Adds the characteristic chocolate flavor and contributes to the red color.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon. Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, airy texture.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/2 cup (113g), softened. Adds richness and tenderness to the cookies. Make sure it is softened, not melted.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 1/2 cups (300g). Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their chewy texture.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup (100g), packed. Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
* **Buttermilk:** 1 cup (240ml). Adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a tender crumb. You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
* **Red Food Coloring:** 2 teaspoons (gel food coloring recommended). Provides the signature red velvet color. See notes below for natural alternatives.
* **White Vinegar:** 1 teaspoon. Reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy texture.

### For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces (226g), softened. The base of the frosting, providing a tangy and creamy flavor.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/2 cup (113g), softened. Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
* **Powdered Sugar:** 3-4 cups (360-480g), sifted. Sweetens and thickens the frosting. Start with 3 cups and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
* **Pinch of Salt:** Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need at least two mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier. You can use a whisk, but it will require more effort.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Cookie Sheets:** Two cookie sheets are ideal so you can bake one batch while preparing the next.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** Prevents the cookies from sticking to the cookie sheets.
* **Cookie Scoop (optional):** Ensures that all the cookies are the same size, resulting in even baking.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the cookies.
* **Offset Spatula or Butter Knife:** For spreading the frosting.
* **Piping Bag and Tip (optional):** For a more decorative frosting application.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies.

### Part 1: Making the Red Velvet Cookies

1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is essential for creating a soft and tender cookie.

4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

5. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, red food coloring, and white vinegar. The vinegar will react with the buttermilk, creating a slightly curdled mixture. This is normal and contributes to the cookie’s texture.

6. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. A few streaks of flour are okay.

7. **Scoop and Bake:** Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, aim for about 1.5-inch diameter for each cookie.

8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.

9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.

### Part 2: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. **Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:** In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature to prevent lumps in the frosting.

2. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Sifting the powdered sugar helps to prevent lumps in the frosting. Start with 3 cups and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

3. **Add Vanilla and Salt:** Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.

4. **Chill (Optional):** If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to spread.

### Part 3: Assembling the Sandwich Cookies

1. **Pair Cookies:** Arrange the cooled cookies in pairs, matching them by size and shape. This will create more visually appealing sandwiches.

2. **Frost Cookies:** Spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese frosting onto the flat side of one cookie from each pair.

3. **Sandwich Together:** Top with the remaining cookie, flat side down, and gently press to adhere. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause the frosting to squish out.

4. **Chill (Optional):** For best results, chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This will help them to incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter and frosting.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Use a Cookie Scoop:** Using a cookie scoop will ensure that all the cookies are the same size, resulting in even baking.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cookies:** Overbaking the cookies will make them dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
* **Sift the Powdered Sugar:** Sifting the powdered sugar will prevent lumps in the frosting.
* **Adjust the Sweetness of the Frosting:** Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness as needed by adding more powdered sugar or a pinch of salt.
* **Chill the Assembled Cookies:** Chilling the assembled cookies will allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Natural Red Food Coloring:** If you prefer to avoid artificial food coloring, you can use beet juice or red beet powder to achieve the red velvet color. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach the desired shade. Keep in mind that natural food colorings may not produce as vibrant a color as artificial food coloring.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra touch of chocolate flavor.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
* **Different Frosting:** Experiment with different frostings, such as vanilla buttercream, chocolate buttercream, or even a simple glaze.
* **Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
* **Vegan:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar, and the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese to make these cookies vegan.

## Storing and Freezing

* **Storing:** Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the cookies and frosting separately at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble the cookies just before serving.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze the frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw both the cookies and frosting completely before assembling.

## Troubleshooting

* **Cookies are too flat:** This could be due to using softened butter instead of properly creamed butter and sugar, or using too much sugar. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, and measure the ingredients accurately.
* **Cookies are too dry:** This could be due to overbaking the cookies or using too much flour. Bake the cookies until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft, and measure the ingredients accurately.
* **Frosting is too soft:** This could be due to using softened cream cheese and butter that are too warm, or adding too much liquid. Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to firm it up, and add powdered sugar as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
* **Frosting is too stiff:** This could be due to adding too much powdered sugar. Add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin the frosting out.

## Serving Suggestions

Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Dessert Platter:** Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter along with other sweet treats, such as brownies, cupcakes, and fruit.
* **Party Favors:** Wrap the cookies individually in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a charming party favor.
* **Gift Giving:** Package the cookies in a decorative box and give them as a thoughtful gift to friends, family, or neighbors.
* **Afternoon Tea:** Serve the cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
* **Holiday Celebrations:** These cookies are especially festive for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Easter.

## Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies Recipe Card

**Yields:** Approximately 24 sandwich cookies
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 9-11 minutes

### Ingredients:

**For the Red Velvet Cookies:**

* 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons (12g) unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
* 2 teaspoons red food coloring (gel recommended)
* 1 teaspoon white vinegar

**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**

* 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3-4 cups (360-480g) sifted powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt

### Instructions:

**Make the Red Velvet Cookies:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, red food coloring, and white vinegar.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:**

1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
4. Chill for 15-30 minutes if too soft.

**Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:**

1. Arrange the cooled cookies in pairs, matching them by size and shape.
2. Spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese frosting onto the flat side of one cookie from each pair.
3. Top with the remaining cookie, flat side down, and gently press to adhere.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies!

## Conclusion

Dawn’s Easy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that is sure to impress. With their soft, chewy texture, vibrant red color, and creamy cream cheese frosting, these cookies are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some red velvet magic! These cookies are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the most satisfying results. Happy Baking!