Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the rich, velvety allure of red velvet with the creamy decadence of cream cheese frosting. These show-stopping cookie stacks are not just a dessert; they're an experience that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, crimson-hued cookie layered with silky smooth cream cheese frosting – a treat so irresistible, it'll have everyone begging for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cookie stacks
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in red food coloring and vanilla extract until the batter is evenly colored.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly crisp and centers are set. Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- For cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese in a clean mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create stacks.
- Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar or garnish with sprinkles for extra decoration.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the cookie dough just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Food Coloring Technique: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color without altering the batter's consistency.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent cookie sizes to create perfect stacks.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
- Frosting Consistency: If frosting is too thick, add a little more cream; if too thin, add powdered sugar.
- Make Ahead: These cookie stacks can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Decorative Touch: Experiment with sprinkles, cocoa powder dusting, or chocolate shavings for extra visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 85mg
