Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Christmas baking is more than just preparing desserts; it is a tradition that brings warmth, creativity, and togetherness into the home. During the holiday season, kitchens become gathering places filled with laughter, music, and the comforting aromas of butter, sugar, and freshly baked treats. Cookies, in particular, hold a special place in Christmas celebrations. They are versatile, easy to share, and perfect for gifting, decorating, or enjoying with a warm drink on a cold winter evening.

Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies capture the magic of the season in both flavor and appearance. Their soft texture and delicate sweetness make them irresistible, while their cheerful pink color adds a festive twist that stands out on any holiday dessert table. These cookies are inspired by the idea of velvet-style baked goods, known for their tender crumb and rich mouthfeel. Instead of being bold or heavy, pink velvet cookies feel light, playful, and comforting, making them suitable for all ages.

The addition of cake batter flavoring brings a nostalgic touch that reminds many people of childhood celebrations and homemade treats. Combined with a smooth Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting, these cookies transform into an elegant yet approachable dessert. The frosting adds a creamy contrast to the soft cookie base, balancing sweetness with a subtle tang that keeps each bite interesting. Finished with Christmas sprinkles, the cookies become visually stunning and unmistakably festive.

This recipe is designed to be both practical and rewarding. It does not require complicated techniques or specialized equipment, making it accessible to home bakers while still delivering bakery-quality results. Whether you are baking for a holiday party, preparing edible gifts, or simply enjoying the process of seasonal baking, these Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are a wonderful addition to your festive traditions.

Ingredients

Pink Velvet Cookies

1 ½ cups (333g) salted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (345g) granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 ½ tsp cake batter flavoring
Pink food coloring
4 ½ cups (684g) all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 cup (56g) butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups (428g) powdered sugar
1 pinch salt
Milk or heavy cream, to thin
Christmas sprinkles

Understanding the Ingredients

Butter plays a central role in this recipe, providing richness, flavor, and structure. Softened butter allows for proper creaming with sugar, which helps incorporate air into the dough and results in a tender cookie texture. Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to their soft interior and lightly crisp edges.

Eggs act as binders and add moisture, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while remaining soft. Cake batter flavoring enhances the overall taste with a subtle, nostalgic sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pink velvet base. Pink food coloring gives the cookies their signature festive appearance and can be adjusted to achieve the desired shade.

All-purpose flour provides structure, while baking powder ensures the cookies rise gently and remain light rather than dense. For the frosting, butter and cream cheese combine to create a smooth, creamy base. Vanilla adds warmth and depth, powdered sugar provides sweetness and structure, and a pinch of salt balances the flavors. Milk or heavy cream is used to adjust the consistency of the frosting, making it easy to spread or pipe. Christmas sprinkles add texture, color, and visual appeal.

Preparation Method

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened salted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is important, as proper creaming helps create a soft and tender cookie texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.

Stir in the cake batter flavoring and add pink food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

To prepare the Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Add a pinch of salt, then thin the frosting with milk or heavy cream, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top of each cookie. Finish with Christmas sprinkles for a festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Results

Using room-temperature ingredients ensures smooth mixing and even baking. Chilling the dough briefly can help if it feels too soft to handle. Baking the cookies just until set keeps them soft and tender. Allowing the cookies to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. They make excellent additions to holiday dessert platters and are perfect for cookie exchanges or gift boxes. Their festive appearance also makes them ideal for holiday parties and celebrations.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Unfrosted cookies can be stored at room temperature. The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake, making holiday planning easier.

Conclusion and Frequently Asked Questions

Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful combination of festive color, soft texture, and comforting flavor. They are easy to make, visually appealing, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season. With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is designed to help you create beautiful, delicious cookies that bring joy to any Christmas celebration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time
Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

How do I keep the cookies soft
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container to maintain softness.

Can I adjust the frosting thickness
Yes, simply add more or less milk or heavy cream to reach your preferred consistency.

Do these cookies freeze well
Unfrosted cookies freeze well and can be thawed before frosting and serving.