Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
– ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
– 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Royal Icing:
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– Green food coloring (for decorating)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out tree-shaped cookies using a cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Icing:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well.
2. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the icing reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. Add green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.
3. Transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and decorate the cooled cookies with tree patterns. Add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.
4. Let the icing set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
