Ingredients
Method
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add red food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While cookies cool, prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy and fluffy.
- Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe frosting onto the tops. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
For best results, use gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant crimson hue without thinning the dough. Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.