What’s better than a classic Oreo cookie? A homemade, indulgent Red Velvet Oreo! These cookies are a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds, combining the iconic flavor of red velvet cake with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling sandwiched between two soft, chewy red velvet cookies. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it the ultimate treat for dessert lovers. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these decadent red velvet Oreos are guaranteed to steal the show.
Here’s a fun fact to make you love them even more: Red velvet desserts first gained popularity during the Great Depression when food coloring was added to make cocoa-heavy bakes look more “exciting.” Fast forward to today, and red velvet is a beloved flavor in everything from cakes and donuts to—you guessed it—cookies! These red velvet Oreos are easy to make at home, customizable to your taste, and don’t require complex baking skills or special equipment.
If you’ve already devoured my classic Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, these red velvet Oreos will give you a similar chewy texture but with the added luxurious flavor of cocoa and cream cheese. Ready to get baking? This recipe will be your new dessert obsession—it’s simple, impressive, and absolutely delicious. Let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
What Are Red Velvet Oreos?
Red velvet Oreos are essentially soft, chewy red velvet cookies filled with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting, mimicking the flavor profile of your favorite red velvet cake. It’s like sandwiching the best parts of a cake into a portable, handheld treat. Why are they called ‘Oreos,’ though? Well, think of these as homemade gourmet versions of your favorite store-bought cookie, only softer, fresher, and customizable to your liking.
Who doesn’t love a good “red velvet everything”? These cookies have a striking red color, a touch of cocoa, and that nostalgia-inducing cream cheese tang. They also prove the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” because if you serve these, love (and compliments) will follow. So, grab your apron and let’s join the red velvet revolution—you need this recipe in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Oreos
1. The Perfect Marriage of Flavors
If you love the smooth richness of cream cheese frosting and the subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet cake, this recipe is for you. These cookies have just the right amount of sweetness, a vibrant red hue, and a soft texture that will melt in your mouth. Combined with the tangy filling, each bite feels like a tiny homemade hug.
2. Budget-Friendly Gourmet Dessert
Why spend money on store-bought red velvet treats when you can make your own for a fraction of the cost? With simple ingredients you probably already have at home (like flour, cocoa, and butter), you can recreate these cookies in no time. Plus, homemade always tastes better, and you’ll have the satisfaction of saying, “Yes, I made this!”
3. Endlessly Customizable
Love chocolate? Throw in some white or dark chocolate chips. Want extra tanginess? Double the cream cheese filling! You can even add sprinkles for a festive look. These red velvet Oreos are as customizable as they are delicious, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
If you’ve tried my Homemade Double Chocolate Cookies, you’ll find these red velvet Oreos just as fun to make and even more visually impressive. Trust me, your family and friends won’t be able to stop at just one. Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
How to Make Red Velvet Oreos
Quick Overview
Making red velvet Oreos at home is simpler than you think! The process involves creating soft, chewy red velvet cookies and pairing them with a luscious cream cheese filling. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that you can whip up in under an hour. You don’t need any professional equipment, and the result is a batch of bakery-quality cookies you’ll be proud to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Assembling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Key Ingredients for Red Velvet Oreos
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 21⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 11⁄2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring (adjust to your desired red shade)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
[Optional Add-Ins for the Cookies: White chocolate chips, red sprinkles, or red velvet cake crumbs for decoration]
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy (use a hand or stand mixer). Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until the dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll into balls. Place them evenly apart on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are soft. The cookies will continue to bake as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool completely before assembling.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent mess. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Red Velvet Oreos
- Pipe or spoon the cream cheese filling onto the bottom of one cookie.
- Sandwich another cookie on top, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly.
- Repeat until all cookies are paired off.
What to Serve Red Velvet Oreos With
These rich, indulgent cookies pair beautifully with:
- A tall glass of milk (an Oreo classic!).
- Hot cocoa or coffee for cozy evenings.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist.
- Red velvet cupcakes for a double dose of your favorite dessert flavor.
Top Tips for Perfecting Red Velvet Oreos
- Make Them Extra Vibrant: Use gel food coloring for that bold red color without adding too much liquid.
- Customize the Filling: Add a touch of lemon zest for added tang in the cream cheese frosting.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading and ensures perfectly round cookies.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- How to Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain the fresh cream cheese filling.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled cookies for up to 3 weeks. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make-Ahead Option: Bake the cookies in advance and freeze them (unfilled). Simply make the filling and assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
FAQs About Red Velvet Oreos
If you’re intrigued by the idea of Red Velvet Oreos but have questions about how to make them or what makes them special, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are six frequently asked questions to give you all the details you need before diving into this decadent treat.
1. What Are Red Velvet Oreos?
Red Velvet Oreos are soft, chewy cookie sandwiches inspired by the rich and tangy flavors of red velvet cake. They feature two bright red cookies with a subtle cocoa flavor, paired with a luscious cream cheese filling in between. Think of them as a homemade version of your favorite sandwich cookies, but with a gourmet twist and that signature red velvet charm.
2. Do I Need Special Equipment to Make Red Velvet Oreos?
Nope! This recipe is super beginner-friendly and requires no special tools. All you need are a few basic kitchen essentials: a mixing bowl, a hand or stand mixer, and a baking tray. You don’t need any piping bags either—you can simply spoon the cream cheese filling onto the cookies if you prefer.
3. How Do I Get the Signature Red Color?
To achieve that bold and beautiful red velvet color, I recommend using gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, giving you a vibrant red hue without altering the cookie dough’s consistency. You can adjust the amount of gel to achieve your desired shade of red.
4. How Long Can I Store Red Velvet Oreos?
Red Velvet Oreos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container to keep the cream cheese filling fresh. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookies (unfilled) for up to 3 months, then assemble them later with the frosting. Once filled, they can also be frozen for up to 2 weeks—just let them thaw before serving.
5. Can I Customize the Recipe?
Absolutely! Red Velvet Oreos are super versatile. Add white chocolate chips or sprinkles into the cookie dough for extra fun. You can also jazz up the cream cheese filling by adding a touch of lemon zest or even a dash of vanilla bean for more flavor.
6. What Can I Serve With Red Velvet Oreos?
These irresistible cookies are perfect as a standalone dessert but pair wonderfully with:
- A glass of milk (classic combo).
- Hot coffee or tea for a cozy pairing.
- Vanilla or cream cheese ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Conclusion
There you have it—everything you need to make irresistibly Red Velvet Oreos at home! These cookies are perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With their soft, chewy texture, vibrant color, and tangy-sweet filling, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. So grab your baking tools, make a batch, and enjoy a truly decadent treat. Happy baking! 🍪❤️