You guys! When my mom tasted this recipe and then looked at me and smiled she said I think that is one of the best things you have ever done and honestly I agree because Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies started as a simple kitchen experiment and quickly turned into one of my absolute favorites and I keep coming back to it again and again.

These Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies have that classic bakery style texture with soft cookie layers paired with a smooth filling and even though I usually lean toward chocolate heavy desserts this recipe completely won me over and earned a permanent spot in my baking rotation.

I love how versatile Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are because they work as a sweet treat for gatherings as a fun baking project or even as a make ahead dessert that stays just as good days later which makes them perfect for sharing or saving.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe and each ingredient plays a specific role in making the cookies soft balanced and flavorful.

All purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the cookies their soft yet sturdy base.
Cocoa powder: Adds subtle chocolate notes without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Creates richness and contributes to a soft cookie crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with spreading.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture to the dough.
Red food coloring: Gives the cookies their signature red velvet look.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors in both cookies and filling.
Cream cheese: Forms the base of the smooth sandwich filling.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the filling texture.

Tools You’ll Need

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar smooth and consistent.
Mixing bowls: Keep wet and dry ingredients organized.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure balanced proportions for best results.
Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking cookies.
Silicone baking mat or parchment paper: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool properly before filling.
Piping bag with tip: Helps apply filling evenly and neatly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

I start by mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl which helps everything distribute evenly later and then in my mixer I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy because this step sets the foundation for soft cookies.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

I add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition and then I blend in the vanilla and red food coloring until the color is uniform and vibrant throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Combine Everything

I slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined because overmixing can make the cookies dense and I always stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

I scoop equal portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet spacing them evenly and then I bake until the edges are set but the centers are still soft because they will firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Make the Filling

While the cookies cool I beat the cream cheese butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy and this filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to pipe.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

I pair cookies of similar size and pipe the filling onto one side before gently pressing the second cookie on top creating a neat and even sandwich.

Tips

From my experience chilling the dough slightly helps control spreading if your kitchen is warm and I also recommend using a cookie scoop so all the cookies bake evenly and sandwich together perfectly. If the filling feels too soft I chill it briefly before piping which makes assembly cleaner and easier.

Ways to Serve

I love serving Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies on a platter for parties because the color really stands out and they also make a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped individually. They pair beautifully with coffee milk or even hot chocolate and I sometimes add festive sprinkles around the filling edge for holidays or special events.

Storage Instructions

I store assembled Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the filling fresh and they stay soft and delicious for several days. If I want to make them ahead I freeze the unfilled cookies and assemble them later which works perfectly and keeps the texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies ahead of time?

Yes I often bake the cookies in advance and assemble them the next day for convenience.

Do Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies need to be refrigerated?

Because of the cream cheese filling I recommend storing them chilled for safety and freshness.

Can I freeze Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies?

You can freeze the cookies without filling and assemble them after thawing for best texture.

What filling works best for Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies?

Cream cheese filling is my favorite because it balances sweetness and complements the cookie flavor.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies a try because they truly became one of my favorite baking projects and I would love to hear how yours turn out so feel free to save this recipe and share it with friends or family.

Happy Cooking!