Soft, festive cookies with classic velvet flavor

Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies bring a cheerful twist to traditional red velvet desserts. These cookies are soft, tender, and lightly cocoa-flavored, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting that adds tangy balance to their subtle sweetness. Their pastel pink hue makes them a standout addition to holiday cookie trays, gifting boxes, and Christmas dessert spreads.

Unlike cake-style velvet desserts, these cookies are compact and easy to portion, making them ideal for sharing. The dough comes together quickly with pantry staples, while the frosting adds a bakery-style finish that elevates the entire recipe. The result is a cookie that looks festive, tastes indulgent, and feels special without being complicated.

Pink velvet cookies have become increasingly popular during the holidays because they offer the nostalgic flavor of red velvet while standing out visually. They pair beautifully with classic Christmas cookies like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and chocolate crinkles.

What Makes Pink Velvet Different

Velvet-style desserts are known for their soft crumb and subtle cocoa flavor. Unlike chocolate cookies, velvet cookies use only a small amount of cocoa powder, allowing vanilla and butter flavors to shine. The pink coloring is purely aesthetic, making these cookies customizable for different holidays or themes.

Cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping because it adds richness and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the cookie base. Together, they create a balanced dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Pink food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in egg, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring until evenly colored.
Combine Dough
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Chill the Dough
Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool fully before frosting.
Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
Frost and Decorate
Frost cooled cookies and add festive sprinkles if desired.

Tips for Soft, Bakery-Style Cookies

Do not overbake: Cookies should look just set in the center.
Chill the dough: This keeps cookies thick and tender.
Gel food coloring works best: It gives vibrant color without thinning the dough.
Frost only when cool: Warm cookies will melt frosting.

Variations and Custom Ideas

Peppermint Velvet Cookies: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.
Valentine’s Version: Use heart-shaped sprinkles.
Sandwich Cookies: Sandwich frosting between two cookies.
Mini Cookies: Make smaller portions for dessert platters.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Why This Recipe Is a Holiday Favorite

These cookies combine visual appeal with classic flavor. The pink color adds festive charm, while the cream cheese frosting brings richness and familiarity. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to brighten any holiday dessert table.