Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies

Introduction

These Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are a joyful mashup of soft cookie comfort and festive frosting sparkle. The dough is simple to make and easy to scoop, which makes this a perfect recipe for holiday baking days with friends or family. I love the slightly sweet cake batter note that comes through from the flavoring and the cream cheese frosting that puffs up into a glossy swirl. For another playful holiday treat that mixes crunchy and sweet, try this Caramel Ritz cracker Christmas cookies for inspiration.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe checks all the festive boxes without being fussy. The dough is sturdy enough to roll and shape yet soft enough to yield pillowy centers after a short bake. Because the cookies are baked then frosted while still warm, the frosting sets with a slight sheen that catches sprinkles beautifully. The pink color adds a cheerful, unexpected twist to typical holiday red and green displays and makes a great platter center. It is a crowd pleasing project for cookie swaps, bake sales, or a cozy afternoon of baking with kids.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a tender, buttery cookie with a mild cake like crumb thanks to the cake batter flavoring and baking powder. The frosting balances tangy cream cheese with sweet powdered sugar for a smooth, mellow top that contrasts the soft cookie base. When frosted while warm, the icing sinks just a touch into the cookie, creating a melt in your mouth combination. Sprinkles add a crunchy, festive pop that gives each bite an extra cheerful note. Overall the flavors are sweet, nostalgic, and very approachable for all ages.

Ingredients

* 1 ½ cups (333g) salted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups (345g) granulated sugar
* 3 eggs
* 1 ½ tsp cake batter flavoring
* pink food coloring
* 4 ½ cups (684g) all-purpose flour
* 3 tsp baking powder
* 1/4 cup (56g) butter, softened
* 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
* 2 tsp vanilla
* 4 cups (428g) powdered sugar
* 1 pinch salt
* milk or heavy cream, to thin
* Christmas sprinkles

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I typically mix for about 2 minutes in my stand mixer.
3. Add in the eggs, cake batter flavoring and a few drops of pink food coloring. Once mixed, add in the flour and baking powder. Mix until thoroughly combined.
4. Divide the dough into 3 Tbsp portions and roll into a ball and flatten slightly before arranging on a parchment or silicone lined cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the centers of the cookies have puffed up and are no longer glossy.
6. While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting by whipping the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth.
7. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add in the pinch of salt and then add milk a few tsp at a time until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
8. Put the finished frosting into a piping bag fit with a round piping tip. Pipe the frosting onto the still warm cookie in a spiral, starting in the center and working your way out and top immediately with Christmas Sprinkles.

Tips for Best Results

Chill the scooped dough for 15 minutes if your kitchen is very warm to prevent excessive spreading. Use a small cookie scoop to keep all cookies uniform so they bake evenly across the tray. When tinting, a little pink goes a long way; add one drop at a time until you like the shade. If you want a different frosting shape or texture, see creative ideas such as those used for this creamy filled treat at Boston cream pie cookies for plating inspiration. Always press sprinkles gently on top right after piping so they stick and look polished.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in a single layer or with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to two months; thaw and frost on the day you plan to serve. If you make frosting ahead, keep it chilled and whip briefly before using to refresh the texture. Baked and frosted cookies are best enjoyed within three days for optimal texture.

Final Thought

These Christmas Pink Velvet Cookies are a festive, friendly recipe that looks as good as they taste on a holiday platter. The combination of soft cookie and tangy cream cheese frosting makes them memorable without being complicated. They are a lovely way to add color to cookie swaps and seasonal gifting.