Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I love desserts that feel indulgent but still fit into a normal weekday routine. These Red Velvet Valentine Cookies with Cream Cheese Chips are one of those magical recipes, soft, chewy, and rich with that classic red velvet flavor we all love. Each bite melts together creamy sweetness and a hint of cocoa for a cookie that feels special enough for Valentine’s Day (or honestly, any day).
If you enjoy cozy, easy desserts that look bakery-fancy, you’ll love my Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Cookies and my Christmas Cookie Cheesecake for Holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture: Moist red velvet base with slightly crisp edges.
- Cream cheese chips: Sweet, tangy pockets of flavor that perfectly balance the cookie.
- Beautiful color: Deep red hue that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
- No chilling required: Ready to bake in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Chocolate meets cheesecake, always a win.
- Freezer-friendly: You can make the dough ahead and bake when needed.
- Perfect for gifting: Pretty enough for cookie boxes or Valentine party trays.
Ingredients Breakdown
Butter: Use unsalted butter for that classic buttery cookie flavor. Softened butter gives the dough the perfect texture.
Brown sugar + granulated sugar: A mix gives these cookies moisture and balanced sweetness.
Egg: Binds and adds chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth.
Cocoa powder: Just a touch gives the subtle chocolate base that defines red velvet.
Red food coloring: For that signature deep red Valentine hue, gel food coloring gives the most vibrant results.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping cookies soft.
Baking soda & salt: Help them rise just enough and balance flavor.
Cream cheese chips: The star of the show, they melt into creamy pockets inside every cookie. If you can’t find cream cheese chips, white chocolate chips work too!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: Beat together for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates that soft, bakery-style texture.
- Add egg, vanilla, and coloring: Mix in the egg, vanilla, and a few drops of red food coloring. Adjust intensity to your preference.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Add dry ingredients to wet and stir just until combined, don’t overmix!
- Fold in cream cheese chips: Gently mix in chips so they’re evenly distributed.
- Scoop and bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to place dough balls onto prepared sheets. Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers still soft.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the tray 5 minutes before moving to a rack. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- Make them extra red: Add a touch more food coloring for a deep Valentine red.
- Double chocolate version: Stir in a few mini chocolate chips with the cream cheese chips.
- Add frosting: Top with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for even more richness.
- Turn into cookie sandwiches: Fill two cookies with strawberry frosting for a fun Valentine twist.
- Add crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Make ahead: Freeze dough balls for up to 2 months, bake straight from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are festive, pretty, and perfect for sharing. Pair them with a cozy meal or a few of my other reader-favorite recipes:
- Beef and Noodles Recipe: A Comforting Classic, the ultimate warm meal before dessert.
- High Protein Bagel Recipe for a fun brunch contrast.
- Air Fryer Pasta Chips for a crunchy appetizer to balance all that sweetness.
They also make beautiful Valentine’s gifts, stack 3–4 in a clear bag, tie with red ribbon, and add a little note for a homemade touch that beats any store-bought box.
Storage & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, place a small slice of bread in the container, it works like magic.
To freeze, layer cookies between parchment in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Helpful FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of cream cheese chips?
Yes, absolutely. White chocolate gives a similar creamy texture, though slightly sweeter.
Can I use natural food coloring?
You can use beetroot powder or natural red coloring, but the shade will be lighter.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
How do I keep the red color vibrant after baking?
Use gel-based food coloring and bake just until set, overbaking can dull the color.
Red Velvet Valentine Cookies with Cream Cheese Chips: Soft & Sweet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy red velvet cookies with melty cream cheese chips, a beautiful Valentine’s treat full of cocoa and love.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp red gel food coloring
3/4 cup cream cheese chips (or white chocolate chips)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and red food coloring; mix well.
4. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until combined.
6. Fold in cream cheese chips.
7. Scoop dough balls onto sheet and bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set.
8. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to rack.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant red.
Replace cream cheese chips with white chocolate if unavailable.
Add a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Valentine Cookies with Cream Cheese Chips are everything a holiday treat should be, rich, soft, and full of love. The cream cheese chips add the perfect creamy sweetness to balance the cocoa, and that red velvet hue makes them look as good as they taste. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these cookies are a Valentine must.