Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich (Printer-Friendly)

Soft, cocoa-infused red velvet cookies with smooth, creamy frosting layers and optional sprinkles.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups + 1 tbsp (300g) all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tbsp (14g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 3/4 tsp baking soda
04 - 3/4 tsp salt

→ Cookie Dough

05 - 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
06 - 1/2 cup (104g) granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 cup (112g) light brown sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
10 - 2 tsp vinegar
11 - 1 1/2 tbsp red food coloring

→ Frosting

12 - 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
13 - 6 tbsp (86g) unsalted butter, room temperature
14 - 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
15 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Optional

16 - Sprinkles for garnish

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - Using a mixer on medium speed, cream unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add the large egg to the creamed mixture and blend until combined. Then add vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring; mix thoroughly.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Portion the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls. Gently roll each portion into a smooth ball and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes. Cookies should spread slightly with soft centers but appear fully baked.
08 - Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 4-5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
09 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar in two additions, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract until homogeneous and creamy.
10 - Using a piping bag, apply frosting onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with a second cookie to create a sandwich. Roll the edges in sprinkles if desired.
11 - Refrigerate assembled sandwiches until firm. Serve at room temperature and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Cookies will firm up as they cool—avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
02 - Best enjoyed within 3-4 days after preparation.