Bright, elegant, and bursting with flavor, this Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe is the perfect way to impress your friends and family with a dessert that feels both classic and uniquely special. These delicate sandwich cookies pair the rich, velvety taste of red velvet with a luscious rose-infused cream cheese filling, making every bite a celebration of sweetness and subtle floral notes. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving something unforgettable, this recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together in a wonderfully harmonious way. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of texture, color, and flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy base that gives the cookies their structure and tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle chocolate undertone essential for authentic red velvet flavor.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to be light yet firm.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works with vinegar to enhance the cake-like texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough while contributing to tenderness.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Keeps the cookie dough moist for pliability and softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Reacts with baking soda for lift and tender bite.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): Gives the cookies their signature vivid red hue.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates a creamy, tangy filling that complements the cookie perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened for filling): Makes the filling rich and smooth.
- Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a luscious consistency.
- Rose water (1 teaspoon): Provides the delicate floral note that defines this signature sandwich cookie.
- Pink food coloring (1 to 2 drops, optional): Adds a pretty pastel tinge to the filling for visual appeal.
How to Make Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly without sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry components are well mixed and ready to incorporate seamlessly into the dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this is key to achieving that tender texture you love in a red velvet cookie. Beat in the egg, milk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and striking red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and vibrant. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes will make it easier to work with.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut the dough into charming shapes—small circles or delicate roses are especially fitting for this recipe! Place your cut-out cookies onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them a bit apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft to the touch. After baking, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Rose-Infused Cream Cheese Filling
While the cookies cool, whip together the filling by beating softened cream cheese and the half cup of softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until the filling reaches a fluffy yet thick consistency perfect for spreading or piping. Stir in rose water carefully—start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste, since rose water can be quite strong. Add a drop or two of pink food coloring if you want the filling to look as lovely as it tastes.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled fully, spread or pipe a generous amount of the rose cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Press gently to combine without squeezing out the filling. For best results, chill the assembled cookies for 20 minutes to let the filling set and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe even more stunning, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or decorate with edible rose petals for a delicate floral accent. A subtle touch of crushed freeze-dried raspberries or a drizzle of white chocolate can also elevate both texture and presentation, adding an elegant flair that captures attention.
Side Dishes
These sandwich cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of fragrant tea like Earl Grey or a classic cup of rich hot cocoa. Serving alongside fresh berries or a simple berry compote can provide a fresh contrast to the rich cream cheese filling and velvety cookie.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gifting, stack the Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe in a pretty box lined with tissue paper, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with a sprinkle of rose petals scattered around. You can also wrap individual pairs in clear cellophane tied with ribbon, turning them into perfect edible gifts for holidays or special celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the cream cheese filling while preserving the tender texture of the cookies. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before assembly or after, but freezing them unfilled works best to maintain the ideal texture. Wrap the baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw completely and prepare the rose cream cheese filling fresh.
Reheating
If your cookies have chilled or been frozen, simply let them rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as the delicate texture and floral filling can be compromised. The filling should be creamy and soft when served.
FAQs
Can I substitute the rose water in this recipe?
Absolutely! If rose water isn’t your favorite or you can’t find it, try using vanilla or almond extract to flavor the filling. Just keep in mind that rose water provides a distinctive floral note that gives these cookies their special charm.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
While red food coloring is key for that classic vibrant red velvet appearance, you can experiment with natural alternatives like beet juice powder. Be mindful that color intensity may vary, but the flavor will remain just as delicious.
How thick should I roll the dough for the cookies?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thick strikes the perfect balance. Too thin, and the cookies bake too crisp; too thick, and they can be cakey. This thickness ensures tender yet sturdy cookies ideal for sandwiching.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Making this particular Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe vegan would require replacing butter, cream cheese, and egg with plant-based alternatives. While possible, it might affect texture and flavor, so be prepared for some experimentation.
Why does the dough sometimes feel too soft to handle?
If the dough gets too soft, especially in warm kitchens, chilling it for 30 minutes helps firm it up, making it easier to roll and cut without losing shape.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe that combines a rich, tender cookie with a dreamy, floral cream cheese filling. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat yourself with a little elegance. I encourage you to give these cookies a try—I promise they will become one of your favorite sweet treats to bake and share!
Print
Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these elegant Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies featuring soft, cocoa-infused red velvet cookies sandwiched with a luscious rose-flavored cream cheese filling. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or holiday celebrations, these cookies combine classic flavors with a romantic floral twist.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1 to 2 drops pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, milk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring to the creamed mixture until fully combined and smooth, giving the dough its characteristic red velvet color.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms that’s easy to handle but not too sticky.
- Roll and cut dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into your preferred shapes for an attractive presentation.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks. This prevents the filling from melting when assembled.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy. Stir in rose water for floral notes and add pink food coloring if desired for a pretty tint.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread or pipe the rose cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
- Chill for best texture: Refrigerate the assembled sandwich cookies for about 20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up for a perfect bite.
Notes
- If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling out.
- Adjust the amount of rose water to your taste preference as it can be quite potent.
- Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
