Red Velvet Pecan Cookies with Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re a red velvet lover, these Red Velvet Pecan Cookies with Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting are going to steal your heart. With rich cocoa flavor, crunchy toasted pecans, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies are a perfectly indulgent treat for any occasion.

The first time I made these, my family devoured them in minutes! The chewy, buttery texture, paired with the smooth, slightly tangy frosting, creates the most heavenly bite. The pecans add a delightful crunch, making these cookies extra special and irresistible.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures—the deep, chocolatey notes of red velvet, the nuttiness of pecans, and the silky cream cheese frosting all come together beautifully. Whether you’re baking these for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, or just because, these cookies will become a new favorite in your dessert collection.

So, let’s get baking and create some red velvet magic!

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Pecan Cookies

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Soft & Chewy: Perfectly tender with a rich, buttery texture.
• Crunchy Pecan Goodness: A delightful contrast to the soft cookie base.
• Creamy Frosting: A sweet, tangy topping that complements the red velvet flavor.
• Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and frost.
• Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, gifting, or treating yourself!

What You Need for Red Velvet Pecan Cookies with Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup pecans, chopped and toasted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra chopped pecans
• Red velvet crumbs for decoration
• White chocolate drizzle

How to Make Red Velvet Pecan Cookies with Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
5. Combine & Fold: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until fully combined. Fold in toasted pecans.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake Until Set: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly soft.
3. Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the Cream Cheese & Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Assemble & Decorate

1. Frost the Cookies: Spread or pipe the frosting over each cooled cookie.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with extra pecans, red velvet crumbs, or a white chocolate drizzle.
3. Serve & Enjoy!

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it! These Red Velvet Pecan Cookies with Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting are an irresistible blend of soft, chewy, nutty, and creamy goodness. Whether you’re making them for the holidays a party, or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let us know how they turn out!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cookies in advance and frost them just before serving.

2. How do I store these cookies?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

4. What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.

5. Can I use store-bought frosting?

Of course! But homemade cream cheese frosting tastes best.

6. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

7. Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Yes! It will deepen the chocolate flavor slightly.

8. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.

9. Can I make this into a cookie sandwich?

Absolutely! Sandwich two cookies with a layer of frosting in between.

10. What’s the best way to frost these cookies?

Use a piping bag for a decorative finish or a spatula for a rustic look.

11. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! White or dark chocolate chips add extra indulgence.

12. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based version.