Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 ounce (28g) red food coloring, gel or liquid
- 2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for adjusting consistency)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a piping bag for a fancy look, or simply spread the frosting on with a knife.