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:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until well combined.
  3. 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!
  4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  6. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.