Name: Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 16 sandwich cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1/4 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling); 2 teaspoons rose water (for filling); 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for filling)

Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies are a delightful fusion of elegance, flavor, and visual appeal, making them a showstopper at any gathering or celebration.

Inspired by the classic American red velvet cake, these cookies incorporate the distinctive cocoa undertones and vibrant crimson hue that have made red velvet a beloved dessert for generations.

What sets Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies apart is their beautiful rose-shaped design and the rich, creamy filling that sandwiches two tender cookies together.

These cookies are more than just a treat for your taste buds—they're also a feast for the eyes, making them ideal for special occasions like weddings, Valentine's Day, and Mother’s Day. Red velvet has its roots in the early twentieth-century United States, particularly popularized in the Southern region.

Its signature red color was originally achieved by a reaction between non-Dutched, anthocyanin-rich cocoa and acidic ingredients, though today it's usually enhanced with food coloring for a more striking presentation.

By combining this iconic flavor with floral notes and an artistic twist, Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies rise above ordinary cookies to offer a bakery-worthy dessert you can easily make at home.

Not only do they bring a rich, velvety taste, but with a rose-shaped piped design and a delicately flavored filling, they become a centerpiece treat that's as impressive as it is delicious.

Whether you are an avid home baker or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe transforms a classic into something new and memorable. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies—a recipe that brings both tradition and creativity to your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons buttermilk, at room temperature
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel type preferred)

1/4 teaspoon rose water (optional, for subtle floral notes)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for filling)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)
1/2 teaspoon rose water (for filling, optional)
Pink or red food coloring (optional, for filling)
Edible rose petals or sanding sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract, white vinegar, buttermilk, red food coloring, and optional rose water. Mix until well blended.

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star or rose piping tip (such as Wilton 1M).
Pipe rosette shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To prepare the filling, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and rose water (if using). Beat until fluffy. If desired, add a drop or two of pink/red food coloring for a pastel hue.
Once cookies have completely cooled, pair them by matching similar sizes.
Pipe or spread a generous dollop of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another.

Optional: Roll the edges in edible rose petals or sanding sugar for a decorative finish.
Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Each Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookie is an indulgent treat designed to be enjoyed in moderation. On average, one sandwich cookie contains approximately 210-250 calories, depending on the size and quantity of filling.

This includes about 4-5 grams of saturated fat primarily from butter and cream cheese, and roughly 24-28 grams of total carbohydrates, most from sugar and flour. There are about 3 grams of protein per serving, contributed by the egg, cream cheese, and flour ingredients.

The cookies are not notably high in fiber, with just around 1 gram per serving, as all-purpose flour is the primary grain. The sodium content is modest, averaging 120-140 mg per cookie, helping balance flavor without being excessive.

These cookies do not provide significant vitamins or minerals, though cream cheese offers a small amount of calcium and vitamin A. If you opt for natural food coloring or add edible rose petals as a garnish, you may add trace amounts of antioxidants.

For a lighter option, consider making mini versions or reducing the amount of filling per sandwich. Remember that although Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies are a decadent delight, they should be enjoyed as an occasional treat within a balanced diet.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies pair beautifully with a range of beverages that enhance their rich, cocoa notes and subtle floral flavors.

For a classic combination, serve them alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or delicate rose-scented green tea, both of which underline the floral nuances in the cookies.

If you're looking to offer a more decadent experience, pair the cookies with a dessert wine such as a late-harvest Riesling or a light ruby Port, as these wines complement the sweetness while balancing the richness of the filling.

For coffee lovers, a mild latte or a vanilla cappuccino is an excellent choice, as the creamy coffee profile blends harmoniously with both the chocolate and rose notes.

During warmer months, a chilled Hibiscus lemonade offers a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the velvet richness of the cookies, bringing out the rose accents further. Whichever beverage you choose, aim for something that will both cleanse the palate and accentuate the cookie’s complex flavors.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Achieving perfect Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies is easier with a few expert baking tips and the flexibility to customize. When creaming the butter and sugar, be sure to mix them until truly fluffy—this step incorporates air, which is crucial for tender cookies.

Using gel food coloring over liquid ensures a more vibrant hue without thinning the batter. Practice piping rosette shapes on parchment before starting with the dough to get the even and beautiful roses you desire.

If the dough seems too stiff to pipe, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes, or add just a touch more buttermilk to loosen it.

To create varied flavor profiles, experiment with different extracts in the filling—a dash of almond or orange extract adds a new layer of complexity. For a floral twist, add a little more rose water, but use it sparingly as its flavor is potent.

Try sandwiching with different cream fillings, such as white chocolate ganache or a light berry buttercream, to match the occasion or your preference. For an extra decorative finish, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or edible glitter, or press a few edible rose petals onto the creamy edges.

Storing the cookies in an airtight container maintains their softness, while briefly chilling the assembled cookies helps the filling set firmly before serving. These tips make your Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies consistently stunning and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key when serving Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies, as their beautiful design deserves to be showcased. Arrange the cookies in concentric circles on a white porcelain platter to emphasize their rose-like appearance.

If serving for a special event such as a bridal shower, wedding, or high tea, space the cookies individually on delicate dessert plates, garnished with fresh mint leaves or edible rose petals for an extra touch of elegance.

For casual gatherings, serve them with small cups of coffee or tea on a rustic wooden tray, which highlights their deep red hue beautifully.

These cookies also make excellent edible gifts—package pairs in decorative cellophane bags tied with silk ribbon, and add a small card describing the flavor profile and recommended storage.

For holidays like Valentine’s Day, setting the cookies atop a heart-shaped plate or next to a bouquet of roses ties together the festive theme. Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies perform well as part of a dessert buffet, especially when plated alongside complementary treats like macarons or chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Always allow cookies to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after refrigeration, ensuring the creamy filling becomes luxuriously soft and the cookies maintain their tender texture. With thoughtful presentation, these cookies will surely capture the admiration of your guests.

Health Benefits

Although Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies are a sweet and indulgent treat, they can be made with mindfulness toward certain healthful aspects. By incorporating buttermilk and a moderate amount of unsweetened cocoa powder, the cookies benefit from a touch of calcium and powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids found in cocoa.

If you wish to enhance their health profile, consider using a whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber or substituting part of the sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.

The rose water, while used sparingly, can have a calming aromatic effect, lending not only a unique flavor but also a sense of relaxation associated with rose essence in traditional herbal remedies.

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s possible to prepare a plant-based version using dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter, making these cookies accessible to more people. Keep in mind that, like any dessert, moderation is key to enjoying Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies as part of a balanced eating plan.

Pairing them with antioxidant-rich teas or fresh berries on the side can further add to the nutritional value, transforming a sweet treat into a more wholesome indulgence without compromising on flavor or visual allure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill and assemble them the day of serving for the best texture.

Do Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies need to be refrigerated?

Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best to store the cookies in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have rose water?

You can omit the rose water or substitute with a small amount of vanilla or almond extract. The cookies will still have a delicious, rich flavor.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked (unfilled) cookies for up to two months. Thaw and fill them after defrosting for best results. Avoid freezing the filled cookies as texture may be affected.

How do I achieve a deep, vibrant red color in the cookies?

Using gel-based food coloring provides a more intense color without affecting the dough’s consistency. Adjust the amount as needed for your preferred shade.

Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies are the ultimate celebration of taste and beauty—combining the beloved flavor of red velvet with the refined design of piped roses and a luscious, creamy filling. Their irresistible charm makes them perfect for everything from memorable holiday gatherings to everyday enjoyment, elevating any occasion into a special one. By following this recipe, you’ll not only master a striking visual presentation but also get to indulge in a rich dessert experience. Whether shared among friends or savored as a solo treat, these cookies ensure every bite blends tradition and creativity. Delight in baking and savoring these Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies—they’re destined to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Red Velvet Rose Sandwich Cookies