Few desserts capture attention quite like Red Velvet Rose Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream. These cookies aren’t just baked treats — they’re edible art. With their deep crimson hue, soft cake-like crumb, and delicate rose-shaped buttercream topping, they deliver visual drama and nostalgic sweetness in every bite.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, baby showers, holidays, or anytime you want a dessert that feels luxurious and heartfelt, these cookies are designed to impress without being intimidating. The red velvet cookie base is tender and lightly cocoa-kissed, while the marshmallow buttercream brings a fluffy, cloud-like sweetness that balances everything beautifully.

This recipe walks you through every detail, from achieving the perfect red velvet texture to piping buttercream roses that look bakery-level but are completely achievable at home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you love beautiful desserts, this recipe belongs in your collection.

Why Red Velvet Rose Cookies Are So Special

Red velvet desserts have a long-standing reputation for romance and celebration. Their signature color instantly signals something special, while the subtle cocoa flavor keeps them from being overly sweet. When shaped and decorated as roses, these cookies go a step further — transforming a familiar flavor into something unforgettable.

Unlike traditional frosted cookies, rose cookies use a piping technique that mimics flower petals, creating texture, height, and elegance. Combined with marshmallow buttercream, the result is a dessert that’s soft, light, and indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tbsp red gel food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk

For the Marshmallow Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 cup marshmallow fluff
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until evenly combined.
Add dry ingredients in batches, alternating with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
Scoop dough into evenly sized portions and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until set but still soft in the center.
Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before decorating.
For the buttercream, beat butter until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, then marshmallow fluff and vanilla.
Add cream as needed until a soft, pipeable consistency is reached.
Transfer buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a rose tip.
Pipe rose designs onto cooled cookies, starting from the center and swirling outward.

Tips for Perfect Rose Cookies

Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without thinning the batter
Chill dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft
Make sure cookies are completely cool before piping
Practice piping roses on parchment paper before decorating cookies
Hold piping bag at a consistent angle for clean petal definition

Marshmallow Buttercream: What Makes It Different

Marshmallow buttercream is lighter and fluffier than traditional buttercream. The marshmallow fluff adds airiness and a subtle vanilla sweetness that pairs perfectly with red velvet. It also pipes beautifully, holding its shape without feeling stiff or heavy.

Variations You’ll Love

Chocolate Rose Cookies: Add chocolate chips to the dough
Cream Cheese Marshmallow Frosting: Replace half the butter with cream cheese
Mini Rose Cookies: Make bite-sized versions for dessert tables
Heart-Shaped Cookies: Pipe roses on heart-shaped bases for Valentine’s Day

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies on tiered dessert stands, gift them in bakery boxes with parchment paper, or pair them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also photograph beautifully, making them perfect for celebrations and social media sharing.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 2 months
Buttercream can be made ahead and refrigerated for 3 days

Fun Fact

Rose-piped desserts became popular through classic European pastry techniques, but modern cookie versions have made them accessible for home bakers — blending elegance with comfort baking.