Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
• Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Incorporate the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
• Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture gradually, mixing until just combined.
• Fold in the white chocolate chips, if you're using them.
• Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
• Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
• Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies if desired.