Red Velvet Cookies

Directions

1Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl

2Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well.

3Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add food coloring and vanilla.

4Add flour mixture alternatively with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each additions, stopping to scrape the bowl as needed.

5Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls 3" apart on to parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spread the dough to 3" rounds.

6Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until tops are set. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1Combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, a dash of salt. Gradually add 16 ounces of powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.