Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies offer a festive twist on a beloved classic. These tender, cocoa-infused cookies with a tangy cream cheese filling are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a delightful treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons red food coloring
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar or sanding sugar (for rolling)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg yolk (for filling)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (for filling)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Add the red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in granulated or sanding sugar. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Step 6: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
7. Step 7: To make the cream cheese filling, beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into each indentation, filling them nearly to the top.
9. Step 9: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the filling is slightly puffed. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense red color, add an extra teaspoon of red food coloring.
• Substitute cream cheese filling with raspberry jam for a fruity variation.
• Use sanding sugar for coating to give the cookies a sparkling finish.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat gently at room temperature before serving, as the cream cheese filling is best enjoyed soft and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of sanding sugar for coating?

Yes, regular granulated sugar works fine, but sanding sugar gives the cookies a nicer sparkle and slightly crunchier texture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the dough, then chill it for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, store them properly as noted to maintain freshness.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 56 reviews

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies offer a festive twist on classic thumbprint cookies with a rich red velvet dough and a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. These soft, slightly cocoa-flavored cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion, balancing sweetness with a smooth cream cheese center.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons red food coloring
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar or sanding sugar (for rolling)

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Add the red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
2. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in granulated sugar or sanding sugar. Place the balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble and Bake: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the indentations of the cookies, filling them almost to the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are set and the filling is slightly puffed. Avoid overbaking to keep the filling creamy.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve fresh or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing for a smooth texture.
• Do not overbake the cookies to maintain a soft center and creamy filling.
• You can substitute red food coloring with natural alternatives like beet juice powder for a more natural red hue.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Rolling the dough balls in sanding sugar adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle to the cookies.

Keywords: Red velvet cookies, cream cheese cookies, thumbprint cookies, holiday cookies, festive desserts, soft cookies, cocoa cookies, red food coloring