Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese are the perfect blend of rich, chocolatey red velvet and creamy cheesecake flavors. These bite-sized treats are a showstopper for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to tea parties, and are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Special Occasions: Their vibrant red hue makes these cookies ideal for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any festive celebration.
• Rich and Creamy Combination: The soft, cake-like texture of red velvet pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese filling.
• Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavors or decorations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Large egg yolk
• Vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. For the filling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
9. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into the center of each cooled cookie.
10. Chill the cookies for 30 minutes to set the filling before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies for extra indulgence.
• Festive Sprinkles: Decorate with colorful sprinkles for holiday themes.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Different Colors: Swap the red food coloring for another color to match your event.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: These cookies are best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies before filling them for up to 2 months. Thaw and add the cream cheese filling before serving.

2. What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor balance.

3. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, the food coloring is optional and does not affect the taste.

4. Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting?

While possible, homemade filling provides the best flavor and texture.

5. Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They are soft with a cake-like texture.

6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.

7. Can I use a different filling?

Yes, you can try chocolate ganache, Nutella, or fruit preserves.

8. What’s the best way to shape the thumbprint?

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon for consistent indentations.

9. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg, and vegan cream cheese.

10. How do I make them more chocolatey?

Increase the cocoa powder by 1-2 tablespoons for a richer chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese are a delightful treat that combines elegance with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party or a quiet family dessert, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them out and savor the magic of red velvet paired with creamy goodness!

Print