These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies combine the vibrant color and mild chocolate flavor of red velvet with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling, making them perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. With a buttery, tender cookie base and a creamy center, each bite is both soft and flavorful. The cookies are easy to make, eye-catching, and bring a delightful twist to traditional thumbprints. Get ready to impress with these beautiful and delicious cookies!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 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
For the Cookies:
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place parchment paper on two baking sheets for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until well combined. Add the red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape and Coat the Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the granulated sugar or sanding sugar to coat. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced roughly 2 inches apart.
- Make Thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball to create a “thumbprint” for the filling.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the indentation of each cookie, filling it nearly to the top.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the filling is slightly puffed. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the cream cheese filling to crack.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to look at. With their festive red color, creamy center, and light dusting of sugar, they bring a touch of elegance and cheer to any dessert table. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply as a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the combination of soft red velvet and creamy filling in each bite!