Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with the vibrant red hues of red velvet, topped with a tangy and creamy cheesecake filling. These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. They’re elegant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for any occasion—from Christmas gatherings to Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies bring a festive charm to your table. Let’s explore how you can make these irresistible cookies step by step!
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
- Perfect for Celebrations: Their bright red color and cream cheese center make them stand out on any dessert table.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- A Match Made in Heaven: The cocoa-rich red velvet base and creamy filling create the perfect flavor balance.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with toppings or alternative fillings!
If you’re ready to create a show-stopping treat, let’s get started!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need for the cookies and the cream cheese filling. These pantry staples are easy to find, making this recipe both convenient and delicious.
For the Cookies
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | ½ cup |
| Egg yolk | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Red food coloring | 4 teaspoons |
| Cocoa powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Granulated sugar (for rolling) | ½ cup |
For the Cream Cheese Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 4 ounces |
| Egg yolk | 1 large |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Salt | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | ¼ teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This ensures your cookies have a tender texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Add Red Food Coloring: Mix in the red food coloring until the dough has an even, vibrant red color.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them between your palms until smooth.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll each ball in granulated sugar or sanding sugar to coat. This gives the cookies a sparkly, festive appearance.
- Create Thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Fill and Bake
- Fill Thumbprints: Spoon a small amount of cream cheese filling into the indentation of each cookie, filling it almost to the top.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set, and the filling slightly puffed. Avoid overbaking to keep the filling smooth.
6. Cool and Serve
- Cool on Sheets: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Baking Tips for Success
- Soften Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized dough balls that bake uniformly.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the thumbprints with cream cheese filling to prevent overflow during baking.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough becomes too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 0.3g |
| Sodium | 65mg |
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
1. The Red Velvet Magic
Red velvet isn’t just about its striking color—it’s the subtle cocoa flavor and buttery richness that make it irresistible.
2. Cream Cheese Perfection
The creamy filling adds a tangy, cheesecake-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft cookie base.
3. Crowd Appeal
From kids to adults, everyone loves the fun appearance and decadent taste of these cookies.
When to Make These Cookies
These cookies are perfect for:
- Holidays: Their red hue makes them a festive favorite for Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
- Parties: Impress guests with their elegant appearance and gourmet flavor.
- Gifts: Pack them in decorative boxes for thoughtful, homemade holiday gifts.
- Everyday Treats: Because who doesn’t love a sweet pick-me-up?
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the cookies with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for a delightful snack.
- Include them in a holiday cookie platter alongside sugar cookies and gingerbread men.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgent twist.
FAQs About Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly before shaping.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Store baked cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. What type of food coloring should I use?
Gel food coloring is ideal for achieving a vibrant red color without affecting the dough’s consistency.
4. Can I skip the cream cheese filling?
If you prefer, you can fill the thumbprints with jam or chocolate spread for a different flavor.
5. How do I prevent cracks in the dough?
Roll the dough balls smoothly and avoid pressing too hard when making thumbprints.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger batches.
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are a festive, elegant, and utterly delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They combine the richness of red velvet with the creaminess of cheesecake, creating a cookie that’s both beautiful and indulgent.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the joy of baking these delightful cookies. Your family, friends, and taste buds will thank you!
Print
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies – A Festive Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These soft, buttery cookies with a vibrant red hue and creamy cheesecake filling are the perfect festive treat. They’re easy to make and are sure to impress at any celebration, from Christmas to Valentine’s Day!
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
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 the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 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 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.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve fresh or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
- Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is recommended for a vibrant red hue.
- Storage: These cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
