Description
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these vibrant Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese. Soft, rich red velvet cookies are filled with a creamy and tangy cream cheese center, creating a dessert that’s festive, delicious, and perfect for any celebration. Simple to make yet stunning to serve, these cookies are the ideal treat for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 teaspoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the cream cheese filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
-
Shape the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press into the center of each ball, forming a small well.
-
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill the wells of each cookie.
-
Bake the Cookies
- Bake the filled cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the filling is slightly firm.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the cookies on a festive plate or platter. Share with family and friends or savor them alongside a warm cup of cocoa.
Notes
- For more vibrant cookies, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
- If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before shaping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American