Introduction

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies offer a festive twist on a classic treat, combining the rich flavor of red velvet with a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling. These bite-sized cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a delightful dessert.

The image shows a white plate holding nine round red cookies covered in coarse sugar crystals. Each cookie has a small, smooth, pale yellow cream dollop placed in the center, creating a contrast with the rough, bright red texture of the cookie dough. The cookies are arranged in a casual but close grouping, some slightly stacked on top of others. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Step 5: Add the red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in granulated sugar or sanding sugar.
Step 7: Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
Step 9: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the indentations of the cookies, filling them almost to the top.
Step 11: 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.
Step 12: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 13: Serve fresh or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense red color, add an extra teaspoon of red food coloring.
If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the granulated sugar in the cream cheese mixture by half.
Try rolling the dough balls in colored sanding sugar for a festive look.
Use flavored cream cheese like strawberry or raspberry for a fruity twist.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy them warm, let them come to room temperature or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. Avoid freezing the cream cheese filled cookies, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

The image shows several round red velvet cookies on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two main layers: the bottom layer is a soft, dense, deep red cookie with a textured surface, and the top layer is a smooth, glossy, pale cream-colored filling in the center. One cookie is stacked on top of another, with the top cookie having a bite taken out of it, revealing its moist and crumbly interior. Both cookies are dusted lightly with powdered sugar, adding a sparkling white contrast to the red velvet base. The focus is sharp on the stack, with the other cookies blurred softly in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

You can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese for a milder flavor, though the texture may vary slightly. Keep the other filling ingredients the same.