Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling are the ultimate festive treat, perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you’re craving a delicious and visually stunning dessert. These cookies have a beautiful red hue, a soft, cake-like texture, and a delicious cream cheese filling at the center, reminiscent of classic red velvet cake. Coated in sparkling sugar, these cookies have a fun, holiday-appropriate look, making them ideal for Christmas cookie trays, Valentine’s Day gifts, or any special occasion.

This recipe combines the nostalgic flavors of red velvet with a fun thumbprint twist, bringing together a soft, chewy cookie with a rich and creamy filling. The slight tang from the cream cheese filling balances the sweetness of the cookie, while the colorful sprinkles add a festive touch. Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they’re also an absolute show-stopper that will delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese are more than just pretty to look at—they’re absolutely delicious. The cookies have a soft and slightly chewy texture, with a hint of cocoa that’s signature to red velvet flavor. The cream cheese filling is smooth, tangy, and perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie. Plus, the red velvet and cream cheese combination is a classic for a reason—it’s both indulgent and comforting. This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, with each step broken down to make it easy to follow. These cookies also freeze well, making them great for prepping ahead of time for busy holiday seasons.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 130
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 12g

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel food coloring recommended)
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup red and green sanding sugar, or your choice of festive sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until fully combined. The dough should have a vibrant red color; add more food coloring if necessary for a brighter hue.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
2. If you’re short on time, place the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. While the dough is chilling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
3. Roll each dough ball in the red and green sanding sugar, coating it thoroughly for a festive look.

Step 5: Create the Thumbprint Indent

1. Place each sugar-coated dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press down in the center of each dough ball to create a small indent.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. If the indent has puffed up during baking, gently press it down again with the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Fill the Thumbprints

1. Once the cookies have cooled slightly, spoon a small amount of cream cheese filling into each indent.
2. If you prefer a neater look, you can pipe the filling using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

1. Place the filled cookies in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the cream cheese filling to set.
2. Serve the Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

These cookies make a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday cookie platter, and they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in these Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies plays a key role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Butter provides richness and a soft, tender crumb, while granulated sugar adds sweetness and a slight crispness to the edges. Cocoa powder is essential for the hint of chocolate flavor that defines red velvet, while red food coloring gives the cookies their signature color. The cream cheese filling adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cookie, creating a well-balanced bite. Sanding sugar or sprinkles not only make the cookies festive but also add a bit of crunch to each bite.

Technique Tips

For the best Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies, follow these technique tips. Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without thinning out the dough. Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the shape of the cookies and preventing them from spreading too much in the oven. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling. If the dough is too sticky to work with, dust your hands with a bit of flour or refrigerate it for an additional 10 minutes. When creating the thumbprint indent, be gentle to avoid cracking the edges of the cookie.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies can be presented in various ways to suit different occasions. For a holiday cookie tray, arrange them with other festive cookies like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and snowball cookies for a beautiful assortment. If you’re giving them as a gift, stack a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon. For a Valentine’s Day treat, use pink or red sanding sugar and arrange the cookies in a heart-shaped box. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for an elegant finishing touch.

Additional Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth, uniform dough and filling. If you don’t have sanding sugar, you can roll the cookies in regular granulated sugar or colored sprinkles for a similar effect. When filling the cookies, avoid overloading the thumbprint indent with cream cheese filling, as it may overflow. For a more stable filling, chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving, which also helps the flavors meld together.

Recipe Variations

This Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookie recipe is versatile and can be adapted in different ways:

1. Chocolate-Dipped Red Velvet Thumbprints: Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
2. Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a holiday twist. Garnish with crushed candy canes for extra festiveness.
3. Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites: Double the cream cheese filling and pipe a swirl over each thumbprint for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
4. Nutty Red Velvet Thumbprints: Roll the cookies in chopped pecans or walnuts instead of sanding sugar for added crunch and flavor.
5. Coconut Red Velvet Thumbprints: Add shredded coconut to the cream cheese filling for a tropical twist on the classic flavor combination.

Freezing and Storage

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To freeze, place the unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature, fill with cream cheese, and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving. The cream cheese filling does not freeze well, so it’s best to fill the cookies just before serving if freezing.

Healthier Twist Ideas

To make these cookies a bit healthier, you can make a few substitutions. Use whole wheat pastry flour in place of all-purpose flour to add fiber without compromising texture. You can also reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet cookie. For a lighter cream cheese filling, try using reduced-fat or Neufchâtel cream cheese. Another option is to use Greek yogurt in place of part of the cream cheese for a lower-fat filling. Finally, consider using natural red food coloring instead of artificial coloring for a healthier alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a festive dessert for any special event. For a Christmas party, serve them alongside other red and green treats for a beautiful, seasonal spread. At a Valentine’s Day celebration, these cookies are a sweet, romantic treat that pairs perfectly with a glass of sparkling wine or hot cocoa. For a winter wedding or holiday dinner, arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Special Equipment

To make these Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. An electric mixer, either hand-held or stand mixer, is helpful for creaming the butter and sugar to a smooth consistency. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy. A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies, while a small spatula or spoon is helpful for filling the thumbprint indents with cream cheese. A piping bag can be used for a neater filling, though it’s optional. Finally, a cooling rack is essential for allowing the cookies to cool completely before filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use natural red food coloring?
Yes, natural red food coloring works well, though the color may be less vibrant than artificial options.

2. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the food coloring. The cookies will still taste delicious but won’t have the red velvet color.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from cracking?
Chilling the dough helps prevent cracking. When creating the thumbprint, press gently to avoid splitting the dough.

4. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookies and fill them with cream cheese after thawing.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend as a 1:1 substitute. Check for doneness, as baking time may vary.

6. How long will the cookies stay fresh?
They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

7. Can I use different fillings?
Yes, chocolate ganache, fruit jam, or Nutella can be used as alternative fillings for variety.

8. Can I use pre-made red velvet cake mix?
You could use red velvet cake mix as a shortcut, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling are a delightful, festive treat that combines the classic flavors of red velvet and cream cheese in a fun, bite-sized format. With their soft, chewy texture, creamy filling, and eye-catching color, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and customizable, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones. Enjoy the delicious, nostalgic taste of red velvet in a whole new way with these beautiful and tasty cookies!

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