Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are soft, chewy bites of chocolatey red velvet flavor with a creamy cheesecake-style center. These beautiful, festive cookies combine the rich taste of red velvet with the smooth tang of sweetened cream cheese, making them a perfect treat for holidays, parties, or anytime I want a cookie that’s both eye-catching and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re as delicious as they are stunning. The contrast between the deep red cookie and the creamy white filling makes them stand out on any dessert tray. The red velvet base is tender and chocolatey, and the cream cheese filling adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. They’re simple to make, but they always look like bakery-style treats—perfect for gifting or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• All-purpose flour

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

• Red food coloring

• Optional: milk, if dough is too stiff

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, I cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. I beat in the egg, vanilla, and red food coloring until well combined.

5. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough forms.

6. I roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Using my thumb or the back of a spoon, I gently press an indent into the center of each ball.

8. In a small bowl, I mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

9. I fill each cookie indentation with about ½ teaspoon of the cream cheese filling.

10. I bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft.

11. I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes around 20 minutes to prep and 10–12 minutes to bake, so I have them ready in about 35 minutes total.

Variations

• I use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color with less liquid.

• I mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra chocolatey bites.

• I add a swirl of raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese for a fruity twist.

• I roll the dough balls in sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.

• I swap in almond extract for a subtle flavor variation in the filling.

Storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, since the cream cheese filling is perishable. They also freeze well—I layer them between parchment paper in a container or freezer bag and thaw them in the fridge before serving. I don’t recommend microwaving them, but I sometimes let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not necessarily. I find the dough holds its shape well, but if it feels too soft, I chill it for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to roll.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, I sometimes use beet powder or natural food color alternatives, though the color may be slightly less vibrant.

How do I prevent the cookies from cracking?

I roll the dough smoothly and press gently when making the indent. Slight cracking is normal, but I avoid over-baking to keep them soft.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until I’m ready to bake.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Definitely. I freeze them after baking and cooling, then let them thaw in the fridge. They still taste great and hold their shape well.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are a sweet, festive treat that brings together the best of both worlds—rich red velvet flavor and creamy cheesecake filling. I love how easy they are to make and how beautifully they turn out every time. Whether I’m baking them for a holiday, a special celebration, or just because, they always earn a spot as a favorite.