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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are soft, chewy red velvet cookies with a rich, creamy cheesecake-style center. Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting, these vibrant cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • For the Cookies:
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tsp red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1–2 tsp milk (optional, if dough is dry)
  • For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and food coloring.
  4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Add milk if dough feels too stiff.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Press a thumbprint or spoon into the center of each.
  6. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  7. Spoon about 1/2 tsp of cream cheese mixture into each cookie indent.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cookies are set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • For vibrant color, use gel food coloring.
  • Add mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
  • Try rolling dough in sugar before baking for sparkle.
  • Cookies can be frozen and thawed in the fridge.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/red-velvet-cream-cheese-thumbprint-cookies/