Introduction

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful twist on classic thumbprint cookies, combining a rich cocoa-infused red velvet dough with a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a soft yet slightly crisp texture and a burst of creamy sweetness in every bite.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds nine round red cookies, each topped with a smooth dollop of pale yellow cream in the center. The cookies have a textured, crumbly red outer layer that looks soft and slightly cracked, surrounding the creamy yellow middle, creating a striking contrast in color and texture. The arrangement is neat and evenly spaced, showing all the cookies clearly. 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 (for filling)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Add the red food coloring and mix thoroughly until evenly colored.
Step 4: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in granulated or sanding sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently press an indentation into the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into each indentation, filling almost to the top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until cookie edges are set and the filling is slightly puffed. Avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.
Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red hue without affecting dough consistency.
Try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough to enhance the chocolate flavor.
For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sanding sugar over the cream cheese filling before baking.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy them warm, let the cookies come to room temperature or heat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with round, red cookies, each topped with a circular white center. The cookies have a rough, crumbly texture on the outside, with a contrast between the deep red color and the smooth, creamy white topping. The cookies are arranged closely together, covering the whole plate. The background is a white marbled surface, softly blurred to keep the focus on the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

Yes, regular liquid food coloring can be used, but gel food coloring gives a richer, more vibrant red without adding extra moisture, which helps maintain the dough’s texture.

Can these cookies be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and cream cheese filling ahead, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble the cookies just before baking for the freshest results.