Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese! They are just divine! The vibrant red color makes them so festive and fun, perfect for any occasion. When I take a bite, it’s like a soft, chewy hug with a luscious cream cheese filling in the center. Seriously, once you make these, you’ll find yourself dreaming about them! They’re not just cookies; they’re little pieces of joy that brighten up any dessert table. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for me whenever I want to impress friends or family. Trust me, you’ll absolutely love them!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your delightful red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel works best for vibrant color)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened; it really helps everything blend together smoothly. You’ll be amazed at how such a few ingredients can come together to create something so special!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese
Alright, let’s dive into making these gorgeous red velvet thumbprint cookies! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the end result is totally worth it! Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. This step helps ensure the cocoa is evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. Oh, the smell of that buttery goodness already has me excited!
- Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and the red food coloring. Mix until everything is combined and you get that beautiful red hue!
- Now, gradually mix in the dry ingredients from the first bowl. Don’t rush this part; you want to fold it in gently until just combined. It’s going to be a stunning red dough!
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them some space; they’ll spread a little while baking.
- Use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. This is where the cream cheese filling will go!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be soft in the center, so keep an eye on them!
- Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting!
- While they cool, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Once the cookies are cool, fill those delightful indents with your cream cheese mixture. Yum!
And there you have it! Your red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese are ready to shine! Enjoy the sweet, rich flavors with every bite. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist going back for another!
Tips for Success
To ensure your red velvet thumbprint cookies turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your oven is fully preheated before sliding those cookies in. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in baking! If you find the dough is a bit too sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it for about 30 minutes; this helps with rolling and shaping.
Also, if you’re out of cream cheese, you could swap it with mascarpone for a different but equally luscious filling! Just keep an eye on your cookies while they bake—overbaking can lead to dry cookies. You want them soft in the center, so set a timer for 10 minutes and check for doneness. And finally, don’t rush the cooling process; letting them cool completely before filling will keep those cookies from getting soggy. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the information provided here is an estimate. I always recommend checking the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely stunning color that makes these cookies a showstopper at any gathering!
- Soft, chewy texture with a creamy filling that’s a match made in dessert heaven.
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Great for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers.
- The combination of rich cocoa and tangy cream cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite!
- They store well, meaning you can enjoy them for days (if they last that long!).
Serving Suggestions
These red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese are perfect for a variety of occasions! Serve them at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or even as a sweet treat for a cozy afternoon tea. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee to elevate the experience. They also make a delightful addition to dessert platters alongside brownies and mini cheesecakes. If you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for a beautiful finishing touch. Trust me, everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
If you prefer your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might become a bit chewy. Enjoy them warm for a cozy treat any time!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different filling instead of cream cheese?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese filling is divine, you could use a chocolate ganache or even a fruit jam for a fun twist. Just make sure the filling complements the red velvet flavor!
What if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! If you find your dough sticking to your hands, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls and shape without any mess.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling into balls.
How do I get my cookies to look perfectly round?
Great question! After you create the indentation with your thumb, you can gently reshape the cookies by rolling them a bit more with your hands before baking. They’ll bake into that perfect shape!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely! You can freeze the baked cookies without the filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge and fill them with cream cheese when you’re ready to enjoy!
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet thumbprint cookies filled with cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add egg, vanilla, and food coloring to the butter mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool.
- Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar, then fill the centers of cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant color.
- Adjust sweetness by varying powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: red velvet, thumbprint cookies, cream cheese
