Irresistible Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

Cookies with a vibrant red velvet thumbprint design instantly capture attention at any gathering.

Soft cocoa-infused dough creates a delightful canvas for creamy filling.

Delicate indentations showcase a luxurious cream cheese center that melts perfectly.

Rich chocolate undertones complement the smooth, tangy cream cheese surprise nestled in each bite.

Baking these treats becomes a delightful adventure you can master quickly.

Elegant yet simple, these cookies promise to impress without complicated techniques.

Make them once, and you’ll find yourself returning to this irresistible recipe time and again.

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies With Cream Cheese Filling

• Craft a Holiday Showstopper: These red velvet thumbprint cookies transform ordinary baking into a festive celebration, perfect for creating memorable moments with family and friends.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the cookies by changing sanding sugar colors or adding sprinkles, making them adaptable for various holiday themes and personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of rich red velvet, buttery cookie base, and creamy cream cheese filling guarantees a dessert that will impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings.
• Simple Technique, Stunning Result: The thumbprint method requires minimal baking skills while producing professional-looking cookies that appear more complicated than they actually are.

Ingredients To Make Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, tender cookie structure.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's rich texture.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and consistency.

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers the classic red velvet chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Create a smooth, sweet filling that complements the red velvet cookie base.
• Red Food Coloring: Provides the signature vibrant red color of red velvet cookies.
• Holiday Sanding Sugar: Adds a festive sparkle and decorative crunch to the cookie exterior.

How To Bake Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Work the ingredients until they create a smooth, creamy texture that looks fluffy and pale.

Step 2: Add Vibrant Color and Flavor

Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are completely integrated and the color is consistent and bright.

Step 3: Create the Dry Mixture

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended and no lumps remain.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into small balls, then coat each ball in holiday sanding sugar.

Step 7: Create Thumbprint Indentations

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press a small indentation into the center of each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are set but still soft. Remove from the oven and, if needed, carefully reshape the thumbprint indentations.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This ensures they will hold their shape and be ready for filling.

Step 10: Craft the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Fill the Cookies

Once the cookies are totally cooled, carefully spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into the center indentations.

Step 12: Final Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the completed cookies for 20-30 minutes to help the filling set. Serve and enjoy these delightful red velvet thumbprint treats!

Tips To Nail Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

• Use exact measurements for ingredients, especially flour and cocoa powder, to ensure the perfect red velvet cookie texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and create a more compact, attractive cookie shape during baking.
• Press indentations softly and carefully to avoid cracking the cookie surface, using the back of a small spoon for a clean, uniform indent.
• Keep cream cheese at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that pipes or spreads easily into cookie centers.
• Adjust red food coloring gradually to achieve vibrant red without altering the cookie's delicate texture or taste.

Variations To Try With Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Thumbprints: Swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining the same measurements for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil, use egg substitute like flax egg, and swap cream cheese filling with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Sugar Red Velvet Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce total sugar content while preserving the classic red velvet flavor profile.
• Chocolate Mint Variation: Add peppermint extract to the dough and use chocolate mint cream cheese filling for a festive holiday-inspired cookie experience.

Pairing Ideas To Enjoy With Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

The delicate sweetness and light bubbles of a chilled rosé perfectly complement the rich cream cheese and vibrant red velvet flavors.

A bold, dark roast coffee highlights the cocoa powder’s depth, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that balances the cookie’s sweetness.

Warm, spiced mulled wine offers a cozy counterpoint to the cool cream cheese filling, making these cookies an ideal winter treat that warms the soul.

Classic whole milk provides a creamy, smooth backdrop that cuts through the cookie’s richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Storage Tips To Keep Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Fresh

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain cream cheese filling's freshness and prevent texture changes.
• Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with shaping and baking.
• Warm cookies gently at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent cream cheese filling from becoming runny or soggy.

FAQs

• What gives red velvet cookies their distinctive color?

The red food coloring provides the signature bright red hue, while cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate flavor that’s classic to red velvet recipes.

• Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring, but the cookies will look more like chocolate cookies and lose the traditional red velvet appearance.

• How do I prevent the thumbprints from disappearing during baking?

Gently press the indentation right after removing the cookies from the oven, which helps maintain the shape while the cookies are still warm and soft.

• Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Absolutely! Chilling helps prevent spreading and ensures the cookies maintain their shape, resulting in a more uniform and attractive final product.

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies With Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet thumbprint cookies blend luxurious cocoa richness with smooth cream cheese filling, creating a delightful dessert that melts in your mouth. Crimson-hued cookies with elegant cream centers will make you crave sweet moments of pure deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Flavor and Color Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup holiday sanding sugar
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Vigorously cream butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a fluffy foundation for the cookies.
2. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, blending thoroughly to achieve a vibrant crimson hue and smooth consistency.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring no lumps remain. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and the dough to firm up for easier handling.
5. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Extract chilled dough and roll into uniform 1-inch spheres, coating each in holiday sanding sugar for a festive sparkle.
6. Delicately press a thumb or small spoon into the center of each cookie, creating a well for the cream cheese filling.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and gently reinforce thumbprint indentations if needed. Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth, creating a luscious filling.
9. Once cookies have reached room temperature, carefully pipe or spoon cream cheese mixture into the thumbprint cavities.
10. Refrigerate cookies for 20-30 minutes to stabilize the filling, then serve and enjoy these decadent red velvet treats.

Notes

• Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure a perfectly shaped cookie.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color without altering the cookie’s texture.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more consistent dough that blends easily.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 112 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg