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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, blending thoroughly to achieve a vibrant crimson hue and smooth consistency.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Delicately press a thumb or small spoon into the center of each cookie, creating a well for the cream cheese filling.
- 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.
- Whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth, creating a luscious filling.
- Once cookies have reached room temperature, carefully pipe or spoon cream cheese mixture into the thumbprint cavities.
- 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