Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. These cookies are soft and tender, with a rich, creamy center that adds a delightful surprise in every bite. Perfect for special occasions or cozy family gatherings, they’ll bring a splash of color and sweetness to your dessert table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe is special because it’s easy and fun to make, even for beginners. The vibrant red color makes them festive, perfect for holidays or birthday celebrations. Plus, the combination of sweet cream cheese filling and soft cookie dough is simply irresistible. With everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a great way to involve kids in baking and create lasting memories.

How to Make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Making these cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll start by preparing the cookie dough, then shape the cookies and create the creamy filling. Everything comes together in a few simple steps, resulting in delicious cookies that look as good as they taste. Just follow the easy instructions, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time!

What You Need

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
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and mix until the dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar or sanding sugar to coat them evenly. Then, use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, large egg yolk, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Bake: Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet. Fill each indentation with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture. Bake in a preheated oven until set, usually about 12-15 minutes. The cookies should have a slightly golden edge.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these sweet treats with family and friends!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are perfect for serving at gatherings, afternoon tea, or alongside a cup of hot cocoa. They can stand alone, but feel free to pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat.

How to Store Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up.

Recipe Tips

Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing.
Don’t overbake; the cookies should still be soft when you take them out of the oven.
Experiment with other fillings, like jam or Nutella, for a unique twist.
Ensure you cream the butter and sugar well to get that light, fluffy texture.
Roll the cookies tightly in sugar to enhance the sweetness and add a nice crunch.

Variations & Swaps

Chocolate Lovers: Substitute some of the flour with cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Kids Friendly: Use fun colored sprinkles instead of sanding sugar for a playful touch.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve, or bake, cool, and store them in an airtight container for recipes made in advance.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Just allow them to cool completely before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

How do I reheat these cookies?
To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their soft texture while keeping the cream cheese filling creamy.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?
If you want a lighter option, you can mix Greek yogurt with a bit of powdered sugar for a creamy filling. Alternatively, try mascarpone cheese for a smooth, rich alternative.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour. This can lead to tough cookies. Also, don’t skip rolling the dough in sugar; it adds a lovely texture and sweetness to balance the creamy filling.