Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their vibrant red color and creamy filling, they not only look gorgeous but also taste amazing. These soft, sweet cookies are easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These cookies are perfect for beginners. They require simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, they’re family-friendly and great for sharing. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy family night, these delightful treats will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
How to Make These Cookies
Making these thumbprint cookies is a straightforward process. You start by preparing the dough, then roll it into little balls. After baking, you create indents for the cream cheese filling. It’s fun and simple, making it a great activity to do with kids.
What You Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and food coloring to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- After the cookies have cooled, fill the indents with the cream cheese mixture.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve These Cookies
These thumbprint cookies are delightful on their own, but they’re also great with a cup of coffee or tea. You can serve them at birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoy them as an afternoon snack. A sprinkle of extra powdered sugar on top always adds a lovely touch.
How to Store These Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re cooled and stored in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure your butter is soft, not melted, for the best texture.
- Roll the balls evenly to ensure even baking.
- If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can adjust the food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- For a creamier filling, whip the cream cheese with a bit of milk if it’s too thick.
Variations & Swaps
- For a chocolate twist, try adding mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
- You can use different food colorings for different occasions; green for St. Patrick’s Day or pastel colors for spring.
- For a nutty flavor, incorporate ground almonds or walnuts into the dough.
- Try adding a hint of orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy twist.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, simply roll, bake, and fill.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well! Once baked and cooled, freeze them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about three months.
How do I reheat the cookies?
To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until warm. This helps them regain their soft texture.
What can I replace the cream cheese with?
If you prefer, you can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta for a different flavor. Both will work nicely as a filling.
What should I do if my cookies are too flat?
Ensure that your butter isn’t too soft and your dough is well-chilled before baking. Also, remember to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is soft, not melted.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring Adjust for desired shade.
For the cream cheese filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened For a creamier filling, whip the cream cheese with a bit of milk if it’s too thick.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and food coloring to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- After the cookies have cooled, fill the indents with the cream cheese mixture.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
