Description
Delightfully soft and festive, these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies combine classic red velvet flavor with a rich, creamy center. Perfectly balanced sweetness and a tender crumb make them a standout treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate to firm up while you prepare the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will contribute to tender, well-aerated cookies.
- Add Eggs and Food Coloring: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in vanilla extract and red food coloring until the dough is evenly tinted and fragrant.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm it up, which helps with shaping the cookies without sticking.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take portions of the dough, flatten each slightly, place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center, then fold and seal the dough around the filling to encase it completely.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for smooth filling consistency and easier mixing.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center for the best texture.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes shaping easier.
- Use gel or liquid red food coloring for vibrant color; adjust quantity as preferred for deeper hue.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet cookies, cream cheese stuffed cookies, soft cookies, festive cookies, baked cookies
