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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies A Festive Twist On A Classic Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Description

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies offer a festive and delicious twist on classic thumbprint cookies. Featuring a vibrant red velvet cookie base with a rich, creamy, and smooth cream cheese filling, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion. Tender, moist, and beautifully balanced with sweetness and tang, they are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (14g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) white vinegar
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or homemade)
  • 1–2 ounces (30-60ml) red gel food coloring

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes

  • Additional powdered sugar for dusting
  • Melted white chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mix aside to be incorporated with the wet ingredients later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter together with granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a perfect base for the dough.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until just combined, being sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  5. Add Food Coloring: Mix in 1-2 ounces of red gel food coloring thoroughly until the dough turns a vibrant red hue, which is the hallmark of red velvet desserts.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of buttermilk. Mix on low speed and stop as soon as flour streaks disappear to avoid overworking the dough.
  7. Chill Dough: Form the dough into a ball, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to help the dough firm and flavors meld.
  8. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling Base: In a clean bowl of the stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides frequently.
  9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the filling is light and fluffy.
  10. Flavor Filling: Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
  11. Prepare Filling for Piping: Transfer the cream cheese filling into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or use a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes if the filling needs to firm up.
  12. Form Cookie Balls: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands, form even-sized balls (approximately 30g each). Place them on prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.
  13. Create Thumbprints: Gently press your thumb or the back of a rounded measuring spoon into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation for the filling.
  14. Fill Cookies: Carefully pipe or spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling into each thumbprint indentation, making sure the filling doesn’t overflow.
  15. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cream cheese filling is slightly puffed and set.
  16. Initial Cooling: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 to 7 minutes to firm up slightly.
  17. Complete Cooling: Transfer cookies gently to a wire rack to cool completely, which ensures the cream cheese filling fully sets.
  18. Garnish (Optional): Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant and festive finish.
  19. Store Cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days due to the perishable cream cheese filling. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 to 3 months with layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure to chill the dough properly before shaping to make handling easier and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red color without thinning the dough.
  • If buttermilk is unavailable, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling; reduced-fat versions may affect texture.
  • Cookies must be stored refrigerated because of the cream cheese filling, but bring to room temperature before eating for the best flavor.
  • Optional garnishes like powdered sugar or melted white chocolate add visual appeal and flavor contrast but are not necessary.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet cookies, thumbprint cookies, cream cheese filling, festive cookies, holiday baking, red velvet dessert

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Find it online: https://tastywithvictor.com/red-velvet-cream-cheese-thumbprint-cookies-a-festive-twist-on-a-classic-recipe/