SPREAD LOVE

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies: A Festive Twist on a Classic

The holiday season is a time for family, festivity, and of course, delicious baked treats. Imagine the joyous allure of red velvet combined with the tangy delight of cream cheese, all cradled within a classic thumbprint cookie. This recipe for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies is a celebration of color and taste that will brighten your table and warm hearts around it. Perfect for gifting or indulging during cozy gatherings, these cookies will quickly become a treasured addition to your dessert repertoire.

Why Make This Recipe

The stunning red appearance makes them perfect for festive occasions.
The delightful cream cheese filling adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the cookie perfectly.
They bring a unique twist to the traditional thumbprint cookie, making them a conversation starter at any gathering.

Whether you are preparing for a special holiday or a casual get-together, these cookies offer both visual appeal and mouthwatering flavor that your loved ones will absolutely adore.

Simple Way to Prepare Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Creating these delectable cookies is easier than you might think! With a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies that not only look stunning but are also irresistibly tasty. Let’s walk through the process together.

Prepare the Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand:

1 cup unsalted 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 full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 large egg yolk (for filling)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
⅛ teaspoon salt (for filling)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder. This step ensures that the cocoa is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients, contributing to a rich chocolate flavor.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has noticeably lightened in color. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently for an even blend.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Color
With the mixer on medium speed, add in the first large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the red food coloring. Beat until fully incorporated, and your mixture takes on a vibrant, lovely red hue.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add the flour and cocoa mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix only until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make your cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
Chill the Dough
Gather your dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 hours if you want to prepare in advance). Chilling helps the flavors meld together, firms the butter, and makes the dough easier to handle, ensuring it doesn’t spread excessively while baking.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
About 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to make cleanup a breeze.
Form Cookie Balls
Use a small cookie scoop or simply roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls. Next, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar or sanding sugar to coat them nicely before placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
Make Thumbprints and Bake
Arrange the sugared cookie balls on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball, ensuring you don’t press all the way through. Bake for 8-10 minutes. About 6 minutes into baking, gently press down the indentations again to maintain their shape. The cookies are done when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly soft.
Cool Cookies
Once baked, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure that the cookies are entirely cooled before adding the cream cheese filling to prevent it from melting.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
In a clean mixing bowl, combine the softened full-fat cream cheese, the second large egg yolk, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is incredibly smooth, light, and creamy. Scrape down the sides multiple times to ensure thorough incorporation.
Fill and Finish Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon or pipe a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each cookie’s indentation. Fill them just to the brim without overflowing. For an extra touch, consider drizzling with melted white chocolate or sprinkling with festive holiday sprinkles.
Set Filling and Serve
Transfer the assembled cookies to the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to allow the cream cheese filling to set slightly. For the best texture and taste, allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving, which will optimize the creamy filling’s consistency.

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Keeping your delightful cookies fresh and delicious is easy if you follow a few simple storage guidelines:

Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to avoid freezer burn. To serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Serving Suggestions for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

When it comes to serving these beautiful cookies, there are several delightful ways to present them. Here are some ideas:

Platter Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a festive cookie platter alongside other holiday treats, such as gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and classic sugar cookies.
Individual Wrapping: For gifting, consider wrapping each cookie individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon. This not only makes a lovely presentation but also preserves their freshness.
Pair with Beverages: Serve them with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of milk for a comforting treat that everyone will love.

Tips to Make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; particularly with the cream cheese filling, quality matters.
Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough. It’s essential for texture and helps shape the cookies.
For added convenience, prepare the cream cheese filling while the cookies are cooling to streamline the process.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to get creative, consider these variations:

Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling: For chocolate lovers, substitute the cream cheese filling with a chocolate ganache. Simply melt some chocolate with a bit of heavy cream and fill the cookies as directed.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts to the cookie dough or as a topping on the cream cheese filling. This will give a delightful crunch and complement the creaminess beautifully.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead?
A: Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time. They stay fresh for several days in an airtight container, and the cream cheese filling can be prepared first and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use a different color for the cookies?
A: Absolutely! If red isn’t your color of choice, feel free to use other food colorings to achieve a different hue that suits the occasion.

Q: What is the best way to ensure the cookies don’t spread too much?
A: Chilling the cookie dough is key. It firms up the butter and keeps the cookies from spreading excessively during baking.

Q: How do I make the cookies more festive?
A: You can add decorative elements like edible glitter or colored sprinkles, and a drizzle of melted chocolate can also enhance the festive presentation.

Q: Is there a gluten-free version of these cookies?
A: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

By following this guide, you’ll not only create stunning Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies but also leave delighted smiles on the faces of your family and friends. So grab your apron, turn on the holiday tunes, and get ready to bake up some festive magic!