Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies (Printable)

Cocoa-rich red velvet cookies with tender crumb, filled with creamy cheesecake centers for festive indulgence.

# What You Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg yolk
08 - 1 tbsp whole milk
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
10 - 1 tsp red food coloring

→ Cream Cheese Filling

11 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
13 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Add egg yolk, milk, vanilla, and red food coloring. Beat until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
07 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
08 - Gently press thumb or teaspoon into center of each ball to form a deep well.
09 - Fill each indentation with 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese mixture.
10 - Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are set.
11 - Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The cream cheese filling stays perfectly creamy inside the tender cookie creating the most incredible texture contrast
  • These look like you spent hours on them but the dough comes together in under 15 minutes flat
  • You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it then bake fresh cookies whenever company shows up
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft to work with just pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes
  • The cream cheese filling might puff slightly in the oven but it settles back down as it cools
  • If your thumbprints start to lose their shape before baking just press them again with the spoon
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients make all the difference in achieving that perfect texture
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more vibrant red without adding extra liquid

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