Irresistible Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

A red velvet thumbprint cookie that melts effortlessly on your tongue, bringing pure delight with each bite.

Sweet and velvety textures dance together in this irresistible treat that promises pure indulgence.

Soft crimson cookies with a luscious cream cheese center will make anyone swoon at first glance.

These little delights combine rich chocolate undertones with a tangy cream cheese filling that creates magic in every mouthful.

Serving these stunning cookies at your next gathering, watching eyes light up with excitement.

The combination of deep red hues and creamy centers makes these thumbprint cookies a showstopper for any dessert spread.

You’ll want to clear your schedule and head straight to the kitchen to whip up this decadent recipe right now.

Saving and Reheating Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Cream cheese filling will soften naturally.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a slightly heated treat. Avoid overheating to maintain their delicate texture.

Tasty Pairings for Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

• Elevate Red Wine Pairing: Sip a glass of fruity Pinot Noir or smooth Merlot alongside these decadent cookies, as the wine's subtle berry notes beautifully complement the rich red velvet flavor.
• Match with Creamy Companions: Enjoy these thumbprint cookies with a cold glass of milk or a velvety cappuccino, which help balance the sweet cream cheese filling and enhance the cookie's luxurious texture.
• Coffee Shop Delight: Pair with a classic vanilla latte or a smooth cold brew coffee, allowing the cookie's subtle cocoa undertones to dance with the coffee's warm, robust profile.
• Dessert Wine Dream: Indulge with a small pour of sweet dessert wine like Port or Moscato, whose honeyed sweetness perfectly echoes the cookie's decadent cream cheese center.

Fun Versions of Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

• Chocolate Velvet Swirl: Infuse melted dark chocolate into the cookie dough for a deeper, richer flavor profile that complements the cream cheese filling.
• Nutty Red Velvet: Fold chopped pecans or almonds into the dough, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the classic red velvet base.
• Raspberry Red Velvet Burst: Incorporate a small dollop of raspberry preserves alongside the cream cheese filling, creating a tangy and sweet contrast to the cookie's rich flavor.
• Lavender Cream Cheese Edition: Mix dried culinary lavender into the cream cheese filling for an elegant, floral note that elevates the traditional red velvet cookie.

FAQs for Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

• What makes red velvet cookies unique?

Red velvet cookies get their signature deep red color from a small amount of cocoa powder and red food coloring, which creates a subtle chocolate flavor with a vibrant appearance.

• Can I make these cookies without a piping bag?

Absolutely! You can use a small spoon to fill the cookie centers or simply cut a corner off a resealable plastic bag to create a makeshift piping tool.

• How do I create the perfect thumbprint indentation in the cookies?

Use the back of a rounded measuring spoon or your clean thumb to gently press a small well into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking, ensuring an even and consistent shape for the cream cheese filling.

• Why is cream cheese filling used in these thumbprint cookies?

Cream cheese filling adds a tangy, rich flavor that complements the slightly chocolatey red velvet cookie base, creating a delicious contrast in taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

• Create a Creamy Luxurious Filling: The cream cheese mixture delivers a velvety smooth texture that perfectly complements the rich red velvet cookie base, offering a decadent contrast of flavors and sensations.
• Master Easy Piping Techniques: Simply transfer the cream cheese filling into a piping bag or plastic bag, making it incredibly simple to create beautiful, professional-looking swirls and decorations without any advanced baking skills.
• Enjoy Quick Prep and Chill Method: The recipe allows for make-ahead convenience by letting you prepare the cream cheese filling in advance and refrigerate until you're ready to assemble the cookies, saving time and reducing day-of stress.
• Delight in Playful Thumbprint Design: These cookies provide a fun, interactive baking experience with their classic thumbprint shape, making them perfect for family baking activities or creating memorable treats for special occasions like Valentine's Day or holiday gatherings.

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Soft and tangy base for the smooth filling
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a creamy texture
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet flavor and aromatic depth

Note: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich, smooth filling. Philadelphia brand is a reliable choice for consistent results.

The list captures all ingredients mentioned in the instructions with their purpose and helpful notes, organized into a single category focused on the cream cheese filling.

How to Make Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the cookie dough.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Bases

Scoop small portions of dough and roll into bite-sized balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops look slightly cracked. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Step 5: Fill Thumbprint Centers

Once cookies are slightly cooled, pipe the chilled cream cheese filling into the center of each cookie. The filling should be smooth and slightly mounded.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the filled cookies for 15-20 minutes to help the filling set. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Best Baking Tips for Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Pipe Like a Pro: Use a star-tipped piping bag for an elegant, professional-looking cream cheese swirl in the cookie centers.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the cream cheese filling for at least 15 minutes to help it set and maintain its shape when piped into the cookies.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
• Dietary Swap Tip: For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and substitute part of the powdered sugar with a sugar alternative.

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies With Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet red velvet thumbprint cookies embrace classic Southern charm, blending rich cocoa and velvety texture into delicate bite-sized treats. Cream cheese centers create irresistible indulgence you cannot resist, making these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings or intimate dessert moments.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened

Flavor and Color Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (15 g) cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (50 g) powdered sugar (for rolling, optional)
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Whip the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a silky, uniform filling, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Carefully transfer the creamy mixture into a piping bag or a sturdy resealable plastic bag, trimming the corner for precise dispensing.
3. Place the prepared filling in the refrigerator to chill and maintain its structure while you prepare the cookie base.
4. Gently cool the filling until you’re ready to assemble the thumbprint cookies, allowing it to set and develop a firmer consistency.
5. Keep the filling chilled to preserve its smooth texture and make piping easier when creating the cookie centers.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that pipes easily and blends perfectly with powdered sugar.
• Use a star-tipped piping bag for an elegant, professional-looking swirl of cream cheese filling in the cookie centers.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same rich red velvet texture and taste.
• Chill the filled cookies briefly before serving to help the cream cheese filling set and create a more stable, picture-perfect presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg