The Coziest Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

Soft, decadent red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese frosting bring pure joy to any dessert table.

These delightful treats blend rich cocoa flavors with a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

Deep crimson cookies create a stunning visual contrast against the creamy white filling.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

The cream cheese center adds a luxurious richness that elevates these cookies from simple to spectacular.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this elegant yet straightforward recipe.

You’ll fall in love with these irresistible cookies that are sure to become a cherished favorite at every gathering.

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Why They’re a Favorite

• These vibrant red velvet thumbprint cookies bring a festive pop of color that makes any gathering instantly more cheerful and fun.
• Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and minimal ingredients that guarantee delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Cream cheese filling and sprinkle-coated edges make these cookies irresistibly appealing to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone will ask for seconds.
• Dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, making these cookies a convenient option for busy home bakers who want to plan ahead for special occasions.

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookie Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the red velvet cookies.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden brown color.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the red velvet cookies.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the signature vibrant red color to the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides a subtle chocolate undertone characteristic of red velvet.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, smooth filling for the thumbprint center.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese filling.
• Sprinkles: Adds a festive and decorative touch to the cookie exterior.

Equipment to Prepare Thumbprint Cookies Easily

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure cookie success.
• Baking sheet: Non-stick surface for even cookie baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and easy cookie removal.
• Cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and crisp up.
• Spatula: Great for scraping bowl and mixing ingredients.
• Small spoon: Useful for creating thumbprints and filling cookies.
• Refrigerator: Needed for chilling dough and setting filling.

Instructions for Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab your electric mixer and blend softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and looks like fluffy clouds.

Keep mixing until everything is perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 2: Color and Flavor Infusion

Add egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the creamy mixture.

Stir until the color spreads evenly and creates a vibrant red hue that makes the cookies look stunning.

Step 3: Combine Dry Elements

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a consistent dough without overmixing.

Step 4: Chill and Relax

Place the dough in the refrigerator and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Roll the chilled dough into small balls, then coat them in festive sprinkles.

Create a gentle thumbprint in the center of each cookie using your finger.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly crisp but centers remain soft.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and silky.

This filling will create a delightful center for your cookies.

Step 8: Fill and Finalize

Once cookies are completely cooled, carefully pipe or spoon the cream cheese filling into the thumbprint centers.

Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to help the filling set.

Tips for Creamy Thumbprint Cookie Centers

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant red without watering down the dough.
• Gently press center with back of a measuring spoon for uniform cookie indentations.
• Refrigerate dough to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Pipe filling slightly frozen for cleaner, more precise dollops in cookie centers.
• Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for smoother, easier mixing.

Thumbprint Cookie Variation Ideas

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Red Velvet: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer, and create dairy-free cream cheese filling with cashew cream.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sweetness while maintaining cookie texture.
• Chocolate Lover's Variation: Add cocoa powder to enhance chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate cream cheese filling for deeper richness.

Serving Red Velvet Thumbprints to Guests

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative red and white plate, sprinkled with extra holiday-themed sprinkles for a cheerful look.
• Sweet Valentine's Treat: Pack cookies in cute heart-shaped gift boxes, perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a romantic dessert.
• Coffee Shop Companion: Serve alongside a steaming cappuccino or hot chocolate, creating a delightful afternoon snack that complements rich, warm beverages.
• Dessert Buffet Star: Place cookies on a tiered dessert stand with other colorful treats, making them a standout item at any celebration or gathering.

Storing Thumbprint Cookies After Baking

• Store cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep cream cheese filling fresh and prevent cookies from drying out.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Cookies can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality or taste.
• For short-term storage, keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure container is completely closed to maintain softness.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Cream cheese filling will gradually soften and return to original texture.

FAQs

• What makes red velvet thumbprint cookies unique?

The combination of rich red color, cocoa flavor, and cream cheese filling creates a decadent and visually stunning cookie that stands out from traditional chocolate or vanilla treats.

• Are these cookies difficult to make for beginners?

These cookies are relatively simple to prepare, with basic baking techniques like creaming butter and sugar, mixing ingredients, and creating thumbprints. Even novice bakers can successfully make these cookies with basic kitchen skills.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. The cookies also freeze well, both as dough and after baking, making them convenient for meal prep or holiday baking.

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese provide a delightful twist on classic desserts. Rich cocoa-infused cookies cradle silky cream cheese filling, offering sweet indulgence that satisfies chocolate and cookie enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Flavor and Color Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup holiday sanding sugar

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend softened butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy consistency with no visible sugar crystals.
2. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and vibrant red food coloring, mixing until uniformly distributed and creating a rich crimson hue.
3. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain cookie’s tender texture.
4. Refrigerate dough for approximately 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and facilitate easier handling.
5. Roll chilled dough into uniform spheres, generously coat with festive sprinkles, then create precise indentations using thumb or back of a rounded measuring spoon.
6. Position cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges appear slightly crisp.
7. While cookies cool completely, whip cream cheese filling until smooth and velvety, achieving a light, spreadable consistency.
8. Carefully pipe or spoon cream cheese filling into each cookie’s center, ensuring elegant presentation and balanced flavor profile.
9. Briefly chill filled cookies to allow filling to set and maintain structural integrity, enhancing overall texture and taste.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain vibrant red color during baking.
• Use gel food coloring for more intense, uniform red velvet hue without altering cookie texture.
• Press thumbprint gently to create perfect indentation without cracking cookie base.
• Cream cheese filling works best when ingredients are room temperature for smooth, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 164
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 72 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg