Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies (Printable)

Cocoa-flavored red velvet cookies with tender crumb and creamy cheesecake filling

# What You Need:

→ Cookie Dough

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

→ Cream Cheese Filling

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

# How To Make It:

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 until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Mix in egg yolk, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is uniformly red.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
07 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls, yielding approximately 24 cookies. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
08 - Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press a deep indentation into the center of each dough ball, being careful not to press through to the baking sheet.
09 - Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each indentation, mounding slightly above the cookie surface.
10 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until edges are set and slightly firm but centers still appear soft.
11 - Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The tender cocoa crumb melts in your mouth while the creamy center provides the perfect contrast
  • They look stunning on any holiday platter but taste even better than they look
02 -
  • Press the thumbprints gently because too deep and the filling will overflow during baking
  • The dough is soft so chill it for 15 minutes if it becomes difficult to work with
03 -
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a deeper red without adding extra liquid
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from separating and ensure even baking

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