Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies (Printable)

Cocoa-rich red velvet cookies filled with smooth cream cheese centers, ready in just over 30 minutes.

# What You'll 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

# Steps:

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 electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Add egg yolk, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture, beating just until dough forms and no flour streaks remain.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Set aside until ready to use.
07 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls, approximately 24 total. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
08 - Gently press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each dough ball to create a deep well.
09 - Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of cream cheese filling into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
10 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until edges are set and centers appear slightly firm.
11 - Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cheesecake filling stays creamy days after baking
  • These cookies look fancy but require zero decorating skills
  • The red velvet color makes people think you tried way harder than you actually did
02 -
  • If your dough feels sticky chill it for 15 minutes before rolling or you will have a frustrating mess
  • The cheesecake filling will bubble in the oven but settles back down as the cookies cool
  • Do not overfill the indentations or the filling will spill over during baking
03 -
  • Use a cookie scoop to get uniform balls that will bake evenly
  • Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for consistent results

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