Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies (Printable Format)
Tender red velvet cookies with cocoa, filled with sweet cream cheese centers for a festive dessert.
# 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 Steps:
01 - Preheat the 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 together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Add egg yolk, milk, vanilla, and red food coloring. Beat until fully combined.
05 - Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
07 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls, yielding approximately 24 cookies. Place on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
08 - Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
09 - Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling.
10 - Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until edges are set.
11 - Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- That gorgeous red velvet crumb stays impossibly tender for days
- The creamy center feels like a tiny surprise waiting inside every bite
02 -
- The indentation fills back up slightly during baking, so make your initial thumbprint deeper than you think you need
- Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable here, cold butter will give you a completely different cookie texture
03 -
- Wear gloves when mixing in the food coloring unless you want red hands for three days
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more vibrant red without thinning the dough