Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies (Printable)

Cocoa-rich red velvet cookies with tender crumb and creamy centers, ideal for celebrations.

# What You'll 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Add egg yolk, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
07 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls, approximately 24 cookies total. Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
08 - Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each dough ball to create a deep well.
09 - Fill each indentation with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling.
10 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
11 - Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These cookies look like they came from a fancy bakery but take about 30 minutes from start to finish
  • The tender red velvet crumb paired with tangy sweet filling is addictive in the best possible way
02 -
  • If your cream cheese filling is not soft enough it will tear the dough when you try to fill the cookies
  • Press the thumbprints deep enough because the filling will puff up slightly during baking
03 -
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid adding too much moisture to your dough
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft or sticky to work with

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