Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are soft, chewy, and stuffed with a sweet, creamy cheesecake filling! They are a family favorite in my home, and I promise they’ll be a hit in yours too. Whether it’s for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, or just because these cookies will disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for any occasion: These red velvet thumbprint cookies are festive and ideal for holidays or special gatherings.
• Soft, chewy, and delicious: They have the perfect balance of chewiness and slight crunch from the sanding sugar.
• Easy yet impressive: This thumbprint cookies recipe is simple but looks bakery-worthy.
• Creamy cheesecake center: The rich cream cheese thumbprint cookies filling is irresistibly smooth and tangy.
• Customizable flavors: Try swapping the filling with Nutella, peanut butter, or white chocolate!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons red food coloring (or gel food coloring, adjusted as needed)
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup holiday sanding sugar (for rolling)

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer, beat together butter, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually mix in flour, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until a soft dough forms.
4. Use a small ice cream scoop to portion out dough. Roll into balls using your hands.
5. Pour sanding sugar into a bowl and roll each dough ball in the sugar.
6. Place coated dough balls onto the lined cookie sheet.

2. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 10 minutes.
2. While they bake, prepare the cheesecake filling.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Add the Filling & Finish Baking

1. After 10 minutes of baking, use the back of a teaspoon to create an indentation in each cookie.
2. Spoon a teaspoon of cheesecake filling into each indentation.
3. Bake for another 12 minutes until the filling is set.
4. Let cookies cool completely before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with coffee or tea: The rich flavors of these red velvet thumbprint cookies complement a warm cup of coffee or tea beautifully.
• Drizzle with white chocolate: Melted white chocolate makes a delicious topping for extra sweetness.
• Serve with ice cream: Enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Gift them in holiday boxes: These cookies make a stunning and delicious homemade gift for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
• Crush and sprinkle over desserts: Use cookie crumbles as a topping for cheesecakes, puddings, or sundaes.

Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies

• Use gel food coloring for a richer red color with less liquid.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling if it’s too soft.
• Use a teaspoon to make the indentations to keep them uniform.
• Don’t overbake! The centers should be set but still slightly soft.

FAQs

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
• Heart Jam Cookies Recipe
• Red Velvet Cupcakes

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are a must-bake for any occasion. They’re festive, easy to make, and absolutely delicious! Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a sweet treat, this thumbprint cookies recipe is perfect. The cream cheese thumbprint cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with red velvet flavor. Pin this recipe and share it with friends and family happy baking

Share Your Creations: Snap a photo and share your cupcakes on Pinterest or Instagram! Don’t forget to tag us and let us know how your batch turned out.

Happy baking!

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