Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese are a delicious twist on the classic cookie. These vibrant treats are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The rich taste of red velvet pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the cream cheese filling. Perfect for any celebration or as a sweet indulgence at home, these cookies will surely impress your family and friends.
The combination of cocoa powder gives these cookies their signature red hue and subtle chocolate flavor. The cream cheese filling adds a tangy sweetness that complements the richness of the cookie itself. Whether you are hosting a party or simply want to enjoy a lovely afternoon treat, these cookies make for an excellent choice.
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of most cookie recipes. For our Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese, you will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour. This ingredient provides structure and stability to the cookies while allowing them to maintain a soft texture in the center.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is key in giving our red velvet cookies that subtle chocolate flavor. You will need 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. It enhances the overall taste without overpowering the delicate notes of red velvet.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is essential for achieving those perfectly risen cookies. You will need 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help your dough rise during baking, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness in baked goods and enhances flavor overall. You should add ½ teaspoon of salt to your dry ingredients when preparing the dough for these cookies.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter provides richness and moisture in our cookie dough. Use ½ cup (or 1 stick) of softened unsalted butter for optimal results. Make sure it’s at room temperature so that it blends easily into the mixture.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is necessary for sweetness in our cookies, so you’ll need 1 cup of sugar for this recipe. It also contributes to creating that tender texture we love in cookies.
Eggs
Eggs play a crucial role in binding ingredients together while adding moisture and richness. You will require one large egg for this recipe, which should be added to your mixture after creaming the butter and sugar.
Red Food Coloring
To achieve that vibrant red color characteristic of red velvet desserts, you’ll need about 2 tablespoons of liquid red food coloring. This ingredient is what makes our thumbprint cookies visually stunning!
Cream Cheese
The star filling for our thumbprint cookies is cream cheese! Use 8 ounces (one package) of softened cream cheese mixed with some powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a luscious filling that pairs perfectly with our cookie base.
How to Prepare Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before starting any baking project, preheating your oven is essential! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and allow it time to reach temperature while you prepare your cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until fully blended; this ensures an even distribution throughout the dough later on.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do it! Scrape down the sides as needed for uniform mixing.
Step 4: Add Egg and Food Coloring
After achieving a creamy consistency from your butter-sugar mix, add one large egg followed by two tablespoons of liquid red food coloring into this bowl—mixing well after each addition until everything is combined smoothly!
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture while stirring gently using either spatula or mixer set at low speed—stop once just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop helps form equal-sized balls from this rich dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets—you want approximately two inches apart since they will spread slightly during baking!
Step 7: Create Thumbprints
Once formed into balls on parchment-lined sheets press gently down using either clean thumbs or measuring spoons creating indentations—these indentations will hold your delicious cream cheese filling once baked.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Place trays inside preheated oven now set at around nigh degrees Celsius/baking times vary between ten-fifteen minutes depending upon oven calibration; keep watch near end so edges lightly brown without burning bottoms! Remove once done then cool completely before proceeding onward!
Step 9: Prepare Filling
While cooling off let’s prepare our cream cheese filling! In yet another mixing bowl beat softened cream cheese together powdered sugar & vanilla extract until smooth creamy consistency achieved; this may take around three minutes as well depending upon appliance used!
Step 10: Fill Cookie Indentations
Once cooled sufficiently fill each thumbprint indentation carefully using piping bag fitted tip; alternatively spoon filling directly if preferred—it’s best served fresh but can refrigerate if necessary!
Serving Suggestions
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese make an eye-catching addition to any dessert table or holiday gathering! Serve them alongside other favorites like brownies or cupcakes for an impressive spread—consider pairing them with rich beverages such as coffee hot cocoa tea too elevate those flavors together harmoniously!
These delightful treats pair wonderfully when enjoyed warm right out oven still slightly gooey center; however let cool completely before storing away leftovers perhaps even offering friends family shareable gifts wrapped nicely festive tin boxes appreciate thoughtful gesture behind each bite deliciousness shared loved ones!
Storage Instructions
To store leftover Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies effectively keep airtight container at room temperature up five days maximum freshness maintained—or refrigerate if longer storage desired extending shelf life additional few days!
Tips and tricks
To master Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese, employ these tips and tricks for optimal results. First, select fresh ingredients, particularly your baking soda and baking powder. Expired ingredients can result in cookies that don’t rise correctly or have an off taste.
Next, consider using unsalted butter at room temperature rather than cold butter straight from the fridge. Softened butter blends more easily with sugar and eggs, leading to a better texture in your cookies.
FAQs
What makes Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese special?
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese stand out due to their vibrant color and unique flavor profile that combines cocoa and buttermilk elements typical of red velvet treats. The creamy filling adds a rich contrast that enhances each bite’s indulgence factor while providing moisture content that keeps cookies soft.
How do I prevent my thumbprints from losing shape while baking?
To maintain their shape during baking, ensure you chill your cookie dough before shaping it into balls and creating indentations. This helps solidify the fats within your dough so they won’t spread too much when exposed to heat in the oven.
Can I prepare Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these cookies ahead of time by making the dough and refrigerating it for up to three days before baking them fresh when needed. Alternatively, bake them completely ahead of time; just store them properly in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.
Do I need any special equipment for making these cookies?
While no specialized equipment is strictly necessary for making Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese, having basic tools such as measuring cups/spoons, mixing bowls, parchment paper sheets for lining trays or silicone mats can significantly ease preparation efforts—plus ensure even baking results!
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay fresh for about two days due primarily moisture retention within sealed environments! If longer storage is necessary (upwards of one week), consider refrigerating them instead—but allow warming slightly prior consumption thereafter!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies either before or after baking—just place baked ones between layers of parchment paper within freezer-safe containers/bags ensuring no air escapes during sealing process! For optimal taste experience upon thawing later on down-the-line (upwards six months), plan accordingly regarding timing ahead prior needs arise!
