Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect blend of a classic red velvet cake and the cozy, homestyle cookie everyone craves during the holidays or special family gatherings.

The origin of red velvet has been a matter of some debate, with some suggesting it comes from the Victorian era as a fancier cake option, while others argue it gained fame in the American South.

These delightful cookies, with their signature red hue and contrasting creamy cheese filling, will be a hit at any occasion.

They are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, making them an ideal treat for when you want to add a little extra love to your family’s dessert table or show up with a show-stopper at the next community potluck.

These thumbprint cookies are wondrous on their own, but for a truly delectable experience, serve them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of your favorite warm coffee or tea.

For a festive spread, accompany them with a platter of assorted fruit or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling, optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper; this keeps cleanup to a breeze.

2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

3. In a separate bowl using either a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the egg, followed by the red food coloring and vanilla extract, until the mixture is well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

7. Use your thumb and gently press into the center of each ball to form an indent for the filling.

8. For the cream cheese filling, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth; spoon or pipe this mixture into the indent of each cookie.

9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are just set. Be careful not to overbake!

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

11. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for a decorative and decadent touch.

Variations & Tips:

For an extra festive look, sprinkle a little bit of red sugar on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.

If you’re catering to different tastes or have some dietary restrictions in the family, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Remember, these cookies are all about the pretty presentation, so if you’re not a fan of food coloring, you can omit the red coloring altogether for a “Velvet” Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookie.

The taste will still be divine, and your thumbprints unique.

And a final tip: the dough can be quite sticky so if it’s giving you trouble when forming the cookies, just chill it for 30 minutes before shaping.

Happy baking, everyone! May these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies bring smiles and pleasure to your loved ones.