Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies (Print Version)

Tender cocoa cookies with red velvet coloring and creamy centers

# What You 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

# How To Make It:

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 sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Mix in egg yolk, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
06 - Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.
07 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls, placing on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
08 - Press thumb or teaspoon back into center of each ball to form a deep well.
09 - Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese filling into each indentation.
10 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are set.
11 - Let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Handy Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of rich cocoa and tangy cream cheese filling creates that perfect sweet-tangy balance that keeps you reaching for just one more
  • These cookies look impressive on any dessert platter but come together with simple pantry staples and straightforward techniques
02 -
  • If your thumbprints crack while pressing, just smooth the edges back together with your fingers, the filling covers any imperfections anyway
  • The filling sinks slightly during baking, so fill those indentations a bit higher than you think is necessary
03 -
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft to handle, especially in a warm kitchen
  • Use a teaspoon measuring spoon instead of your thumb if you want perfectly uniform indentations

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