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Perfectly Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

Perfectly Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
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Perfectly Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies feature a tender red velvet cookie with a moist, chewy texture and a luscious creamy cream cheese filling. This recipe is easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and produces festive, irresistibly red cookies that are perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra smoothness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure smooth baking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating necessary air.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined and the dough reaches a vibrant red color.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  6. Shape and Thumbprint: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create an indentation for the filling.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  8. Prepare and Add Filling: While cookies are baking, whip the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and heavy cream (if using) until smooth. Spoon or pipe the filling into the indentation of each cookie.
  9. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the filled cookies for at least 30 minutes to let the filling set and enhance the soft-chewy contrast before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough; stir just until combined to maintain a tender cookie.
  • Press thumbprints into the dough before baking while dough is warm to avoid cracking.
  • If dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet, thumbprint cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, cream cheese filling, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/perfectly-soft-chewy-red-velvet-thumbprint-cookies/