Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese

These red velvet thumbprint cookies are so rich and fluffy with the perfect amount of cream cheese filling. They are perfectly festive and delicious for a Christmas cookie exchange.

Today the winter wonderland outside my window in Washington transformed into a scene straight out of a holiday movie, complete with an unexpected deluge of snow. Even the thought of venturing out seemed like a quest for the bravest of souls, so I found myself embracing the coziness of being snowed in.

With roads more suited for sledding than driving, it led me to the only logical conclusion: it was time to crank up the holiday cheer with Elf, and embark on a baking adventure that promised to sprinkle a bit of magic into our snow-filled day.

And the star of my baking adventures today is a unique cookie: red velvet thumbprint cookies, but with a twist. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a delectable fusion of rich, velvety textures and the tantalizing tang of cream cheese, reminiscent of the most indulgent cheesecake nestled within a cookie.

Let’s have a frank discussion about red velvet for a moment. A lot of people think it tastes like chocolate, but it doesn’t.

Red velvet cake is typically made with cocoa powder, vinegar, and buttermilk – the reaction of which gives the red (enhanced by food coloring).

We’re not making cake, so we just have cocoa powder in these cookies. But the flavor of these bad boys are not anything about the cookie, to be honest . . . it’s all about being a vehicle for the filling. I feel like anyone who doesn’t admit that about red velvet is a big ol’ liar!

So, if you’re ready to add a touch of elegance and a dash of holiday spirit to your Christmas cookie repertoire, join me as I share the recipe for these exquisite red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese filling.

Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, transforming simple ingredients into something truly magical. After all, what’s a snow day without a little indulgence, right? Here’s what you need for these thumbprint cookies.

Red Velvet Cookies

• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp red food coloring
• 2 tsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar or sugar sprinkles (optional)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla

Tips and Thoughts for this Recipe

Let your pan cool between batches of cookies (it helps to have two pans in rotation). This keeps the cookies from spreading a lot.

I swear by USA Pans. They are my absolutely favorite and cook baked items so evenly.

Check the cookies regularly through the baking process and go by how they look versus the time on the recipe. You want edges that are set. And when the cream cheese goes in, you want that to look set on the top. Slightly wiggle the pan too. If the cream cheese moves too much, put them back in.

See? I told you they were gorgeous and believe me, they are even more delicious than they are pretty. The perfect Christmas cookie.

This Christmas dessert is one that you have to try. I promise, you’re going to want to make these every single year! Get the printable recipe below.

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What is your favorite holiday cookie recipe? Share away! For more delicious cookie recipes, visit these posts:

Buckeye • Butterscotch Popcorn • Chocolate Chip Pudding • Chocolate Chip Sandwich • Chocolate Crinkles • Chocolate Marshmallow • Chocolate Mint Sandwich • Chocolate Thumbprint • Christmas Butter • Christmas Linzer • Ginger Molasses • Grinch • Heath Bar • Nutella Stuffed • Oatmeal Cream Pies • Peanut Butter Blossoms • Peppermint Frosted • Reese’s Pieces • Reindeer • Ritz S’mores • Rolo • Santa Cookies • Shortbread Tea • Snickers • Jam Thumbprints (Classic) • Vanilla • White Chocolate Cranberry