I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this delightful recipe for Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies! These little gems are not only eye-catching with their vibrant red hue, but they also boast a luscious, sweet cream cheese filling that will make your taste buds sing. Every time I make these cookies, I’m transported back to my childhood, when my grandma would whip up something special for the holidays. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house is a memory I cherish, and now I get to create the same magic in my own kitchen!
What I love most about these cookies is how festive they look, making them perfect for any celebration, or even just to brighten up a regular day! Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is always a win in my book. So let’s dive into the ingredients and get baking!
What’s in Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies?
Red Velvet Cookie Mix: This is the star of the show! It gives our cookies that iconic vibrant color and rich flavor. While you can certainly whip up your own from scratch, I love the convenience of a good-quality mix that still tastes fantastic.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and richness to our dough, giving the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth quality. I always use good-grade butter; it makes all the difference in baked goods!
Eggs: A classic binding ingredient, eggs are crucial for helping our cookies hold together and keep that perfect chewy texture.
Cream Cheese: The heart of our thumbprint! Sweetened cream cheese filling provides a deliciously creamy contrast to the soft cookie and that heavenly tang we all love.
Powdered Sugar: We’ll whip this into our cream cheese to add sweetness and help create a luscious filling. I prefer using organic powdered sugar when I can; it has a finer texture and is less processed.
Vanilla Extract: This rich flavor enhancer brings the whole cream cheese filling to life. I recommend using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Red Sugar Sprinkles: These are completely optional, but they elevate the look of the cookies and make them even more festive! Plus, who can resist a little sparkle?
Is Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Good for You?
While these cookies are undeniably a treat, it’s important to keep in mind that they are more of a sweet indulgence!
Red Velvet Cookie Mix: Depending on the brand, some mixes can be loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. So, when buying, keep your eyes peeled for a mix with natural ingredients.
Cream Cheese: While it does add creaminess and flavor, it can also be high in fat. Consider using reduced-fat cream cheese if you want to lighten things up a bit.
In moderation, these cookies can certainly fit into a balanced diet, especially if enjoyed alongside fresh fruit or nuts!
Ingredients
– 1 package Red velvet cookie mix
– ½ cup Butter (melted)
– 2 Eggs
– 8 oz Cream cheese (softened)
– 1 cup Powdered sugar
– 1 tsp Vanilla extract
– ½ cup Red sugar sprinkles (for coating)
*Serves: About 12 cookies*
How to Make Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cookie mix with the melted butter and eggs. Mix until you have a smooth dough.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball in red sugar sprinkles until they’re well coated.
4. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using your thumb (or the back of a spoon), gently press into the center of each ball to create an indent.
5. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still soft.
6. While your cookies are cooling, grab another bowl and mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
7. Once the cookies have completely cooled, fill the hollow in each cookie with your delicious cream cheese mixture. You can use a piping bag for a neat finish or simply scoop it in with a spoon!
8. Let the filled cookies chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps firm up the filling and makes them even more scrumptious!
Tips and Tricks for Delicious Cookies!
– If you want to get fancy, you can top each filled cookie with a few chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence!
– These cookies are great for freezing too! If you want to make them in advance, freeze the unbaked dough balls and just bake them fresh when you’re ready.
– Feel free to get creative with the filling! A little lemon zest added to the cream cheese mixture can offer a delightful twist.
I hope you give these Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies a try! I promise, they’ll bring as much joy to your home as they’ve brought to mine. Share your baking experience or any fun variations you try—I’d love to hear about it! Happy baking, my friends!
