There’s something magical about Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies, isn’t there? Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavor. The rich cocoa mingles with a subtle tang from cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering treat that beckons you for just one more bite. festive Christmas trifle refreshing Christmas peppermints Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is the key ingredient in Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies?
- How do I make the thumbprint indent?
- Can I freeze Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made these delightful treats. It was during a chaotic holiday gathering when I decided to impress my family with my baking skills. Spoiler alert: they devoured the entire plate within minutes! These cookies are not just delicious; they’re a memory-making masterpiece waiting to happen. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- Their vibrant color and cream cheese filling make them visually stunning on any dessert table
- The combination of flavors delivers a beautiful balance of sweetness and richness, ensuring they are crowd-pleasers at any gathering
- Plus, they can be customized with different fillings, making them incredibly versatile
When I first whipped up these beauties, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. They even asked me to bake them for every get-together!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture and flavor in your cookies.
- Cocoa Powder: Go for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolatey goodness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your dough with sugar; it helps create that perfect chewy cookie texture.
- Butter: Softened butter is key; it helps create a tender cookie with rich flavor. delicious peanut butter blossoms.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing and emulsification in the batter.
- Red Food Coloring: Don’t skimp here; it gives those cookies their trademark vibrant hue!
- Baking Powder: This will help your cookies rise beautifully while keeping them soft inside.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors in the cookies, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: For the filling, use softened cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar for a dreamy topping. For more inspiration, check out this cheesecake bars recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to your cookie dough.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The smell of freshly baked cookies will soon fill your kitchen.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of dry ingredients throughout the dough.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like cloud fluff—trust me on this one.
Add Eggs and Coloring: Mix in eggs one at a time along with red food coloring until well combined. You’ll love how vibrant this mixture looks—it’s like pouring happiness into your cookie dough!
Incorporate Dry Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want our cookies tender, not tough!
Create Thumbprints: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Press your thumb gently into each ball to create an indentation—this is where all that delicious cream cheese filling will go later.
Bake Until Set: Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them turning into hockey pucks!
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: While cooling, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy delight will be nestled right into those thumbprints!
Add Filling: Once cooled slightly, fill each thumbprint indentation with cream cheese mixture using a piping bag or spoon. Take a moment to admire your handiwork before diving in!
With these steps completed, you’ll have an irresistible batch of Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies ready to impress anyone who crosses your threshold! Enjoy every bite as it melts in your mouth while reveling in compliments from friends or family! indulgent tiramisu truffles.
You Must Know
- Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors and textures
- Their vibrant color makes them perfect for any celebration, and the creamy filling adds a luxurious touch
- Watch out for the gooey center, which brings smiles with every bite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For the best results, preheat your oven while you prepare the dough. Shape the cookies, create thumbprints, and fill them before baking to ensure even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cream cheese for chocolate ganache or fruit preserves in the filling to suit your taste. Add sprinkles on top for an extra festive look!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies, use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing
- Avoid overbaking by keeping an eye on them; they should look soft but not doughy
- Finally, make sure to chill your dough before baking for better shape retention!
Sharing these cookies at my niece’s birthday party was unforgettable; her friends devoured them in seconds and begged for more!
FAQ
What is the key ingredient in Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies?
The key ingredient is cocoa powder, which gives them their signature red velvet flavor.
How do I make the thumbprint indent?
Use your thumb or a small spoon to create an indent after placing the dough on a baking sheet.
Can I freeze Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without compromising quality.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the enchanting flavors of Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies, where soft, chewy cookies meet a luscious cream cheese filling. This classic treat features rich cocoa intertwined with a hint of tang, making each bite irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, these vibrant cookies will leave your guests craving more!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup softened butter
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 oz softened cream cheese (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with red food coloring.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto the prepared sheets and create an indentation in each with your thumb.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- While cooling, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth; fill each thumbprint with this mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg






