There’s something utterly magical about Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies. These little gems combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet with a delightful dollop of creamy filling, creating a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. chocolate thumbprint variation Imagine biting into a soft cookie, where the chocolatey goodness meets a sweet surprise in the center—pure bliss. festive peppermint cookies delightful raspberry linzer cookies.
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>
- Can I use other colors instead of red velvet?
- What type of jam works best for thumbprints?
- How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I whip up these Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies, I’m transported back to family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dessert. The vibrant red hue and soft texture always steal the show, making them perfect for celebrations or just because you deserve a treat today. traditional thumbprint cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies are incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort
- Their rich flavor profile will impress anyone who takes a bite
- With their stunning visual appeal, they’re perfect for any occasion or simply to elevate your snack game
- Plus, they are versatile enough to swap out fillings based on your mood or pantry!
I once made these cookies for a holiday party, and my cousin claimed they were the best cookies he’d ever tasted. The way his eyes lit up was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for that rich chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies while helping them achieve that lovely red color.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it adds richness and tenderness.
- Eggs: Essential for binding; room temperature eggs mix more easily into the batter.
- Red Food Coloring: A must-have to give those cookies their signature color; gel food coloring works best for vibrancy.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
- Filling (Cream Cheese or Jam): Choose your favorite filling—cream cheese icing complements the cookie perfectly!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer—trust me, it’s worth it!
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt while mixing on low speed. You want everything combined without too much effort here.
Add Color & Flavor: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of crimson. Mix until everything is well incorporated but don’t overdo it!
Scoop and Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Make sure they’re uniform; nobody wants lumpy cookies!
Create Thumbprints: With your thumb (or another finger if you’re feeling fancy), make an indentation in each ball of dough. Don’t worry if they crack a bit—that’s just character showing through!
Bake & Fill Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but not hard. Remove from the oven and immediately fill each thumbprint with cream cheese icing or jam before they cool completely.
And there you have it! Your very own batch of Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies ready to impress friends, family, or just yourself after a long day! For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
Enjoy these delightful treats fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence—if they last that long!
You Must Know
- These Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of color and flavor
- Their rich, buttery texture pairs perfectly with the sweet jam center, making them irresistible at any gathering
- Plus, your kitchen will smell heavenly while baking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in the eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients while keeping it light and airy for the perfect cookie dough.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the jam for different fillings like chocolate ganache or peanut butter. You can also enhance the cookie base with nuts or spices to match your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To enjoy them warm again, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about five minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a smoother dough
- Avoid overbaking to keep your cookies chewy and soft
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop for consistent sizes before baking
Baking these Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and love. The joy on my family’s faces when they taste them is priceless!
FAQ
Can I use other colors instead of red velvet?
Absolutely! You can create thumbprint cookies in any color by adjusting the food coloring.
What type of jam works best for thumbprints?
Fruit jams like raspberry or strawberry pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of red velvet. For more inspiration, check out this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with a creamy filling. These cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence any day. With their soft texture and sweet surprise in the center, each bite is pure bliss. Whether served at gatherings or enjoyed as a personal treat, these cookies will impress everyone who tastes them.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup cream cheese icing or your choice of jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Gradually sift in flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt while mixing on low speed until combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and red food coloring until well mixed.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Make an indentation in each ball with your thumb.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but not hard. Remove from oven and fill thumbprints with cream cheese icing or jam before cooling completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
