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Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Recipe are truly special treats. These cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with beautiful red color.
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Course Dessert

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie sheet or baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Small spoon
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring gel
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F first.
  • Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • This prevents cookies from sticking to the pan.
  • Set all ingredients on your counter ready.
  • Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • This takes about 3 minutes of mixing.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract next.
  • Mix until everything combines well together.
  • Mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt separately.
  • Add red food coloring to the wet mixture.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  • Mix until a soft dough forms completely.
  • Roll dough into small 1-inch balls gently.
  • Place them on your prepared baking sheets.
  • Leave 2 inches space between each cookie.
  • Press your thumb into each cookie center.
  • Make a nice deep indent for filling.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges set.
  • Don't overbake or they'll become too hard.
  • Remove from oven and let them cool.
  • The thumbprint might puff up a bit.
  • Gently press it down again if needed.
  • Beat cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract gradually.
  • Mix until the filling is fluffy and perfect.
  • Spoon filling into each cookie thumbprint generously.

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
  • Gel gives better, brighter red color results.
  • Room temperature butter mixes much better always.
  • Don't skip the cocoa powder at all.
  • It gives authentic red velvet flavor perfectly.
  • Make thumbprints deep enough for filling space.
  • Press again after baking if they puff up.
  • Let cookies cool completely before adding cream cheese.
  • Store these cookies in the refrigerator always.
  • They stay fresh for up to 5 days.
  • You can freeze the dough for later use.
Keyword Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Recipe