Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese

Introduction

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese are soft, chewy, and bursting with the classic flavors of red velvet cake, complete with a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese center. These cookies combine the deep, rich flavor of cocoa with a hint of vanilla and the perfect red hue, making them a stunning treat for any occasion. The cream cheese filling adds a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the cookies’ slightly crisp edges. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress!

I remember the first time I made these for a holiday gathering. The vibrant red color and creamy center made them an instant favorite, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about the rich, chocolatey flavor paired with the smooth cream cheese filling. What I love about these cookies is how versatile they are—you can keep them classic or add a drizzle of white chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of festive decorations for extra flair.

Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of chilling time, you can create bakery-worthy treats right at home. Whether you’re gifting them to friends, serving them at a celebration, or simply treating yourself, these Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese are guaranteed to be a showstopper!

Perfect for:

• Holiday treats
• Valentine’s Day
• Birthday celebrations
• Cookie swaps
• Dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Chewy Texture: Perfectly balanced between crisp edges and a moist center.
• Classic Red Velvet Flavor: A hint of cocoa and vanilla creates the iconic taste.
• Decadent Cream Cheese Filling: Adds a creamy, tangy surprise in every bite.
• Visually Stunning: The deep red color makes these cookies eye-catching.
• No Alcohol, No Pork Ingredients: Perfect for all dietary preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 12-14 minutes
• Servings: 18-20 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar (enhances the red velvet flavor)
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
• ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Cocoa Powder: Provides the subtle chocolatey taste that defines red velvet.
• Cream Cheese: Gives the cookies a deliciously smooth and creamy center.
• White Vinegar: Helps enhance the red velvet flavor and reacts with baking soda for a soft texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the signature red hue; gel food coloring works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Chill: Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until well combined.
6. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth dough forms.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Assemble the Cookies:

8. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Stuff the Cookies: Take a tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Roll into a smooth ball.
10. Bake: Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are set.

Cool and Serve:

11. Cool on Baking Sheet: Let cookies sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Serve: Enjoy warm for a gooey center or chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

• With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing.
• For Special Occasions: Great for holiday platters or Valentine’s Day.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: Add melted white or dark chocolate on top.
• As a Cookie Sandwich: Spread extra cream cheese filling between two cookies.

Additional Tips

• Chilling is Key: Don’t skip chilling the dough and cream cheese filling for the best texture.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: It provides a richer red hue without adding too much liquid.
• Seal the Dough Well: Prevent leaks by fully covering the cream cheese filling.
• For Extra Flavor: Add a touch of espresso powder to enhance the cocoa flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies – Fold in white or dark chocolate chips.
2. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Roll in powdered sugar before baking for a crackled effect.
3. Nutty Red Velvet Cookies – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
4. Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cookies – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
5. Dairy-Free Version – Substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese.
6. Stuffed with Peanut Butter – Swap cream cheese for peanut butter filling.
7. Red Velvet Cookie Bars – Press into a baking dish for easy bars.
8. Mini Red Velvet Cookies – Make smaller, bite-sized versions.
9. Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies – Fill with extra cream cheese frosting.
10. Spiced Red Velvet Cookies – Add cinnamon for a warming twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked stuffed dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Special Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Wire cooling rack

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough and filling a day in advance.
2. Can I make these without food coloring? Yes, just omit it; the flavor remains the same.
3. Why is my cream cheese filling leaking? Ensure dough is well-sealed around the filling.
4. Can I make these egg-free? Yes, use an egg substitute like flaxseed meal.
5. How do I get perfectly round cookies? Roll the dough between your palms for a smooth finish.

Print

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese are the ultimate indulgence—soft, chewy, and bursting with rich, velvety flavor. These delightful cookies capture the essence of classic red velvet cake in a perfect handheld treat, complete with a luscious cream cheese filling that adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweet, cocoa-infused dough.

With their striking red hue and irresistible texture, Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual baking days. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven, slightly warm, or chilled for an extra fudgy bite, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.

This recipe is simple to make and delivers bakery-quality cookies with minimal effort. Serve them with a glass of milk, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

I’d love to see your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can admire your delicious masterpiece. Happy baking!