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Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese

Ingredients

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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

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:

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

Assemble the Cookies:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. Bake: Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are set.

Cool and Serve:

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

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