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Perfectly Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

Perfectly Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
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Perfectly Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies are irresistibly tender, chewy cookies featuring a classic deep red velvet color, enriched with subtle cocoa and vanilla flavors. Each cookie holds a luscious, creamy cream cheese center that melts in your mouth, making them a delightful treat for any occasion, from festive holidays to cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel-based recommended)

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a bowl to ensure they are evenly combined. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and light. Beat in the egg, then add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until smooth and vibrantly red.
  2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb and chewy texture.
  3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to shape and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
  4. Shape and Create Thumbprints: Roll the chilled dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press your thumb or the handle of a small spoon into the center of each ball to create a well for the filling.
  5. Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are slightly crispy but the centers remain soft to the touch.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: While the cookies bake, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the Cream Cheese Filling: When the cookies have cooled slightly but are still warm, spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into each thumbprint well. Allow the cookies to cool completely so the filling sets without melting away.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough come together smoothly and bake evenly.
  • Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges are set but centers remain soft to ensure chewiness.
  • Gel food coloring is preferred to achieve vibrant red color without watering down the dough.
  • Chill the dough to prevent excessive spreading and to lock in moisture for soft texture.
  • Use a piping bag with a small round tip or plastic bag with a snipped corner for neat and even cream cheese filling application.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cookies, thumbprint cookies, cream cheese filling, chewy cookies, soft cookies, holiday cookies, dessert

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/perfectly-soft-chewy-red-velvet-thumbprint-cookies/