Name: Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling

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Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, bringing all the flavors you love into a cookie form. With their rich, velvety texture, these cookies are filled with a luscious cream cheese filling that perfectly balances the cookie’s sweetness. Whether you whip these up for a special occasion or just because, they are bound to impress.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
Protein: 2 grams
Carbohydrates: 21 grams
Fat: 9 grams
Fiber: 0.5 grams
Sugar: 10 grams
Sodium: 150 mg

Why Make This Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling are not just visually stunning with their vibrant red color and contrasting white filling; they also deliver a mouthwatering taste experience. With a slightly crisp edge and a chewy center, these cookies capture the essence of red velvet cake. The cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy touch that elevates these cookies to a higher level. Perfect for holidays, parties, or an everyday treat, they never fail to bring smiles.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are well combined and ready to blend into the wet mix.

Step 3: Creaming the Butters and Sugars

In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential for incorporating air, which helps to create a tender cookie.

Step 4: Combining Wet Ingredients

Add the egg to the creamed mixture along with the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined, giving the cookies that signature red hue.

Step 5: Blending Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain a soft dough.

Step 6: Shaping the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for spreading as they bake.

Step 7: Baking

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on a wire rack to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 8: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

To make the filling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Assembling the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese filling between two cookies to create delicious sandwiches.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Serve and enjoy your Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling! They are delightful on their own or paired with a glass of milk.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

These cookies shine at any gathering. Serve them on a festive platter for holidays, or enjoy them as an indulgent afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them a great choice for a cozy get-together with friends.

How to Store Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh, separate layers with parchment paper. You can also freeze the cookies (without filling) for up to three months. Thaw and fill with cream cheese before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Color Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired hue.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, well-blended mixture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they can go from soft and chewy to overbaked quickly.
Variations: Experiment with different mix-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Chips: Stir in some semisweet or white chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra level of flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
Cream Cheese Swirls: Instead of filling, swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cookie dough for a marbled effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different food coloring? Yes, you can use natural food coloring for a more subtle red or even switch to another color for a fun twist.
What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, you could use Greek yogurt or a whipped mascarpone.
Can these be made gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking? Look for set edges and a soft center. They will continue to cook a bit after removing from the oven.
What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese filling? Use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip for a neat sandwich.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling are an excellent choice for anyone looking to impress with a sweet treat. They are simple to make but deliver big flavor and aesthetic appeal. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and start baking! You’ll be delighted with the results.