Name: Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies With Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup (135 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons (15 grams) cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened; 0.25 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 cup (50 grams) powdered sugar (for rolling, optional)

Sweet memories often bloom around these delightful red velvet thumbprint cookies with cream cheese that melt hearts instantly.

Cookie lovers appreciate unique twists on classic desserts.

Soft crimson dough nestles creamy centers perfectly.

Rich cocoa undertones dance through each delicate bite.

Impressive yet surprisingly simple, these treats promise pure joy.

Delicate thumbprints create adorable pockets for smooth cream cheese filling.

You will want to bake a double batch to share – or maybe not!

Why Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Always Win

These red velvet thumbprint cookies deliver delightful flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
Combining classic red velvet taste with creamy cream cheese filling, these cookies wow guests at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this recipe an excellent way to introduce children to baking, creating fun memories in the kitchen.
Vibrant red color and elegant cream cheese center make these cookies ideal for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or other celebratory occasions.

Ingredients That Go Into Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

Filling:

Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for the cookie filling.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth, spreadable texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.

Cookie Base:

All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient for cookie structure.
Cocoa Powder: Gives distinctive red velvet chocolate flavor and deep color.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp cookie edges.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create tender cookie texture.
Large Egg: Binds ingredients and provides moisture.
Red Food Coloring: Creates signature vibrant red velvet color.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.

Finishing Touches:

Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic depth to filling.
Cream Cheese Filling: Creamy center that complements red velvet cookie.

Making Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps. Use an electric mixer for the best results, creating a creamy and light filling that will make your cookies irresistible.

Ingredients:

Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Step 2: Create Piping Bag

Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag. If using a plastic bag, carefully cut a small tip off one corner to create a makeshift piping tool. This technique ensures precise and elegant filling placement.

Step 3: Chill Filling

Place the prepared piping bag with the cream cheese filling into the refrigerator. Chilling helps the filling firm up and makes it easier to pipe onto the cookies later. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the cookie base.

Step 4: Mix Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt

Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of flavors and a consistent texture.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together:

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process helps incorporate air and creates a tender cookie texture.

Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in:

Eggs
Red food coloring
Vanilla extract

Blend until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough achieves a vibrant red color.

Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 8: Shape Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 9: Create Thumbprint Indentation

Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press a small indentation into the center of each cookie. This creates a perfect pocket for the cream cheese filling.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.

Step 11: Cool and Fill

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, pipe the chilled cream cheese filling into the thumbprint indentations.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the filled Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies on a serving platter. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions or as a sweet afternoon indulgence.

Tips for Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Centers

Select Quality Ingredients: Use high-grade cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract for an authentic red velvet flavor that truly shines through the cookies.
Manage Dough Consistency: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent sticky hands and ensure perfectly formed thumbprint indentations.
Create Perfect Thumbprints: Use the back of a teaspoon or your thumb to make uniform wells in the cookie dough, pressing gently to avoid cracking.
Pipe with Precision: Cut a small tip on the piping bag for controlled cream cheese filling, ensuring neat and elegant cookie presentation.
Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain their texture and prevent cream cheese filling from smearing.

How to Keep Thumbprint Cookies Fresh Longer

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Thaw frozen cookies in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.
Keep the cream cheese filling separate from cookies when storing to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.

What Tastes Great with Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

Pair these decadent red velvet thumbprint cookies with a glass of smooth, medium-bodied Merlot to complement the deep cocoa notes and creamy filling.
Pop open a crisp, bubbly champagne that cuts through the sweetness and provides a luxurious contrast to the rich cream cheese center.
Brew a strong espresso or cappuccino to balance the cookie's sweetness and highlight its velvety chocolate undertones, creating a perfect afternoon treat.
Serve cold, whole milk alongside these cookies to soften the rich cream cheese and provide a classic, comforting drinking experience that kids and adults will love.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Thumbprint: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich texture while making the cookie celiac-friendly.
Vegan Raspberry Variation: Swap cream cheese filling with coconut cream and plant-based powdered sugar, using raspberry preserves for a tangy center instead of traditional cream cheese.
Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's delightful sweetness.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese substitute like cashew-based cream cheese and coconut oil instead of traditional dairy ingredients, perfect for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs for Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

What makes red velvet thumbprint cookies unique?

These cookies combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet with a creamy cream cheese filling, creating a delightful twist on traditional thumbprint cookies.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling in advance and refrigerate it. The cookie dough can also be made ahead and chilled before baking.

How do I create the perfect thumbprint indentation?

Use the back of a rounded teaspoon or your thumb to gently press an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball before baking, being careful not to crack the edges.

Are these cookies good for special occasions?

Absolutely! The vibrant red color and elegant cream cheese filling make these cookies perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or any festive gathering where you want to impress guests with a beautiful and delicious treat.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Irresistible Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

Why Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Always Win

Ingredients That Go Into Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies