These Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Cookies are a fun treat! Soft, chewy, and filled with sweet cream cheese, they look as good as they taste—perfect for any party!
Honestly, who can resist that rich red color and creamy center? I just can’t stop at one! They are so easy to make, and they always impress my friends when I share them.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead.
Cream Cheese: For the filling, regular cream cheese works best. If you need a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese for a similar taste but with less fat.
Granulated Sugar: If you’re aiming to reduce sugar, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol. Just know that the texture may differ slightly.
Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency. If you prefer natural colors, beet juice can be a good alternative, though it might change the flavor a bit.
Cocoa Powder: Regular unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect, but Dutch-processed cocoa can make the cookies richer and deeper in color.
How Can You Ensure Your Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
Keeping the cookies soft and chewy is all about timing and technique. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the texture light.
- Take them out of the oven when they are slightly underbaked—this allows them to remain soft as they cool.
- Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape.
Follow these tips, and your Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Cookies will be perfect every time! Enjoy baking!
Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow a few minutes for cooling before serving. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to enjoying these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so your cookies don’t stick!
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 4 oz of cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Beat these ingredients together using a mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is important for getting the right texture!
3. Mixing in the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the egg, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the bowl. Mix until everything is well combined and the color is uniform. You’ll see that beautiful red hue starting to shine!
4. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
For the filling, take another bowl and stir together the remaining 4 oz of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. If needed, chill it briefly to make it easier to handle.
6. Assembling the Cookies:
Using about 1 tablespoon of the cookie dough, flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it completely, and roll it into a ball.
7. Placing on the Baking Sheet:
Arrange the filled cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re about 2 inches apart.
8. Baking Time!
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Remember, these cookies will continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet even after removing them from the oven!
9. Cooling Off:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them keep their shape!
10. Enjoy Your Creation!
Now it’s time to serve! Enjoy these cookies warm or at room temperature. Their soft, rich red velvet exterior combined with the luscious cream cheese center is sure to delight anyone who tries them!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for the Filling?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can work in this recipe! Just keep in mind that while it will still provide a creamy filling, the texture may be slightly different and less rich compared to regular cream cheese.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling the cookies.
What If the Cream Cheese Filling Is Too Soft?
If your filling is too soft to handle, chilling it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes can help to firm it up, making it easier to wrap in the cookie dough.
