These Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Cookies are soft, chewy, and have a yummy surprise inside! The sweet cream cheese filling pairs perfectly with the rich red velvet flavor.
Who wouldn’t want a cookie that looks fancy but is super easy to make? I love serving these at parties, and they always impress my friends. It’s like dessert and a hug all in one! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is essential for the cookie structure. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. I’ve had good results with a 1:1 gluten-free mix!
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth of flavor. If you’re out of cocoa, try carob powder for a slightly different taste. It will still work as a great flavor base!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here, letting you control the salt. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute that works for baking!
Food coloring: Red food coloring gives that classic look. If you’d like a natural alternative, use beet juice, though it may change the taste just a bit.
Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture for the filling. You can use low-fat cream cheese, but the filling might be less creamy.
How Can I Get the Perfect Cream Cheese Filling?
Making the cream cheese filling smooth and creamy is key to a great cookie. Here’s how to nail it:
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this helps it blend smoothly.
- Beat the cream cheese alone first until creamy; then add powdered sugar and vanilla slowly.
- Don’t overmix! You want it smooth but not over-whipped, which can add air bubbles.
This filling is a delightful surprise, so take your time to get it just right!
How Do I Ensure the Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
To maintain that soft, chewy cookie texture, follow these tips:
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should look a bit soft when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.
- Use brown sugar in addition to granulated sugar if you want extra moisture and chewiness.
- You can also chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
These simple steps will lead to batch after batch of delicious, chewy cookies! Enjoy baking them!
How to Make Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 teaspoon white vinegar, let sit for 5 mins)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 10-12 minutes for baking. Overall, you should budget around 30 minutes to whip these up. After baking, allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. You’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake perfectly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. This mixture forms the base of your cookies.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
Next, in a large mixing bowl, place the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air, making your cookies soft!
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Now, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter-sugar mix. Beat everything together until fully combined. The batter should have a nice red hue!
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
Slowly add in the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Start with a little bit of dry ingredients, followed by buttermilk and repeat, finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix!
6. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is going to be your delightful surprise in the center of the cookies!
7. Assemble the Cookies:
Now for the fun part! Take about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of the dough. Then, take another tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it, and gently place it on top of the filling. Carefully seal the edges to form a ball, ensuring the filling is enclosed. Place the filled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This cooling time helps them maintain their shape. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!:
Finally, it’s time to indulge! Enjoy your soft and chewy Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Cookies with that sweet, creamy surprise inside. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself! 😊
Can I Use a Different Type of Food Coloring?
Absolutely! While red food coloring gives that classic red velvet look, you can experiment with gel colors or even natural options like beet juice for a different hue. Just keep in mind that natural alternatives may slightly alter the flavor.
Can I Make This Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time! Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before assembling the cookies.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How Can I Prevent the Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
To prevent spreading, chill the dough before baking for about 30 minutes. This helps the fats solidify, ensuring your cookies hold their shape better while they bake!
