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I get so excited to share these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies with you! They're my most requested recipe during the holidays, and for good reason. Picture this: gorgeously red, soft cookies filled with the most incredible cream cheese center. Every time I make them, my kitchen smells like a fancy bakery, and they disappear faster than I can say 'Christmas cookie exchange!' Trust me, once you try these, they'll become your go-to holiday treat too.
What Makes These Cookies So Special
You know those desserts that just make everyone's eyes light up? That's these cookies! The red velvet base has this amazing chocolatey undertone that pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese filling. I started making these for our family Christmas parties, but now I get requests for them year-round. Last Valentine's Day, my daughter's teacher actually texted me asking for the recipe after my daughter brought some to class!
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Flour: Just regular all-purpose flour works great here measure it carefully!
- Cocoa Powder: I use the good stuff for these it really makes a difference.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes everything taste better.
- Butter: Take it out early so it gets perfectly soft.
- Brown Sugar: This is my secret for super soft cookies.
- Egg: Leave it out with your butter to warm up.
- Vanilla: The real stuff is worth it here.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat, please! It makes the filling extra dreamy.
- White Sugar: For our cream cheese filling.
- Sour Cream: My special touch for extra tang!
- Red Food Coloring: The gel kind works best.
- Sanding Sugar: Optional, but so pretty for the holidays!
Time to Make Magic
- First Up: The Filling
- Start with the cream cheese filling it needs time to chill and firm up. Beat everything together until it's super smooth. I always sneak a taste at this point quality control, right?
- Cookie Base Basics
- Mix those dry ingredients first this ensures no cocoa powder lumps! Then cream your butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. The mixture should look like clouds.
- The Fun Part
- Now watch the magic happen as you add the red food coloring! My kids love this part. Mix until it's gorgeous and red, but don't go crazy we want tender cookies.
- Shape With Love
- Roll your dough balls about the size of a ping pong ball. I like to roll them in sparkly sugar it makes them extra festive! Make a little well in each one for our cream cheese filling.
- Baking Time
- These need a double bake first to set the cookie, then again with the filling. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
My Best Baking Tips
After making about a million batches of these, I've learned a few things! The gel food coloring is worth seeking out regular liquid can make the dough too wet. Make sure your cream cheese is super soft, or you'll end up with lumps. And here's my top tip: don't rush the mixing process. Those few extra minutes of creaming the butter and sugar make such a difference!
Keeping Them Fresh
Because of the cream cheese filling, these beauties need to live in the fridge. I store them in my favorite cookie container with parchment between layers. They'll stay perfect for about 4 days if they last that long! Want to make them ahead? You can freeze them too just let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Perfect for the Holidays
These cookies just scream celebration! The bright red color looks stunning on any holiday table. I love making them for Christmas cookie exchanges everyone always asks for the recipe. For Valentine's Day, I sometimes shape them into hearts so cute!
Common Questions
I get lots of questions about these cookies! Yes, you can make the dough ahead just keep it wrapped tight in the fridge. Skip the cream cheese filling? You could, but it's honestly the best part! And if you're wondering about food coloring, gel is the way to go I learned this after a few pink batches!
Mix It Up!
Sometimes I like to get creative with these. Adding mini chocolate chips to the dough? Amazing! Last Christmas, I sprinkled some with green sugar for a festive touch. And once, I swirled some Nutella into the cream cheese filling talk about heaven!
Serving Ideas
These cookies are just begging to be served with a cold glass of milk! I love setting them out at holiday parties next to some hot cocoa they're always the first to go. And they make the sweetest gifts pack them in a pretty box, and you'll make someone's day!
Why These Are Always a Hit
There's just something special about red velvet and cream cheese together it's a match made in cookie heaven! These cookies have the perfect balance of flavors, they're absolutely gorgeous, and they just feel festive. Every time I make them, they bring a little bit of joy to whoever tries them. And isn't that what holiday baking is all about?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do we need to chill the cream cheese filling?
- Chilling helps the filling firm up, making it easier to work with and ensuring it holds its shape during baking. This prevents the filling from spreading too much when the cookies bake.
- → Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, these cookies can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Due to the cream cheese filling, refrigeration is recommended for longer storage.
- → Why use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
- Gel food coloring provides more intense color with less liquid, which could affect the cookie texture. You need less gel coloring to achieve the desired red color.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- While the cookie dough can be frozen before filling, fully baked cookies with cream cheese filling don't freeze well. The filling texture can become grainy when thawed.
- → Why press the centers twice during baking?
- The initial press creates the well for filling, while the second press after partial baking ensures the well stays deep enough to hold the cream cheese filling as the cookies continue to bake.