These cream cheese filled red velvet cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious! The bright red color makes them perfect for celebrations or just a fun treat at home.
Honestly, who can resist that creamy filling? I love biting into one and finding that yummy surprise inside. They’re a hit at my house—maybe yours will be too! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your base ingredient. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives depth to red velvet flavor. You can use Dutch-process cocoa if you prefer a richer taste.
Red food coloring: The vibrant color is essential for red velvet. For a natural option, beet juice can be a great substitute, though it might alter the flavor slightly.
Cream cheese: A classic for the filling! If you’re looking for a lighter version, Neufchâtel cheese is a good alternative.
Unsalted butter: This fat brings richness. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies are Soft and Chewy?
Keeping your cookies soft and chewy starts with the dough. Chilling it is key. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- After mixing, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- When baking, don’t overcook! Take them out when the edges are set but the centers look soft.
- Letting the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes allows them to firm up without getting too dry.
Cream Cheese Filled Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll want to chill the cookie dough for at least 1 hour and let the cream cheese filling firm up for about 30 minutes. Altogether, you can expect about 2 hours of total time including chilling and baking, but most of that is just waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until it’s smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix again until it’s creamy and well combined. Cover the filling and refrigerate it until firm, around 30 minutes.
2. Make the Red Velvet Cookie Dough:
While the filling is chilling, you can start on the cookie dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to this mix, and combine everything until it’s mixed well. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to firm it up.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Take about 1 tablespoon of the chilled cream cheese filling and place it in the center of the dough. Cover it with another tablespoon of flattened cookie dough, sealing the edges around the cream cheese to create a filled ball. Place these formed dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, allowing at least 2 inches of space between each.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look a bit soft. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh! Bite into the soft, chewy red velvet cookie to discover the delicious cream cheese filling inside. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a sweet treat whenever you fancy!
This recipe yields about 12-15 beautiful cookies, full of creamy centers and rich red velvet flavor. Enjoy making these for any special occasion or simply to treat yourself!
Can I Use a Different Type of Food Coloring?
Yes, you can use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color without altering the consistency, or even natural color alternatives like beet juice, but this may change the flavor slightly.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). For the cream cheese filling, try a vegan cream cheese alternative.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month; just make sure to wrap them well.
What Should I Do if My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, simply chill it for an additional 15-20 minutes in the fridge. This will help it firm up and make it easier to work with.