Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful twist on two beloved desserts, combining the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. As a fan of both, I was thrilled to discover this recipe that brings together the best of both worlds. The origins of red velvet cake can be traced back to the early 20th century, often associated with Southern cuisine and special occasions. These cookies not only pay homage to that tradition but also add a modern flair that makes them perfect for any gathering.
What I love most about Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies is their unique texture—soft and chewy on the outside, with a luscious cream cheese center that melts in your mouth. They are visually stunning, with their vibrant red color and creamy white swirls, making them a showstopper at parties or holiday celebrations. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cookies have become a favorite among friends and family alike!
Ingredients:
- For the Red Velvet Cookie Base:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- For Topping (optional):
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate chips or white chocolate chips (optional)
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
Before diving into the cookie base, let’s start with the cream cheese filling. This will need some time to chill in the fridge, so it’s best to prepare it first.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Add the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated.
- Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cookie dough.
Preparing the Red Velvet Cookie Base
Now that the cream cheese filling is chilling, let’s move on to the cookie base. The vibrant red color and soft texture will make these cookies irresistible!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and the color is uniform.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.
Assembling the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—assembling the cookies with that delicious cream cheese filling!
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out a portion of the red velvet cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. This is where the cream cheese filling will go.
- Take the chilled cream cheese filling out of the refrigerator. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each indentation with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy; fill it generously!
- Once all the cookies are filled, take another small scoop of the red velvet dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place it on top of the cream cheese filling, sealing the edges to create a little sandwich. Repeat this process for all cookies.
Baking the Cookies
With the cookies assembled, it’s time to bake them to perfection!
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed. The cookies will continue to cook a bit after you take them out, so be careful not to overbake.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them
Conclusion:
In summary, these Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of red velvet with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. The vibrant color and soft, chewy texture make them not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers with friends. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee to enhance the flavors even further. You can also get creative with variations by adding white chocolate chips or crushed nuts for an extra crunch, or even drizzling some cream cheese frosting on top for an indulgent twist. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delicious Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your cookie creations. Let’s spread the love for these delightful treats together! Happy baking! Print
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for a Decadent Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in these delightful Red Velvet Cookies filled with a creamy, luscious cream cheese filling. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are soft, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
- cream cheese
- red food coloring
- powdered sugar
- chocolate chips
- white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar and sprinkle with chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for an extra touch.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- For a more intense red color, you can add a bit more red food coloring, but be cautious not to alter the flavor.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
