Oh, the holidays! The twinkling lights, the carols on repeat, and… the endless parade of sweets. Every year, I vow to not overdo it, to not bake every single cookie recipe I find. And every year, I fail miserably, happily drowning in a sea of sugar and sprinkles. This year, though, I found a recipe that truly stands out: Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints.
It started innocently enough. I stumbled upon a pin on Pinterest – you know how it goes. But something about the combination of the rich red velvet and creamy cheesecake just screamed “holiday perfection!” I made a small batch, just to test the waters, and within an hour, they were GONE. My kids, my husband, even the dog (okay, maybe not the dog) was obsessed.
The verdict? I had to make more. Way more. The second batch? Gone even faster. Now, I’m planning a triple batch for Christmas Eve because, honestly, these Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints are the only things standing between me and a family cookie riot. They are that good. And I’m so excited to share this family favorite with you.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints Recipe
These little gems are seriously addictive, and here’s why:
- Festive Flavor: The red velvet and cheesecake combination is a holiday dream come true!
- Surprisingly Easy: Don’t let the cheesecake component scare you; they’re simpler than they look!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy holiday schedules. Make the dough ahead and bake them later.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Prepare for compliments!
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping press the thumbprints and filling them with the cheesecake mixture.
Ingredients List for the Best Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies. Don’t skimp on the quality; it makes a difference!
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel is best for vibrant color)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and then filling the cup with milk to the 1/2 cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring will give you the most vibrant red color without adding too much liquid. If you only have liquid food coloring, use a little less.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth and creamy filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of these irresistible cookies.
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Then, add the red food coloring, vinegar, and buttermilk. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
7. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Make the Thumbprints: Use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to make a well in the center of each cookie.
10. Fill with Cheesecake: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into the thumbprint wells.
11. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges and the cheesecake filling is slightly golden.
12. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Presentation Ideas for Your Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints
These cookies are beautiful on their own, but a little extra flair never hurts!
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
- Drizzle with white chocolate: Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint: Perfect for a festive holiday touch!
- Arrange on a tiered serving platter: Display your cookies beautifully on a tiered serving platter for a party.
Pro Tips and FAQs for Baking Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints
Here are some tips and answers to common questions to help you achieve cookie perfection.
- Why did my cookies spread too much? This can happen if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or if your oven temperature is too low. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes and double-check your oven temperature.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to an airtight container.
- How long do these cookies last? These cookies will last for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can I use a different flavor extract in the cheesecake filling? Absolutely! Try almond extract, lemon extract, or even a touch of peppermint extract.
- My cheesecake filling cracked while baking. What did I do wrong? Overbaking can cause the cheesecake filling to crack. Try reducing the baking time slightly.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints: My New Holiday Tradition
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints have quickly become a staple in my holiday baking repertoire. They’re delicious, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to make. And the best part? My family absolutely loves them! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and see for yourself why they’re so irresistible. This Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints recipe is truly a holiday winner!
Let me know in the comments if you tried this Red Velvet Cheesecake Thumbprints recipe! What did you think? Any variations you’d like to share? And be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family! Happy baking!