Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies
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There’s something irresistibly charming about baking cookies. The way the warm, sweet aroma wafts through your home while whisking together simple ingredients can lift the spirit on even the cloudiest of days. Recently, I decided to give Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies a try, and let me tell you, these delectable treats are an absolute game-changer. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply as an indulgent dessert to enjoy at home. The luscious cream cheese filling paired with the festive red velvet cookie creates a delightful surprise with every bite. Trust me, you’ll want to share these with friends and family—or maybe keep them all to yourself!
Why you’ll love this dish
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies stand out for their festive appeal and delightful flavor. Perfect as a holiday treat or a delightful surprise at any gathering, they combine the whimsical essence of red velvet cake with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. What could be better? They’re quick to whip up and require simple ingredients, making them a great choice even for novice bakers. Plus, rolling the cookies in holiday sanding sugar adds a beautiful touch of sparkle that’s sure to impress anyone who catches a glimpse.
"I made Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies for my family last Christmas, and they were a massive hit! Everyone couldn’t stop raving about them. They look so beautiful, and the taste was out of this world!" – Sarah D.
Preparing Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies
Making these delightful cookies is straightforward, and you can easily follow along. The recipe combines classic cookie-making techniques with a creative twist to form a mouthwatering snack. Here’s the process in a nutshell:
- Prep the Dough: Create a fluffy red velvet dough infused with cocoa powder and bright food coloring.
- Roll and Coat: Form dough balls and roll them in vibrant sanding sugar for an extra crunchy texture.
- Bake and Fill: After a quick bake, fill them with a rich cream cheese mixture that melds beautifully with the cookie base.
With these simple steps in mind, you’re on the way to cookie perfection!
What you’ll need
Gather these ingredients to bring your Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies to life:
- 1 C Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (softened)
- 1/2 C Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Egg Yolk
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 C All-Purpose Flour
- 4 tsp Red Food Coloring (make sure it’s the red-red type for vibrant color)
- 2 tsp Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 C Holiday Sanding Sugar
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 Egg Yolk
- 1/4 C Sugar
- 1/8 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Pro tip: If you’re in a pinch, you can swap the cream cheese for a soft mascarpone or even a flavored cream cheese spread for a twist!
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a standing mixer, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour, food coloring, and cocoa powder until you form a soft, cohesive dough.
- Using a small ice cream scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls.
- Pour your holiday sanding sugar into a bowl, then roll each dough ball in the sugar and place them on your prepared cookie sheet.
- Repeat the process until you’ve made about 12 cookies.
- Bake the cookies for 10 minutes.
- As they bake, prepare the cream cheese filling. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- After the first 10 minutes, take the cookies out and use the back of a round teaspoon to gently create an indentation in each cookie.
- Spoon about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each indentation.
- Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Allow them to cool completely before diving in!
Best ways to enjoy it
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies are best served fresh, but they also shine when paired with a few simple accompaniments. Consider serving them on a beautiful platter alongside a crisp glass of milk, or perhaps drizzle with some chocolate sauce to elevate their flavor. They make a fantastic addition to any dessert table during the holidays. For an extra festive touch, top with crushed peppermint or sprinkle cocoa powder over a serving.
Storage and reheating tips
Want to keep these delicious cookies fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To retain their quality even longer, you can freeze the cookies—just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. Never refreeze baked goods more than once to maintain their taste and texture!
Tips to make
- Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies! Overbaking can lead to a dry texture. They should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix and match with your favorite fillings. Dark chocolate ganache or raspberry jam could be delightful alternatives.
Creative twists
While the classic recipe is fantastic, there are so many ways to personalize these cookies. You could incorporate a hint of espresso powder into the dough for a mocha twist or use crushed nuts for added texture. How about a minty version by adding peppermint extract to the cream cheese filling? The possibilities are endless!
Your questions answered
-
What is the prep time?
The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a total baking time of around 22 minutes. -
Can I substitute the egg yolk?
Yes, you can replace one egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce, if you’re looking for a vegan option. -
How long do these cookies last?
Properly stored, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature, or up to three months in the freezer.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to creating the most delightful Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies that everyone will rave about. Sweeten your gatherings and warm your heart with each scrumptious bite!
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a standing mixer, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour, food coloring, and cocoa powder until you form a soft, cohesive dough.
- Using a small ice cream scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls.
- Pour your holiday sanding sugar into a bowl, then roll each dough ball in the sugar and place them on your prepared cookie sheet.
- Repeat the process until you've made about 12 cookies.
- Bake the cookies for 10 minutes.
- As they bake, prepare the cream cheese filling. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- After the first 10 minutes, take the cookies out and use the back of a round teaspoon to gently create an indentation in each cookie.
- Spoon about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each indentation.
- Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Allow them to cool completely before diving in!
