Description
Sweet, rich red velvet meets creamy cheesecake in these irresistible cookies that blend classic Southern charm with contemporary dessert magic. Each bite delivers velvety texture and luxurious flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups (157 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
Flavor and Color Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Craft a luxurious cream cheese filling by blending softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Using a teaspoon, portion the mixture into 16-18 small dollops on a parchment-lined surface. Freeze for 30 minutes until solidified.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture. Set aside for later incorporation.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Introduce egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, blending until a vibrant crimson hue emerges.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a thick, robust dough consistency.
- Encase dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for optimal cookie release.
- Extract chilled dough and frozen cream cheese portions. Flatten a tablespoon of dough in your palm, nestle a frozen cream cheese scoop in the center, and completely envelop it. Roll into a perfect sphere. Repeat until all dough is utilized.
- Arrange cookie spheres on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, ensuring edges are set while centers remain slightly soft. Monitor carefully to prevent overcooking.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. The cream cheese centers will develop a delectable, creamy texture.
Notes
- Freeze cream cheese filling thoroughly to prevent leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect center in each cookie.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color without adding extra liquid that might affect dough consistency.
- Avoid overmixing cookie dough to keep cookies tender and prevent tough texture.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 102 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg