Name: Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 1 h 7 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup butter (room temperature); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 4 teaspoons red food coloring; 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 egg yolks (room temperature); 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon salt

Sweet aromas of red velvet thumbprint cookies dance through kitchens, promising delectable moments of pure indulgence.

Soft crimson dough embraces creamy centers with elegant charm.

Delicate and rich, these treats blend comfort with sophistication.

Chocolate undertones complement the luxurious texture, creating an irresistible experience.

Crumbly edges give way to smooth, velvety interiors that melt gracefully.

Baking these cookies becomes a delightful journey of culinary creativity.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something magical.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate!

Quick Holiday Delight: Create festive red cookies that bring instant cheer to your Christmas celebration with minimal kitchen skills required.
Stress-Free Baking: Simple step-by-step process allows even novice bakers to craft professional-looking thumbprint cookies without complicated techniques.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or unexpected holiday guests with a delightful combination of soft texture and rich flavors.
Make-Ahead Magic: Dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it convenient for busy holiday schedules and reducing day-of preparation stress.

Dry Ingredients:

Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cookie base.
Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cookies.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Creates a rich, creamy texture and adds essential moisture.
Brown Sugar: Provides depth of flavor and helps create a soft cookie.
Egg Yolk: Contributes to the richness and helps bind the ingredients.
Vanilla: Adds a classic sweet flavor to the cookie dough.

Finishing and Coloring Ingredients:

Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies a festive Christmas-themed appearance.
Granulated Sugar: Used for rolling cookies to create a sweet, crisp exterior.
Filling Ingredients (not specified in instructions): Will be used to create a creamy center for the thumbprint cookies.

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and thoroughly combine flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.

Use a whisk to ensure everything is perfectly blended without any lumps.

Step 2: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.

Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Dough

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Add a few drops of red food coloring to transform the dough into a beautiful crimson shade.

Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Step 4: Chill And Prepare

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour.

This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.

Step 5: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 300°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into perfect round balls.

Gently roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkling exterior.

Step 7: Create Signature Thumbprints

Place cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Use your thumb to create a gentle indent in the center of each cookie.

Step 8: First Baking Round

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes until they start to set but remain soft.

Step 9: Enhance Cookie Centers

Remove cookies from the oven.

If needed, use the back of a spoon to slightly deepen the thumbprint while cookies are still warm.

Step 10: Prepare Creamy Filling

Whisk together filling ingredients until smooth and glossy.

Step 11: Fill And Finish

Carefully spoon the filling into each cookie’s center.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes until the filling sets.

Step 12: Cool And Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Let them cool completely before serving these festive treats.

Use exact measurements for flour, cocoa, and salt to ensure consistent cookie texture and flavor.
Add food coloring gradually to control intensity and achieve perfect festive red hue.
Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
Make soft thumbprints without pressing too hard to keep cookie structure intact and prevent cracking.
Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, separating layers with parchment paper.

Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, festive flavor.
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a plant-based cookie that's just as creamy and delicious.
Chocolate Peppermint Swap: Substitute vanilla extract with peppermint extract and add crushed candy canes for a classic Christmas flavor profile.
Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar to reduce calories while keeping the cookie's signature texture.

Holiday Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive red and green ceramic plate, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect.
Gifting Delights: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbons, perfect for teacher gifts or cookie exchanges.
Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for a delightful Christmas treat that warms the heart and soul.
Festive Presentation: Garnish plate with small candy canes or sprinkle crushed peppermint around cookies to enhance holiday cheer.

Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Preheat oven to 275F. Place cookies on baking sheet, warm for 3-4 minutes until slightly crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Heat cookies on microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent texture loss.

FAQs

What are the key ingredients for these Christmas cookies?

The key ingredients include flour, cocoa powder, butter, brown sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and red food coloring. These create a rich, festive cookie with a creamy filling.

Are these cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! The recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills. The process involves mixing dry and wet ingredients, chilling the dough, and creating thumbprints for the filling.

Can I adjust the food coloring?

Yes, you can modify the amount of red food coloring to get your desired color intensity. Some bakers prefer a lighter or deeper red tone depending on their preference.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are ready when they’re set around the edges and the filling is slightly firm. Baking at 300F helps prevent burning and ensures a soft, delicate texture.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.