Description
Soft, rich red velvet crinkle cookies with a surprise creamy cream cheese center. These tender, cakey cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (15g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract and red food coloring until evenly tinted.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk in three parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Chill the Dough: Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten slightly, place 1 teaspoon of chilled cream cheese filling in center, fold dough around filling, and roll into a ball.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
- Bake: Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes until powdered sugar cracks and edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
[‘Chill both dough and cream cheese filling to prevent melting during baking.’, ‘Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning dough.’, ‘Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar for signature crinkle effect.’, ‘Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and moist.’, ‘Test bake 2-3 cookies first to adjust timing if needed.’, ‘Try variations like adding mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or raspberry jam in filling.’, ‘For dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes.’]
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 95
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: red velvet cookies, crinkle cookies, cream cheese filling, holiday cookies, soft cookies, baked treats