If you have a sweet tooth and love cozy baked treats, then the Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These irresistible cookies bring together the classic flavors of red velvet cake in a fun, hand-held form, bursting with a luscious cream cheese center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary afternoon, this recipe combines vibrant color, rich cocoa undertones, and that signature tangy filling to create pure cookie magic you’ll want to savor bite after bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of tender texture, striking color, and rich flavor. From the tangy cream cheese to the splash of vinegar that amplifies the red velvet character, every element counts.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Provides a creamy base that ensures soft and tender cookies.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the ideal cookie texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces warm, aromatic notes enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives these cookies their signature vibrant red hue, making them visually irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cookies rise and adds subtle tanginess classic to red velvet.
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The structural backbone of your cookies, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a gentle chocolate undertone that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Essential for the luscious cream cheese filling inside each cookie.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Adds extra depth and complements the cream cheese’s tang.
How to Make Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
Using softened butter, blend together the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming step is key to giving your cookies that irresistible soft texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar until the mixture is well combined. These ingredients come together to create the distinctive red velvet flavor and signature look.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Then gradually add this blend to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything combines without overworking the dough.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy filling that will be the decadent heart of each cookie.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and gently flatten it. Place ½ teaspoon of cream cheese filling in the center, then top with another flattened tablespoon of dough. Seal the edges and roll into a ball. This layering creates the cookie’s signature surprise filling.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Space the filled cookie balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are set with just a slight crack on top—a sign they’re perfectly baked.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures each cookie keeps its shape and lets the cream cheese filling set beautifully inside.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate over these red velvet cupcake cookies adds an elegant touch that elevates their festive look and taste. Fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts can also offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even rich hot chocolate. The creamy beverages perfectly complement the sweetness and tang of the cream cheese filling while balancing the cocoa notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a charming dessert plate or nestled in colorful cupcake liners for easy sharing. They also make a gorgeous gift when wrapped in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon—a delightful homemade surprise your friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe fresh for up to three days by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents the filling from drying out and keeps the cookies soft.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. When wrapped properly, they can last up to two months and still taste as fresh as when you baked them.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and gooey cream cheese center without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use natural food coloring instead of red food dye?
Yes! Beet juice powder or puree can be a natural alternative to red food coloring. It may affect the hue slightly, but it still delivers a beautiful red tint with the same delicious flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free cream cheese for the filling. Keep in mind, the texture might differ slightly, but the flavor will still be wonderfully satisfying.
How do I avoid the cream cheese filling leaking out during baking?
Be sure to seal the edges of the dough around the cream cheese filling tightly. Gently pressing and smoothing the dough over the filling creates a neat seal that helps prevent leakage while baking.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
You can adjust the size, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger ones will need a longer time to cook through without burning.
What’s the best way to make these cookies extra soft?
Using room temperature butter and eggs, not overmixing the dough, and not overbaking are key factors for soft cookies. Pull them out as soon as the edges look set and the tops have slight cracks for that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe—it captures all the best parts of red velvet cake and transforms it into a handheld indulgence perfect for any day. Whipping these up brings joy from the kitchen to the table, and once you try them, they’re sure to become a beloved favorite. So grab your apron and give this vibrant, creamy, and downright delicious recipe a whirl. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
Print
Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the creamy sweetness of a cheesecake filling. Soft, chewy, and slightly chocolatey, these cookies feature a luscious cream cheese center, making them a delightful twist on traditional red velvet treats. Perfect for sharing or satisfying your sweet tooth, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients and baked to perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, crucial for tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar until all ingredients are well combined and evenly colored.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, creating the luscious filling.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten slightly. Place ½ teaspoon of cream cheese filling in the center. Top with another tablespoon of dough, seal the edges carefully to encase the filling fully, and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and show slight cracks on top, indicating they are thoroughly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to ensure the filling sets perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to blend smoothly with powdered sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Use good quality red food coloring for vibrant color without a strong artificial taste.
- Seal cookie edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen before or after baking; thaw at room temperature before serving.
