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Chewy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with Cream Cheese Centers

chewy red velvet crinkle cookies - featured image

These chewy red velvet crinkle cookies feature a luscious cream cheese center, combining a tender cocoa-infused exterior with a tangy, creamy surprise inside. Perfect for festive occasions or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar (for cream cheese filling)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese filling)
  • About 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for rolling cookies)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling (10 minutes): In a small bowl, beat together 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a small container and chill in the fridge.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): Sift 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt into a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar (5-7 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup (115 g) softened unsalted butter and 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring (3 minutes): Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring until dough is evenly red.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet (3-4 minutes): Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Chill Dough (30 minutes): Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet (10 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  8. Shape Cookies (15 minutes): Portion about 1 tablespoon (15 g) dough, flatten slightly. Place 1 teaspoon (5 g) cream cheese filling in center, wrap dough around filling, sealing into a smooth ball.
  9. Roll in Powdered Sugar (5 minutes): Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar.
  10. Bake (10-12 minutes): Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until tops are set but soft.
  11. Cool (10 minutes): Let cookies cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill dough before baking to enhance crinkle effect and make shaping easier. If cream cheese filling oozes out, chill filled dough balls for 10 minutes before baking. Avoid opening oven door during baking to prevent cookies from collapsing. Use gel food coloring for best color and dough consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cookies, cream cheese cookies, crinkle cookies, chewy cookies, holiday cookies, festive desserts