CREAM CHEESE RED VELVET COOKIES

Cream Cheese Red Velvet Cookies combine rich butter, cocoa, and a hint of vanilla with a sweet, creamy center made from cream cheese and powdered sugar. With a pop of red food coloring, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Making red velvet cookies with a cream cheese filling is a fun twist on a classic thumbprint cookie—the cream cheese goes right in the center, baking along with the cookie to make it extra soft, moist, and oh-so-rich. Each bite has a sweet, tangy surprise that makes these cookies feel decadent without being overwhelming, and it’s nearly impossible to stop at just one, especially when they’re still warm.

The vibrant red cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or just a treat for yourself. Even better, they’re surprisingly simple to make, so you can whip up a batch anytime to delight friends, family, or party guests with this fun, flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

Recipe Highlights

Creamy Surprise Center
The sweet, tangy cream cheese filling bakes right inside the cookie, giving each bite a soft, rich center that makes these cookies feel extra indulgent.

Vibrant, Festive Red Velvet Flavor
With cocoa, vanilla, and a pop of red food coloring, these cookies deliver that classic red velvet taste in a fun, eye-catching cookie form—perfect for special occasions or just a treat for yourself.

Soft, Moist, and Easy to Make
Despite looking impressive, these cookies are simple to prepare, and the combination of butter, egg, and cream cheese keeps them perfectly soft and moist every time.

Red Velvet & Cream Cheese Cookie Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Creates the rich, tangy filling that keeps the center of the cookie soft and indulgent.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the cookie dough stay tender while baking.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and helps create slightly crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a soft, chewy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough, giving structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making the cookies taste warm and rich.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness and gives the classic red velvet taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and soft.
• Red Gel Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their vibrant, eye-catching red color without affecting the dough’s texture.

Do you need to refrigerate cream cheese cookies?

Nope! These cookies can be cooled and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7, though they’re best enjoyed fresh when soft and flavorful.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—just let them cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment between cookies, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

What flavor is red velvet?

Red velvet is a flavorful combination of chocolate, tangy acids, and red food coloring for its iconic coloration. With the tangy cream cheese in the filling and the chocolate-flavored cookie dough around it, every bite is like a symphony of flavors combine together to taste like a classic.

Can I skip the red food coloring?

You can, but the cookies will look more like chocolate cream cheese cookies than classic red velvet. Gel coloring is recommended for the vibrant red without altering the dough’s texture.

Do I have to chill the cream cheese filling?

Yes! Chilling the cream cheese filling is key to preventing it from melting into the cookie dough. Keeping it cold allows it to hold its shape during baking, so each bite reveals that delightful, creamy white center.

Why didn’t my cream cheese filling stay soft?

Overbaking can cause the filling to firm up too much. Bake just until the cookies are set and slightly soft in the center for the best creamy texture.

More of our favorite cookie recipes to try soon!

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Cream Cheese Red Velvet Cookies are soft, rich, and vibrantly red, with a sweet, creamy surprise tucked in the center! These inside-out red velvet cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day—or anytime you want a special treat.