Name: Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 6 ounces Cream Cheese (at room temperature); 6 tablespoons Powdered Sugar; 1 pinch Salt; 1.25 cups All-Purpose Flour; 0.25 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature); 0.5 cup Granulated White Sugar; 0.25 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed); 1 large Egg; 1 tablespoon Red Food Coloring; 0.25 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

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When it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth, nothing quite rivals the magic of Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies. I still remember the first time I decided to blend the rich, velvety goodness of red velvet with the creamy delight of cheesecake. The moment these cookies came out of the oven, the aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew I had created something truly special. They’re not just cookies; they’re a celebration of flavors that bring joy to any gathering. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon or a festive occasion, these cookies are a hit!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins

Prep Time:
35 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Whisk, Oven, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

Every bite of these cookies is a delightful surprise. The outside has a slight crunch, while the inside reveals a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling. It’s the perfect contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. I often make these when friends come over or when I just want to treat myself on a lazy Sunday. If you love cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious, these Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies are a must-try!

Let’s dive into why this recipe holds a special place in my heart.

The Beauty of This Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies

Rich Flavor Profile

The combination of red velvet and cheesecake is a match made in heaven. The slight cocoa undertones of the red velvet dough complement the creamy filling perfectly. Each bite is an explosion of flavors that makes these cookies truly indulgent.

Perfect for All Occasions

These cookies are incredibly versatile. Whether it’s a holiday party, a birthday celebration, or just a Wednesday afternoon, they fit right in. Their vibrant color also makes them visually stunning, so they’re sure to impress.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the fancy name fool you; these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. It’s a fun activity to do with kids or friends, creating lasting memories over the mixing bowl.

Great for Sharing

One of the best things about these cookies is how easily they can be shared. They make wonderful gifts for neighbors or sweet treats to take to a potluck. Everyone loves receiving homemade goodies!

Customization Possibilities

If you want to get creative, there are plenty of ways to customize these cookies. You can adjust the sweetness of the cheesecake filling or even add fun toppings like crushed cookies or sprinkles.

Comfort Food

Let’s face it, cookies are the ultimate comfort food. Whenever I’m feeling down or need a pick-me-up, a warm Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookie does the trick. They’re like a warm hug on a plate!

Recipe Ingredients for Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies

The ingredients for these cookies are not only simple but also work harmoniously together to create an extraordinary treat. The key players in this recipe include cream cheese, which gives the filling its deliciously creamy texture, and unsweetened cocoa powder, which adds depth to the rich flavor of red velvet. Together, these ingredients create a delightful contrast in flavors that will keep you coming back.

Cream Cheese – 6 ounces at room temperature: This is the star of the filling, offering a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Powdered Sugar – 6 tablespoons: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth filling.
Salt – 1 pinch: A little salt enhances the overall flavors of the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour – 1¼ cups: The base for the cookie dough, providing structure.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – ¼ cup: Adds the characteristic chocolate flavor to the red velvet cookies.
Baking Powder – ½ teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Kosher Salt – ½ teaspoon: Ensures balanced flavors in the cookie dough.
Unsalted Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), at room temperature: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
Granulated White Sugar – ½ cup: Sweetens the dough for a delightful taste.
Light Brown Sugar – ¼ cup, packed: Contributes to the cookie’s moisture and gives a deeper sweetness.
Egg – 1 large: Acts as a binder to hold the cookie dough together.
Red Food Coloring – 1 tablespoon: Gives the cookies that signature red hue.
Vanilla Extract – ¼ teaspoon: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.

The Method for Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies

Getting the steps right is crucial for these cookies, and I promise they’re straightforward! Follow along as we create these delectable treats that will wow your friends and family.

In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and well-combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until almost firm, about 30 minutes. This will make the filling easier to handle.
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and kosher salt. This mixture will become the base of your cookie dough, so make sure it’s well combined.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and both sugars (granulated white sugar and light brown sugar) until light and fluffy. This step is essential to incorporate air, which helps the cookies rise.
Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
Mix in the flour mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Scoop heaping tablespoons of the dough and roll them into balls until you have 12 even-sized portions. This ensures all the cookies bake uniformly.
Flatten each ball into a 3½-inch circle. This will create a base for the cheesecake filling.
Place about 2 teaspoons of the cheesecake filling in the center of each circle of dough. Bring the edges around the filling and pinch together to seal, then gently roll the dough into a ball once again. This step is crucial to ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
Arrange the cookies 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows for spreading during baking.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set but not overbaked. Let them cool before serving, as the filling will be hot!

How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies

Serving these gorgeous cookies is half the fun! They’re a delightful treat that can brighten up any occasion.

Pair with Milk: A classic way to enjoy cookies is with a refreshing glass of milk. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
Perfect for Parties: These cookies are a showstopper at gatherings. Their vibrant color and delicious taste will surely impress your guests.
Ideal for Gift Giving: Package these cookies in a cute tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
Seasonal Treat: While they can be enjoyed all year, they are particularly festive around Valentine’s Day or Christmas, thanks to their beautiful color.
Storage Tips: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain the shape of the cookies and prevents them from spreading too much.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dough, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.
Check for Doneness: The cookies should be slightly soft when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

How to Switch It Up

There are countless ways to make these cookies uniquely yours. Here are some ideas to try!

Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different food coloring or fillings to change the look and taste of the cookies.
Use Dark Cocoa: For a more intense flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa.

How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies

When it comes to serving these delightful cookies, let your creativity shine! Here are a few great ways:

Pair with Coffee: Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon treat.
Share with Friends: These cookies make for excellent sharing, whether it’s at a potluck or simply among friends.
Decorate for Holidays: Add seasonal sprinkles or toppings for festive occasions.
Use as Party Favors: Package them in small bags for guests to take home after a gathering.
Mix with Other Desserts: Serve alongside other desserts for a dessert table display.

FAQ

The combination of rich red velvet cookie dough with a creamy cheesecake filling creates a unique flavor and texture that’s irresistible. The contrast between the slightly crispy outside and the gooey inside makes every bite a delight!

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors of cream cheese, such as chocolate or strawberry. Adding crushed cookies or sprinkles can also add a fun twist to the filling, making them even more exciting.

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper.

Your cookies are done when they have set but are still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

The magic of Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies lies in their rich flavors and delightful textures. They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience that you can share with friends and family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! Baking these cookies is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and indulge in something truly delicious.