Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1 tablespoon red food coloring

- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling, optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

- 4 oz cream cheese, softened

- 1/4 cup powdered sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper; this keeps cleanup to a breeze.

2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

3. In a separate bowl using either a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the egg, followed by the red food coloring and vanilla extract, until the mixture is well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

7. Use your thumb and gently press into the center of each ball to form an indent for the filling.

8. For the cream cheese filling, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth; spoon or pipe this mixture into the indent of each cookie.

9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are just set. Be careful not to overbake!

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

11. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for a decorative and decadent touch.

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