Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese

A Sweet and Decadent Treat for Your Loved One

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in something sweet, and these red velvet cookies with cream cheese filling are an irresistible way to celebrate. With their rich cocoa flavor, striking red color, and luscious cream cheese center, these cookies make a heartfelt gift or a special treat for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Festive: The deep red hue makes these cookies a stunning addition to your Valentine’s Day dessert spread.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cocoa and tangy cream cheese creates an indulgent treat.
• Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up a batch.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Scoop small teaspoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. If using white chocolate chips, fold them into the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm.
3. Place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges.
4. Arrange the stuffed cookies on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
2. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add an elegant touch by drizzling melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Extra Sweetness: Replace white chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
• Heart-Shaped Cookies: Shape the dough into hearts before baking for an extra festive look.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: About 12–14 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cream cheese from leaking?

Freezing the cream cheese filling beforehand helps it stay intact while baking.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes! Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so use less to achieve the same vibrant red color.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Absolutely. The cookies will still taste delicious, but they won’t have the signature red velvet appearance.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it soften slightly before assembling the cookies.

What if I don’t have white vinegar?

You can substitute it with lemon juice to help activate the baking soda.

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! Just make sure to freeze extra cream cheese filling so you have enough for all the cookies.

Can I use store-bought red velvet cake mix?

Yes, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly. You’ll also need to adjust the ingredient ratios accordingly.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

Can I add other fillings?

Sure! Try Nutella, peanut butter, or raspberry jam for a fun twist.

How do I make them even softer?

Adding an extra teaspoon of milk to the dough can enhance softness.

Conclusion

These red velvet cookies with cream cheese filling are the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat—rich, chewy, and delightfully creamy. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to spread love and sweetness. Enjoy!

Print