If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines rich flavor, soft texture, and a touch of elegance, the Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is an absolute must-try. These vibrant red cookies, encasing a luscious cream cheese filling, offer a unique twist on classic red velvet desserts that will captivate your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to have one. The perfect balance of cocoa, tangy cream cheese, and sweet buttery dough makes these cookie sandwiches a cozy indulgence any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, this recipe comes together beautifully. Each one plays a special role, from the striking red color to the tender crumb and creamy filling that makes this recipe so memorable.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter gives the cookies their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the ideal cookie structure.
- Brown sugar: Packed and used here for that hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together while contributing to a soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Red food coloring: Essential for achieving the iconic red velvet look that makes these cookies pop.
- White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cookies rise and keeps the red color vibrant.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure without heaviness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds depth and a subtle chocolate undertone to the red velvet flavor.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a light and airy texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
- Cream cheese: Softened and whipped into the filling for that signature tang and creamy smoothness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese filling for perfect piping consistency.
How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze, setting you up for success right from the beginning.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy — this step is crucial for creating a tender texture. Then, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, vibrant red food coloring, and white vinegar. Each ingredient blends in perfectly to give the dough its beautiful hue and slight tang that complements the cream cheese filling.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can toughen your cookies.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and velvety. This luscious filling is the heart of the sandwich, providing rich creaminess and a perfect balance to the subtly chocolatey dough.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches
Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough and gently flatten each portion. Place about half a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling right in the center. Then, top with another tablespoon of dough, carefully sealing the edges to encase the filling completely. Roll the sandwich into a ball and repeat this process until all dough and filling are used.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to give them room to expand. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set, slightly cracked on top, and emit a wonderful aroma. This short bake time keeps them soft and tender inside.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes so they firm up just enough before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape and the filling sets nicely inside.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate these cookie sandwiches beautifully with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch. Fresh berries or edible flowers also add a lovely color contrast and a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these enticing treats with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a creamy vanilla latte. Their rich flavor works wonderfully alongside creamy or mildly bitter drinks to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try wrapping individual cookie sandwiches in parchment or clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon for a charming gift or party favor. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered tray for a stunning dessert display or use them as a playful garnish alongside ice cream or a naked cake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, they’ll stay soft and delicious, just like freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, these cookie sandwiches freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed cookie sandwiches warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This briefly heats the cream cheese filling and revives the soft texture in the best way possible.
FAQs
Can I use a different food coloring for these cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other shades, but keep in mind that the classic red color is part of the appeal. Gel food coloring tends to work best for vibrant results without affecting the dough’s texture.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Cream cheese is key for the signature tangy filling, but you can substitute mascarpone or a sweetened ricotta for a different twist. Just adjust the sugar accordingly to keep the filling balanced.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese, you can adapt this recipe for a vegan lifestyle. The texture and flavor might differ slightly, but it’s definitely doable!
How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the dough edges firmly around the filling and slightly chill the assembled cookie balls before baking. This helps the filling stay put while the cookies bake.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe. Just be sure to mix thoroughly and allow enough space on your baking sheets to prevent overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and special about the Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe; it’s like a little celebration wrapped in every bite. Whether you are baking for loved ones or just craving a soulful dessert, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let these gorgeous, tender cookie sandwiches find a permanent place in your baking repertoire.
Print
Red Velvet Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies, a perfect blend of soft, moist red velvet cake flavors and creamy cheesecake filling. These cookies feature a tender cocoa-infused dough with a luscious cream cheese center, baked to perfection with a slightly cracked exterior and a rich, indulgent taste—ideal for special occasions or anytime a sweet treat is needed.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar until everything is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy for the filling.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Place ½ teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center, cover with another tablespoon of dough, seal the edges carefully, and roll into a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Bake: Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are set and have a slightly cracked top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy once fully cooled.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth filling consistency.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Red food coloring is key for the signature red velvet color—use gel or liquid as preferred.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For an extra festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
