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Irresistible Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with Cream Cheese Centers

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Soft, fudgy red velvet crinkle cookies with a luscious cream cheese center, perfect for celebrations or cozy treats. These cookies feature a cracked powdered sugar exterior and a surprise creamy filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp red gel food coloring
  • 2 tbsp buttermilk
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (for filling)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
  • Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Filling (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz (225g) softened cream cheese with ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Cover and chill while you work on the dough.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In another bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar (5 minutes): Using a stand or hand mixer, beat 1 cup (227g) softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings (3 minutes): Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp red gel food coloring, and 2 tbsp buttermilk. Mix until the color is evenly distributed and the batter is smooth.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry (3 minutes): Gradually fold in the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula, mixing gently until just combined. Stop when no flour streaks remain.
  6. Chill the Dough (30-45 minutes): Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and preserve the crinkle effect.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets (5 minutes): Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  8. Assemble Cookies (15-20 minutes): Portion about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie. Flatten slightly, place about 1 teaspoon of chilled cream cheese filling in the center, fold dough around filling, and roll into a ball. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar.
  9. Bake (12-14 minutes): Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake until puffed and powdered sugar is cracked, about 12 to 14 minutes. Cookies will look set but remain soft in the center.
  10. Cool (10 minutes): Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the dough. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain crinkle effect and prevent spreading. Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar for classic crackled look. Avoid overcrowding baking sheets. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. Buttermilk can be substituted with 2 tbsp milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice, rested 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cookies, crinkle cookies, cream cheese center, homemade cookies, festive cookies, soft cookies, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/irresistible-red-velvet-crinkle-cookies-with-cream-cheese-centers-recipe-for-perfect-homemade-treats/