Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. These cookies are soft and chewy, featuring a delightful cheesecake filling that elevates the classic red velvet flavor. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s both rich and creamy, with a stunning red hue that captures the essence of celebration and indulgence. Perfect for holidays or any sweet occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

This recipe for Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies is not just about taste; it’s about joy. Here are a few reasons why you’ll be head over heels for these cookies:

They combine two favorite desserts: cookies and cheesecake.
The vibrant red color makes them perfect for any celebration.
The cookies are incredibly soft, ensuring a delightful texture.
They can be made gluten-free with simple substitutions.
These cookies are easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
They are a hit at holiday gatherings and parties.
With easy storage options, they can be enjoyed for days.
Using simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

Gather these items to make your Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies:

8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
1 cup (113 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
¼ cup (21 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick, 113 g) unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup (160 g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, plus more for rolling in
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 ½ tablespoons buttermilk (or regular milk)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make cheesecake filling. Line a small cookie sheet or plate with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon teaspoons of the filling onto the prepared cookie sheet and freeze while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt together in a bowl.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar. Beat butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes; beat in brown sugar and white sugar until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add remaining wet ingredients. Beat egg until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract into the butter mixture and beat to combine. Add milk and food coloring and beat until uniformly colored.
Step 5: Add dry ingredients. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture gradually with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Scoop using a medium scoop (about 3 tablespoons) and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and chill the dough for at least one hour before assembling.
Step 6: Preheat and prepare pans. Preheat the oven to 350°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Step 7: Assemble the cookies. Flatten cookie ball with your hands. Scoop one cheesecake center and place in the center of the cookie dough and fold around the cheesecake mixture, making sure none of the cheesecake filling shows. Using your hands, roll into a ball and roll into granulated sugar. Place onto prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake and cool cookies. Bake in a preheated oven until edges are set and tops are puffy, about 12-14 minutes. Cool cookies on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to continue cooling.

Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough for easier handling.
Make sure none of the cheesecake filling is visible when shaping the cookies.
For an extra treat, consider adding white chocolate chips to the dough.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies: 24 Indulgent Treats - Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with:

Drizzling melted chocolate on top for a decorative touch.
Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Serving with a side of fresh berries to enhance the flavor experience.

How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies?

The key is to ensure the cheesecake filling is completely encased in the dough to prevent leaks during baking. This makes for a neat and delicious cookie, every time.

Can I make Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to bake.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies?

Make sure you chill the dough; it helps in shaping and prevents spreading. Additionally, ensure your cream cheese filling is soft but not too runny.

Variations of Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies You Can Try

Here are some fun variations to consider:

Try adding white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Make them gluten-free by substituting with almond or coconut flour.
For a festive touch, add sprinkles to the dough for birthdays or holidays.
Experiment with different extracts like almond for a unique flavor profile.

For more delicious recipes, check out our baking tips and holiday treats. You can also learn about gluten-free options to make these cookies accessible for everyone!