Soft, chewy, and richly colored, these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies feature a smooth, tangy cream cheese center and sweet white chocolate chips throughout. With their eye-catching color and irresistible filling, these cookies offer a decadent twist on the classic red velvet flavor—perfect for special occasions, holidays, or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent cream cheese filling – A luscious surprise at the center of every bite.
• Classic red velvet flavor – Cocoa and vanilla come together for that signature taste.
• Chewy texture with crisp edges – Perfectly soft and satisfying.
• Eye-catching presentation – Striking red hue and melty white chocolate chips make them visually irresistible.
• Make-ahead friendly – The filling and dough can be prepared in advance.
• Holiday-ready – Ideal for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any festive cookie platter.
• Customizable – Easily adapted with dark chocolate, nuts, or sprinkles.
• Freezer-friendly – Store extra dough balls or baked cookies for future cravings.
• Kid and crowd favorite – Both the color and taste appeal to all ages.
• Balanced sweetness – The tangy cream cheese offsets the sweet red velvet dough beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:
unsalted butter, softened
brown sugar
granulated sugar
large egg
vanilla extract
red food coloring
all-purpose flour
cocoa powder
baking soda
salt
white chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Filling:
cream cheese, softened
powdered sugar
vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Scoop into 10–12 small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
2. Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips.
5. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
6. Assemble the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of chilled dough, flatten it slightly, and place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling and roll into a ball.
7. Bake: Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
8. Cool and serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve once cooled and set.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10–12 cookies
• Prep time: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes

Variations

• Dark chocolate chips: Swap white chocolate for dark or semi-sweet chips for a richer contrast.
• Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
• Holiday version: Roll cookie dough in festive sprinkles before baking.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Different colors: Use green food coloring for a St. Patrick’s Day twist.
• Mini version: Use 1 tablespoon of dough for bite-sized stuffed cookies.
• Extra cocoa: Increase cocoa powder to 1/3 cup for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Peppermint twist: Add peppermint extract to the cream cheese for a cool variation.
• Stuff with Nutella: Replace cream cheese filling with frozen Nutella for a chocolate surprise.
• Top with sea salt: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on each cookie before baking to enhance flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing (unbaked): Freeze stuffed dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
• Freezing (baked): Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the center.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring works well and provides more intense color. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Do I have to freeze the cream cheese filling?

Yes, freezing helps the filling stay in place during baking and prevents it from melting out too quickly.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for the best red velvet flavor and texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily if you need a larger batch for a party or holiday gathering.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is essential. Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool before placing the next batch of dough.

Can I make these without white chocolate chips?

Yes, the chips are optional. The cookies will still be soft and flavorful without them.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be set while the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes. Prepare the dough and filling in advance, freeze the assembled dough balls, and bake when ready.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, but reduce the baking time slightly—about 9–10 minutes for smaller cookies.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

No. The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the dough and chocolate chips.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies are an elegant, rich, and satisfying dessert that takes the beloved red velvet flavor to the next level. With their gooey centers and eye-catching appearance, these cookies are guaranteed to impress guests or treat yourself to something special. Whether for a holiday cookie tray, a celebration, or a cozy weekend bake, this recipe delivers bold flavor and timeless appeal.

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