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Tender Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with Cream Cheese Centers

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These tender red velvet crinkle cookies feature a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a tangy cream cheese center, perfect for celebrations or cozy treats. They are quick, easy, and use simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons gel red food coloring
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, cold, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup (125 grams) powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and gel red food coloring until fully combined and vibrant.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. While the dough chills, cut the cold cream cheese into ½-inch cubes and keep refrigerated.
  8. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cream cheese cube in the center, then wrap the dough around it, rolling into a smooth ball to fully encase the cheese.
  9. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
  10. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and slightly puffy with cracks on top.
  11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Keep cream cheese cold to prevent leaking during baking. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to help cookies keep their shape and texture. Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without adding extra moisture. Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar for signature crinkle effect. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Dough can be chilled overnight for richer flavor. Freeze baked or unbaked cookies for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cookies, crinkle cookies, cream cheese center, easy cookies, homemade cookies, holiday cookies, tender cookies

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/tender-red-velvet-crinkle-cookies-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-centers/