Name: Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted

Sweet dreams come alive with these red velvet cheesecake cookies that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Crimson-hued delights promise pure indulgence in every single bite.

Cream cheese centers create unexpected pockets of rich, silky smoothness.

Chocolate undertones dance beautifully within each tender morsel.

Baking enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Soft edges and decadent centers make these cookies impossible to resist.

You absolutely need to experience this delightful dessert adventure.

Red Velvet Cookies with Creamy Cheesecake Centers

These red velvet cheesecake cookies blend rich, velvety red velvet with creamy cheesecake, creating an indulgent dessert that feels like a gourmet treat in every bite.
Perfect for baking beginners and experienced home cooks, this recipe requires basic mixing skills and simple ingredients, making it an accessible and enjoyable baking experience without complicated steps.
Easily modify the recipe by adjusting food coloring intensity, experimenting with different chocolate drizzles, or adding decorative sprinkles to personalize these stunning cookies for special gatherings or casual family desserts.
These visually striking cookies feature a beautiful red color and creamy white center, ensuring they'll be the star of any dessert table, potluck, or celebratory event with their bakery-style appearance.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure to the red velvet cheesecake cookies.
Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep red color to the cookie dough.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and create a soft, tender texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Creates a rich, tender base for the cookie dough.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft cookie texture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Red Food Coloring: Gives the classic red velvet color to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the dough.
White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and adds a subtle tanginess.

Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, creamy filling with a sweet taste.
White Chocolate: Adds richness and extra sweetness to the cheesecake center.

Baking These Soft, Cheesecake-Filled Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C).

This ensures the perfect baking environment for your delicious cookies.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients to create a smooth, well-combined mixture:

Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Mixture

Using a large bowl, cream together the wet ingredients until they become light and fluffy:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Add in the additional wet ingredients and mix thoroughly:

Egg
Red food coloring
Vanilla extract
White vinegar

Step 4: Merge the Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Craft the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, blend the cheesecake filling ingredients until silky smooth:

Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Gently fold in the melted white chocolate.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the red velvet dough.

Flatten each portion slightly, then place a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center.

Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, rolling it into a perfect ball.

Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set and slightly crisp.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Even Baking and Perfect Texture

Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, fluffy mixture without lumps.
Add red food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to achieve vibrant red color without streaks or uneven tinting.
Refrigerate cheesecake mixture for 15-20 minutes before filling cookies to maintain structure and prevent spreading during baking.
Pinch edges gently when enclosing cheesecake filling to prevent leakage and ensure a clean, uniform cookie shape.
Use full-fat cream cheese and avoid over-mixing dough to maintain cookie texture and prevent excess spreading.

Storing Red Velvet Cookies for Maximum Freshness

Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Warm cookies at 275F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft texture. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even heating.
Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent cream cheese filling from overheating. Check temperature to avoid burning.

Pairing Ideas for Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

Elevate Creamy Sweetness: Pair these decadent red velvet cheesecake cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic, comforting combination that balances the rich, tangy flavors.
Contrast with Caffeine: Serve alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino to cut through the sweetness and add a sophisticated coffee undertone that complements the cookie's deep red color.
Fruity Wine Match: Enjoy with a chilled glass of rosé or a light dessert wine like Moscato, which will enhance the cookie's delicate cheesecake filling and provide a refreshing contrast.
Chocolate Lover's Dream: Indulge with a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, creating a luxurious dessert experience that highlights the cookie's cocoa and white chocolate notes.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cookie texture and flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream cheese instead of traditional cream cheese, and substitute butter with plant-based margarine for those avoiding dairy products.
Vegan Adaptation: Replace egg with flax egg, use vegan cream cheese alternative, select dairy-free white chocolate, and choose plant-based butter to create a completely plant-based cookie that maintains the original recipe's rich red velvet character.

FAQs

What makes the red food coloring important in this recipe?

The red food coloring gives the classic red velvet color and signature look to the cookies, creating a vibrant and visually appealing dessert that’s instantly recognizable.

Can I substitute the cream cheese filling?

While you can experiment, the cream cheese filling is crucial for creating the cheesecake element. Substituting it might change the texture and flavor profile of the cookies significantly.

Why does the recipe include white vinegar?

White vinegar helps activate the baking soda and contributes to the tender texture of the cookies, a traditional technique in red velvet recipes that adds a subtle tangy note and helps create a soft crumb.

Is white chocolate necessary for the cheesecake filling?

The white chocolate adds richness and helps stabilize the cheesecake filling, but you could omit it if needed. However, it does enhance the overall flavor and creamy texture of the filling.

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.

Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies