Red Velvet Thumbprints (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 teaspoon red food dye.
02 - 3/4 cup sugar for baking.
03 - 4 ounces of soft cream cheese.
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, brought to room temp.
05 - 1 egg, large, at room temperature.
06 - 1 1/4 cups regular flour.
07 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
08 - 1/8 teaspoon table salt.
09 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’).
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence.
11 - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
12 - 1/4 cup sanding sugar in red or green.

# Instructions:

01 - Whip together softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy and light, around 2-3 minutes.
02 - Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and food colouring. Mix all together until smooth and the colour looks vibrant.
03 - In a separate bowl, sift chocolate powder, flour, baking soda, and salt to remove clumps.
04 - Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stop mixing as soon as it’s combined so the dough doesn’t get overworked.
05 - Cover the dough with cling film, then let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins so it firms up.
06 - Meanwhile, use a hand mixer to beat together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and a little vanilla. Mix till smooth.
07 - Turn the oven on to 175°C (or 350°F) and get your baking trays ready with parchment paper.
08 - Shape the dough by scooping into tablespoon-sized balls once it's chilled.
09 - Roll each dough ball fully in coloured sanding sugar for a festive touch.
10 - Arrange sugar-coated balls on the lined baking sheets, spaced about 5 cm apart (roughly 2 inches).
11 - Press down gently in the middle of each ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indent.
12 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes till the edges are set, but the middles should stay slightly soft.
13 - While the cookies are still warm, press the indents again if they've puffed up during baking.
14 - Leave cookies on the tray to cool for 5 mins, then move them to a wire rack.
15 - Once cookies are fully cool, spoon or pipe the cream cheese mix into the indents.

# Notes:

01 - Great for celebrating Christmas or holidays.
02 - Can easily be prepared in advance.
03 - Bright and cheerful look.
04 - Fun to make with kids.

Back