Ingredients
Scale
Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp red food coloring
- 2 tsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar or sanding sugar (for rolling)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract.
- Whisk flour and cocoa powder, gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Add red food coloring and mix until even.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, place 2 inches apart, and make indentation in center.
- Beat cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla for filling.
- Fill cookie centers with cream cheese mixture and bake 12-14 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- If dough is too soft, refrigerate 10-15 minutes before rolling.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant red hue.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American