These Crushed Oreo Red Velvet Cookies bring fun and taste together! They have a lovely red color and are packed with crunchy Oreo bits for extra joy in every bite.
Who doesn’t love cookies that look as good as they taste? I love serving these at parties; they disappear fast, and everyone asks for the recipe. Get ready for some happy faces!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cookie. If you’re gluten-free, look for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried this and it works great!
Cocoa Powder: This adds a touch of chocolate flavor. If you want a deeper taste, try dark cocoa powder instead.
Unsalted Butter: For the best flavor, use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but I always recommend butter for richness.
Cream Cheese: This gives that delicious creamy center. For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still tastes good!
Red Food Coloring: Use liquid food coloring for the best results. Gel color works too; just use less, as it’s more concentrated. I like using gel for more vibrant colors!
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Have a Creamy Center?
The key to getting that delightful cream cheese center is to properly seal the dough around it. Here’s how to do it:
- First, scoop and flatten a piece of dough, then place a teaspoon of cream cheese in the center.
- Take another piece of dough, flatten it, and place it over the cream cheese.
- Carefully seal the edges by pinching them together; this prevents the filling from leaking out while baking.
Remember to only use a little filling – too much can make it hard to seal properly! Practice makes perfect, and you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
Crushed Oreo Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 8 Oreos)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 to 12 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Overall, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the ingredients. Set the bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, or your cookies may become tough!
6. Add Crushed Oreos:
Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies, saving a few pieces if you’d like to sprinkle them on top of the cookies before baking.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious filling in your cookies!
8. Forming the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop a piece of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center. Take another piece of dough, flatten it, and put it on top of the cream cheese, pinching the edges to seal it shut.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place the filled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each. Lightly press the reserved crushed Oreos on top of each dough ball.
10. Baking Time:
Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still slightly soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool!
11. Cooling the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to ensure they hold their shape.
12. Enjoy Your Cookies:
Once cooled, serve these delightful Crushed Oreo Red Velvet Cookies to friends or family, or keep them all to yourself! Each bite is rich, moist, and filled with sweet surprises from the cream cheese and Oreo bits. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Food Coloring?
Yes! While red food coloring gives the classic red velvet look, you can use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color. Just remember that gel color is more concentrated, so use it sparingly to achieve your desired shade.
What Should I Do If My Cookies Spread Too Much?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it may be due to the dough being too warm or using melted butter instead of softened butter. Make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you notice it’s too soft. This helps maintain the shape.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before using it in the cookies, so it’s easy to scoop!
