These festive sugar-coated red velvet cookies are perfect for Christmas. They're just as delicious as they are beautiful. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min./batch + cooling YIELD: 2 dozen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon red paste food coloring

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons baking cocoa

• 1/2 cup coarse sugar

• FILLING:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 large egg white, room temperature

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla e...