Step 1

Preheat oven to 300ºF. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2

Beat together the butter, brown sugar, egg yolk, salt and vanilla until light and fluffy. Mix in the flour, food coloring, and cocoa powder until soft dough forms.

Step 3

Scoop out the dough by heaping tablespoons and roll them in the sugar before placing on the prepared baking sheet (about 2 inches apart). Use the back of a round teaspoon to make a small indentation in the cookie dough.

Step 4

Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, make the filling: using an electric mixer or small food processor, beat together the cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 6

After the first 10 minutes of baking, use the back of a round teaspoon to deepen the indentation in the cookies. Spoon a teaspoon of the filling into each indentation. Bake for an additional 12 minutes, until filling is set.

Step 7

Let cool completely before serving. Store covered and chilled.