Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon red gel food coloring
• 3 1/2 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Red sanding sugar, for decorating

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Instructions

1. Make the cookies: Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Beat the butter, shortening and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla and food coloring and beat until smooth and the color is fully incorporated. Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
2. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and arrange 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies are puffed and set, 16 to 18 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then make an indentation in each cookie using the back of a small measuring spoon. Transfer to racks to cool completely.
3. Make the filling: Microwave the white chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring, until smooth. Beat the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar in a bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the white chocolate mixture, vanilla and salt and beat until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe into the indentations in the cookies. Sprinkle with red sanding sugar. Store in the refrigerator.
4. Photograph by Ryan Dausch