The Sweetest Cherry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Sweet afternoons become magical when you whip up these dreamy cherry cheesecake cookies that melt instantly in your mouth.

Creamy Philadelphia cream cheese blends perfectly with tangy cherries for an irresistible treat.

Crumbling graham crackers adds delightful texture to each bite-sized morsel.

Soft and pillowy, these cookies capture the essence of classic cheesecake in a handheld form.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive dessert.

Nobody will believe you crafted such decadent cookies with minimal effort.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with these crowd-pleasing delights.

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies with a Fruity Finish

• Perfect for home bakers wanting a simple yet impressive dessert that looks professionally made.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, even beginners can create stunning treats.
• The irresistible blend of buttery cookie, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet-tart cherry creates a mouthwatering dessert that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or casual weekend dessert moments where you want something special without complicated techniques.

What Makes Cherry Cheesecake Cookies Tick

• All-Purpose Flour: The essential foundation for creating a soft and tender cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie dough.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden brown cookie exterior.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy filling that mimics the classic cheesecake flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cheesecake filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color to the cookies.

Assembling Cherry Cheesecake Cookies with Care

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for your delicious cookies.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

Mix softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Add egg and vanilla extract, blending until everything is perfectly combined.

In a separate bowl, blend flour, baking powder, and salt.

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, forming a soft, smooth dough.

Step 3: Whip Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and completely smooth.

Step 4: Form Cookie Balls

Roll the cookie dough into tablespoon-sized balls.

Place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Create a gentle indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Fill Cookie Centers

Carefully spoon cheesecake filling into the center of each cookie, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 6: Top with Cherry Goodness

Gently place cherry pie filling on top of the cheesecake center, adding 1-2 cherries to each cookie for a burst of fruity flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Look for lightly golden edges and set centers.

Once baked, let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Easy Tips for Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and softened completely to create a smooth, lump-free filling that won't crack during baking.
• Don't overmix the cookie dough to keep cookies soft and tender, stopping just when ingredients are combined for a delicate crumb.
• Create uniform cookie wells by using the back of a rounded measuring spoon or your thumb, pressing gently to avoid breaking the dough.
• Use a small spoon to add cherry pie filling, placing cherries strategically to ensure each cookie gets an even, beautiful topping.
• Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, helping them set and preventing potential breakage.

How to Store Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain cream cheese filling's freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore soft texture. Avoid overheating to prevent cream cheese filling from becoming runny.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor profile.

Serve Cherry Cheesecake Cookies With These Sips

Pair Sweet Sips with Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: A Delightful Flavor Adventure

• Creamy Coffee Companion: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with smooth caramel undertones that complement the tangy cheesecake filling and sweet cherry notes.
• Sparkling Wine Celebration: Select a light, slightly sweet prosecco or moscato that cuts through the cookie's richness while enhancing the fruity cherry flavor.
• Dessert Wine Harmony: Choose a late-harvest Riesling with soft golden hints, offering a delicate sweetness that beautifully matches the cookie's creamy texture and bright cherry topping.

Versions to Try with Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend, ensuring the same soft texture while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a plant-based egg replacer, swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, and choose a vegan cherry pie filling to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce the overall sugar content, and select a sugar-free cherry pie filling to create a lower-calorie option for health-conscious bakers.
• Almond Flour Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Swap wheat flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor and protein-rich alternative, perfect for those following a grain-free or paleo-friendly diet.

FAQs

• Are these cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! The recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills. Even beginner bakers can successfully create these delicious cherry cheesecake cookies with simple steps and common ingredients.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Fresh cherries can work, but they might release more liquid during baking. If using fresh cherries, chop them finely and drain excess juice to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and set centers. The cookies should look slightly puffy and not wet in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• What's the best way to store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling requires refrigeration to maintain freshness and prevent spoiling.

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry cheesecake cookies blend creamy richness with fruity charm, creating an irresistible dessert that melts in your mouth. Each bite promises a delightful balance of tangy cream cheese and luscious cherry goodness you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (21 ounces/595 grams) cherry pie filling

Sweeteners and Binding:

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create the cookie base by whipping softened butter and sugar until airy and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, ensuring complete integration.
3. Separately combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough develops.
4. Craft the creamy cheesecake filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until silky and uniform in texture.
5. Form cookie dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, positioning them evenly across baking sheets with 2-inch spacing.
6. Gently press a thumb or spoon indentation into the center of each cookie dough ball, creating a perfect vessel for filling.
7. Delicately spoon cream cheese mixture into the cookie centers, ensuring precise and even distribution.
8. Crown each filled cookie with cherry pie filling, strategically placing 1-2 cherries for maximum visual and flavor appeal.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookie edges turn golden and centers stabilize. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese to make these cookies suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round cookie shape during baking.
• Use fresh cherries as a healthier alternative to pie filling, chopping them finely and mixing with a touch of honey for natural sweetness.
• Experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry or blueberry to create unique flavor variations that still complement the creamy cheesecake center.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg