Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
Cherry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the delightful sweetness of cherries all in a bite-sized form. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist. The subtle tang from the cream cheese and the bright notes of cherry deliver an experience that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.
Table of Contents
I first encountered the concept of cheesecake cookies at a potluck, where a friend had made them for dessert. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! The rich cookie base combined with a dollop of cherry pie filling created a unique twist on a classic dessert. Since then, I’ve tried to replicate that magic in my own kitchen, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you. It’s quick, efficient, and brings out an immense burst of flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Let’s dive into these irresistible treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: These cookies only take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Irresistible Flavor: Imagine the creamy cheesecake flavor balanced beautifully with sweet cherries. They’re utterly satisfying!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The contrasting colors of the white cookie and red cherry filling make for an impressive presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack, at parties, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to experiment with gluten-free flour or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This keeps the cookies soft and provides structural integrity. For a gluten-free version, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- 2 large eggs: They contribute to the cookie’s moisture and binding. If you need a substitute, try using unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely chewy texture.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, which is perfectly normal.
Scoop and Prep: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little while baking.
Add the Cherry Filling: Take a small amount of cherry pie filling (about 1/2 teaspoon per cookie) and place it gently on top of each cookie dough scoop. This will give it that signature cheesecake flavor.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 30 minutes or until the edges appear golden brown. The cookies might look soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial for enhancing their texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cherry Cheesecake Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for about a week. If you’d like to keep them even longer, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their softness, although the cherry filling may lose some of its original texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
- If cookie spread seems too much, chill the dough for about 20 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
- Try adding a hint of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
- Feel free to make the dough ahead of time; just store it in the refrigerator and bake fresh cookies when your cravings hit!
Enjoying Cherry Cheesecake Cookies offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creamy texture, presenting a fantastic small dessert that’s easy to share or savor alone. After baking these delectable bites in your own kitchen, you might find that they become a regular feature at gatherings or family snacks. Don’t hesitate to play around with some variations—you could even try different fruit fillings or add a chocolate drizzle for an extra treat. No matter how you enjoy them, I hope you find as much joy in these cookies as I did!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, simply chop them finely and fold them into the batter. Just keep in mind that using fresh fruit may alter the texture slightly since you’ll lose that jammy consistency provided by pie filling.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, it’s often due to using warm butter or not enough flour in the dough. Ensure you’re using the correct measurements and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely! These cookies freeze well. Ensure they’re fully cooled, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. Enjoy them as needed!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cake
- Oreo Balls (Valentine)
- Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies
- Cranberry Orange Biscotti
- Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy taste of cheesecake with the sweetness of cherries. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies are perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack. Enjoy the irresistible flavor that brings comfort and happiness to every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Scoop the mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
Allow cookies to cool completely before serving for the best flavor.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
These cookies can be frosted for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
