Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: 10 Reasons to Indulge

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Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. These cookies combine the crumbly goodness of graham cracker cookies with a luscious cheesecake center and a dollop of sweet cherry pie filling, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will surely impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that is easy to follow and oh-so-satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Cherry Cheesecake Cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for beginners. Second, the combination of flavors creates a unique dessert experience that is hard to resist. Third, they are versatile, allowing for various cherry cheesecake cookie variations that can cater to different preferences. If you’re wondering why cherry cheesecake cookies are popular, it’s because they offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone loves. Plus, these cookies can be served at parties, making them a crowd-pleaser. Lastly, they can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy them whenever you like!

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Gather these items:

  • 1 ¼ cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 1 sleeve)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 egg, separated
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Homemade cherry pie filling (for topping)

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Cookies Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, and baking powder until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Add the egg white and continue beating until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Gradually stir the graham cracker flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to form the cookie dough.
  5. Step 5: In another medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing again until the filling is silky and uniform.
  6. Step 6: Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 to 2 tablespoons), scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Press your thumb or a round teaspoon into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation or bowl shape.
  7. Step 7: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the indentations in each cookie, filling them evenly.
  8. Step 8: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is just set and the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
  9. Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Step 10: Just before serving, spoon a small amount of homemade cherry pie filling onto the center of each cooled cookie, adding a burst of fruity sweetness.

Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Keep these in mind:

  • Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the best texture.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
  • If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought cherry pie filling for an even easier option.

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with various serving ideas. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make for a perfect addition to a dessert platter at parties. If you want to try something different, serve them with a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an indulgent twist. You can even create cherry cheesecake cookie bars by pressing the dough into a pan for a bar-style treat!

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: 10 Reasons to Indulge - Cherry Cheesecake Cookies - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a container. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This meal prep method ensures you always have a delicious treat on hand!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Cheesecake Cookies?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Using finely crushed graham crackers creates a delightful crust while the creamy filling should be smooth and well-mixed. Always ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best results.

Can I make Cherry Cheesecake Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just scoop the cookies onto a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Cheesecake Cookies?

One common mistake is overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Another tip is to ensure your oven is preheated properly before baking to achieve the perfect texture. Lastly, avoid overbaking; they should be just set in the center.

Variations of Cherry Cheesecake Cookies You Can Try

Get creative with these variations! Try adding white chocolate chips for a richer flavor or swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry or strawberry to create a different fruit experience. For a no-bake option, consider making cherry cheesecake stuffed cookies by filling the cookies with a whipped cream cheese mixture instead of baking them. Experimenting with these ideas can lead to delicious discoveries!

For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies or Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. If you’re interested in variations, you might enjoy Almond Cherry Cookies as well!

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Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: 10 Reasons to Indulge


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cherry Cheesecake Cookies combine the crumbly goodness of graham cracker cookies with a creamy cheesecake center and a dollop of sweet cherry pie filling for a delightful dessert treat perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 1 sleeve)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 egg, separated
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Homemade cherry pie filling (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, and baking powder until evenly combined.
  3. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Add the egg white and continue beating until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually stir the graham cracker flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to form the cookie dough.
  5. In another medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing again until the filling is silky and uniform.
  6. Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 to 2 tablespoons), scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Press your thumb or a round teaspoon into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation or bowl shape.
  7. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the indentations in each cookie, filling them evenly.
  8. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is just set and the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Just before serving, spoon a small amount of homemade cherry pie filling onto the center of each cooled cookie, adding a burst of fruity sweetness.

Notes

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 12 minutes
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cookie
    • Calories: 170
    • Sugar: 10g
    • Sodium: 150mg
    • Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 20g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 20mg

    Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

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