Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Indulge in the perfect blend of cherry cheesecake flavors with these Cherry Cheesecake Cookies. Featuring a sugar cookie base, a creamy cheesecake center, topped with cherry pie filling, and finished with a graham cracker crumb sprinkle, these cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual treat, these cookies are sure to impress with their rich flavors and charming presentation.

Ingredients:

• 17.5 oz package sugar cookie mix (or close to 17.5 oz)
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons unbleached flour
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

Directions:

Cookie Dough

1. Prepare Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the sugar cookie mix according to package directions. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the mix and blend until the dough is soft and crumbly. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

Cream Cheese Filling

2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Transfer the filling into a zipper bag or piping bag fitted with a small tip.

Topping

3. Prepare Topping: Combine graham cracker crumbs and light brown sugar in a bowl.

Assembling and Baking

4. Form Cookies: Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator and form into 2-tablespoon-sized balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Use a teaspoon to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie ball.
5. Add Filling: Pipe or spoon a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each indentation. Place three cherries or 2 teaspoons of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture.
6. Bake: Bake cookies for 15-17 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers are set. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
7. Finish: Once cooled, drizzle cookies with remaining cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with graham cracker topping.

Prep Time: 15 min | Cooking Time: 15-17 min | Total Time: 30-32 min | Servings: 18

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions

• Freshly Baked: Serve Cherry Cheesecake Cookies warm from the oven for a gooey, indulgent treat.
• Room Temperature: Allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavors and textures.
• Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish each cookie with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze Cherry Cheesecake Cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Additional Tips

• Refreshing Cookies: If cookies lose their crispness, place them in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to regain their texture.
• Stacking Cookies: Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper in storage containers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Gift Idea: Package cookies in decorative boxes or bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Cherry Cheesecake Cookies remain fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you’re craving a taste of their delightful combination of cheesecake and cherry flavors. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy to every bite.

Variations:

1. Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies: Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a refreshing twist on classic flavors.
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies: Use strawberry pie filling instead of cherry for a sweet and tangy alternative.
3. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for added richness.
4. Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the graham cracker crumb topping for extra texture.
5. Lemon Cheesecake Cookies: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling and top with lemon curd for a zesty variation.
6. Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the cream cheese filling before baking for a nutty twist.
7. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cookies: Use apple pie filling instead of cherry and drizzle with caramel sauce after baking.
8. Oreo Crust: Replace the graham cracker crumbs in the topping with crushed Oreo cookies for a cookies-and-cream flavor.
9. Mango Cheesecake Cookies: Use mango puree or diced mango pieces on top for a tropical twist.
10. Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies: Substitute cherry pie filling with raspberry pie filling for a tart and fruity variation.
11. Almond Cheesecake Cookies: Add almond extract to the cream cheese filling and top with sliced almonds for a nutty flavor.
12. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: Drizzle cooled cookies with homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty combination.

These variations offer creative ways to customize your Cherry Cheesecake Cookies, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures while maintaining the delightful essence of cheesecake in every bite. Enjoy exploring these options to find your favorite version of this beloved dessert cookie.

FAQs :

1. Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
   • Yes, you can use homemade sugar cookie dough. Ensure it’s a similar consistency to the mix by adjusting flour and sugar proportions as needed.
2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
   • Absolutely! Pit and chop fresh cherries and simmer with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened for a fresh cherry topping.
3. How can I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out during baking?
   • Ensure the cookie dough is well-chilled before adding the filling. Make a deep enough indentation for the filling and avoid overfilling.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the cookies ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
5. How do I store leftover Cherry Cheesecake Cookies?
   • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
   • Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. However, note that it may affect the texture and creaminess of the filling slightly.
7. What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
   • Crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits can be substituted for graham cracker crumbs in the topping for a different flavor profile.
8. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
   • Ensure the dough balls are well-chilled before baking. Also, avoid placing them too close together on the baking sheet.
9. Can I omit the graham cracker crumb topping?
   • Yes, you can omit the graham cracker crumb topping if desired. The cookies will still have the delicious flavors of cherry cheesecake.
10. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    • Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix or dough, and ensure all other ingredients, such as the graham cracker crumbs, are certified gluten-free.

These FAQs address common queries about making, storing, and customizing Cherry Cheesecake Cookies, ensuring you have all the information needed to create and enjoy this delightful dessert with confidence.

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake in a portable and shareable cookie form. Perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to family gatherings, these cookies combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of cherry, creating a treat that will be loved by all. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these cookies, and savor every bite of their irresistible flavors.