Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe

Hello, dessert lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, these Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups are the perfect choice. With their soft cookie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious cherry topping, they’re sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Let’s dive into this simple yet elegant recipe and wow your taste buds!

Introduction :

Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—cheesecake and cookies. Bite-sized and beautifully topped with cherry pie filling, these cookie cups are ideal for parties, holidays, or any time you want to impress your friends and family. Not only are they visually stunning, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With a few store-bought ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a dessert that’s as tasty as it is convenient.

Ingredients :

To make these delightful Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups, you’ll need:

2 packages (16.5 oz each) refrigerated sugar cookie dough (such as Pillsbury)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
A teaspoon vanilla extract
A cup whipped cream (like Cool Whip)
A can cherry pie filling

These simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet. You can even swap the cherry pie filling for another fruit topping like blueberry or strawberry to customize it to your preference!

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups:

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven as directed on the cookie dough package. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray to ensure the cookie cups release easily after baking.

Form the Cookie Cups: Scoop a rounded tablespoon of cookie dough into each muffin tin slot. Press down slightly to form a smooth surface. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Shape the Cups: Immediately after removing the cookie cups from the oven, use the back of a spoon or a small measuring cup to gently press down the center of each cookie to form a cavity. Be careful, as the cookies will still be hot and soft.

Cool Completely: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they’re sturdy enough to hold the cheesecake filling without breaking.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cookie Cups: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into the cooled cookie cups, filling each cavity generously. For a more elegant presentation, use a piping bag with a star tip.

Top with Cherry Pie Filling: Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling to the top of each cookie cup. Make sure each cup gets at least one whole cherry for the perfect bite.

Chill Before Serving: Place the assembled cookie cups in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Helpful Tips

Customize Your Toppings: Swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit toppings, chocolate ganache, or even caramel drizzle for a unique twist.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
Freeze the Cookie Cups: If you’re making these ahead of time, freeze the baked cookie cups in an airtight container, then add the filling and topping closer to the serving time.

Cooking Tips

These additional tips will help you perfect your Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups:

Prevent Sticking: If you find the cookie cups sticking to the muffin tin, use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges before removing them.
Uniform Cookie Cups: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure each cup is the same size, making for a more professional presentation.
Chilling Time: While the recipe suggests chilling for at least an hour, overnight chilling enhances the flavors and gives the filling a firmer texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups as a show-stopping dessert at parties, weddings, or family dinners. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra decorative touch, add a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content for these Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups (per cup):

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 115mg
Sugar: 15g
Fiber: 0g

This dessert is indulgent, so enjoy it as a special treat for celebrations or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store the cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Freeze: Freeze the baked cookie cups (without filling) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding the cheesecake filling and topping.

Reheat: There’s no need to reheat these cookie cups, as they’re best served chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade cookie dough? Absolutely! If you prefer making cookie dough from scratch, go for it. Just ensure the dough has a sturdy consistency to hold its shape when baked.

Can I substitute whipped cream with heavy cream? Yes. You can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form and use it as a substitute for store-bought whipped cream.

What if I don’t have a piping bag? No problem! Simply use a spoon or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off to fill the cookie cups.

Related Recipes

If you love this recipe, here are some other delightful desserts to try:

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups! These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion, combining the best of cookies, cheesecake, and cherries into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these cookie cups are guaranteed to impress. Try them today, and let us know how they turned out!