If you have a soft spot for desserts that bring the best of both worlds, then this Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These delightful cookies combine the buttery, tender crumb of a classic sugar cookie with the luscious creaminess of cheesecake and the burst of sweet cherry pie filling right in the center. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making them impossible to resist whether for tea time, parties, or a comforting treat after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the buttery cookie base to the rich cream cheese filling and the vibrant cherry topping.
- Sugar cookie mix: A convenient and reliable base for tender, sweet cookies with just the right texture.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie crumb.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together for a smooth dough and helps the cookie hold its shape.
- Unbleached flour: A small addition to firm up the dough and ensure the perfect consistency.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, offering a dreamy, tangy smoothness that sets these cookies apart.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling to balance the tang.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor for a warm, inviting taste.
- Cherry pie filling: Brings bright, juicy bursts of cherry flavor right into the heart of each cookie.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Add a delightful crunchy topping that echoes classic cheesecake crusts.
- Light brown sugar: Complements the graham crackers with a touch of caramel sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cookie Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup easier and helping maintain the cookies’ perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, combine your sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and an egg. Mix these together until smooth and well combined. This creates the buttery base that everything else will build upon.
Step 3: Add Flour for Texture
Stir in two tablespoons of unbleached flour, mixing until the dough comes together into a soft but slightly crumbly ball. This extra flour balances the dough’s consistency so it’s easy to work with but doesn’t lose its tenderness.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop your dough into the refrigerator while you prepare the luscious cheesecake filling and luscious cherry topping. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing excessive spreading when baked.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Mix together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract until you get a silky-smooth filling. Transfer this mixture into a zippered plastic bag, then snip off a small corner – this handy piping bag will help you dollop the filling neatly into each cookie.
Step 6: Make the Graham Cracker Crumb Topping
Combine graham cracker crumbs and light brown sugar in a small bowl. This crumbly topping adds a wonderful crunch reminiscent of a classic cheesecake crust that perfectly completes the Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 7: Form Dough Balls on the Cookie Sheet
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands, shape dough into balls and place them on the parchment-lined sheet about two inches apart. This spacing helps the cookies bake into lovely rounds without sticking to each other.
Step 8: Create a Well in the Center
Press down gently with a tablespoon to make a little bowl in the center of each dough ball. This indentation will hold your cheesecake filling and cherry topping without spilling over during baking.
Step 9: Add the Cheesecake Filling
Pipe or spoon approximately a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center well of each cookie. This rich layer is what transforms these cookies into a marvelous cherry cheesecake delight.
Step 10: Top with Cherries or Cherry Pie Filling
Fill each cheesecake center with either three whole cherries or about two teaspoons of cherry pie filling. These juicy cherries lend a beautiful burst of flavor and a lovely pop of color.
Step 11: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the cookie sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a gentle golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 12: Let Cookies Cool on the Sheet
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes it safer to transfer without breaking.
Step 13: Finish with Topping and Drizzle
After completely cooling, drizzle any remaining cheesecake mixture over the tops and sprinkle with the graham cracker crumb topping. This final touch amps up the cheesecake vibe with added sweetness and crunch.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or add a few fresh cherries or mint leaves on the side. These simple garnishes enhance both visual appeal and flavor, making your Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of hot coffee or herbal tea to balance their sweetness beautifully. For a festive touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter layered with doilies, or stack them with alternating layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking. For gatherings, individually wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a cherry-red ribbon as charming party favors that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cream cheese filling might soften, so keeping them slightly chilled ensures they stay fresh and delightful without losing that tender crumb.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to two months, making your Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe convenient for any occasion.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, reheat them in a preheated 300-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle warming revives their soft texture and brings the cream cheese filling back to its creamy glory without drying out the cookie.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade sugar cookie dough will work beautifully and add a personal touch. Just be sure it’s slightly firm so you can shape the wells for the filling easily.
Is it possible to use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, fresh cherries make a lovely alternative. Just pit them and chop to size, then toss with a little sugar or cornstarch to thicken before adding to the cookies.
Can I substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free option?
Definitely. Many dairy-free cream cheese substitutes work well here, just make sure you choose a brand that has a smooth texture to maintain the luscious filling.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies are best enjoyed within three days to keep the cream cheese fresh and the cookie soft. Refrigerating can extend freshness but may firm up the texture.
Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and cream cheese filling a day in advance. Keep dough refrigerated and filling covered until you’re ready to assemble and bake your Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about combining classic sugar cookies with the rich creaminess of cheesecake and the sweet zing of cherries, and this Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers that magic in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe is begging to be made and enjoyed again and again. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let these irresistible cookies bring a little joy and sweetness to your day!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookies featuring a soft sugar cookie base filled with creamy cheesecake filling and topped with sweet cherry pie filling and a crunchy graham cracker crumble. Perfectly balanced with a buttery crumb and luscious cherry topping, these cookies make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 package sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons unbleached flour
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 can (about 1 cup) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and egg. Mix thoroughly until combined.
- Add Flour: Stir in 2 tablespoons of unbleached flour until a soft but slightly crumbly dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough while preparing the cheesecake filling and crumb topping to make it easier to handle.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a piping bag or sturdy zippered bag and cut off the tip for easy filling.
- Make Crumb Topping: Combine graham cracker crumbs and light brown sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
- Form Cookies: Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Indentations: With a tablespoon, press an indentation in the center of each dough ball to form a small well for the fillings.
- Pipe Cheesecake Filling: Pipe or spoon about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the indentation of each cookie.
- Add Cherry Filling: Add three whole cherries or about 2 teaspoons of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer in each cookie.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until cookie edges start to brown and the centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
- Finish with Topping: Once cooled, drizzle remaining cream cheese mixture over the cookies and sprinkle evenly with the graham cracker crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better consistency.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking.
- For even-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop when portioning dough.
- Make sure the cherry pie filling is drained slightly if very watery to avoid soggy cookies.
- Cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and can be refrigerated if desired.
