Irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Your Go-To Recipe for a Chewy, Creamy & Fruity Delight

Prepare to be amazed by these **Cherry Cheesecake Cookies** – a delightful fusion that brings together a perfectly chewy cookie base, bursts of vibrant cherry pie filling, and a luscious homemade cheesecake swirl. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a complete dessert experience, offering the best of both worlds in every single bite. If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping treat that will captivate your taste buds and leave everyone craving more, you’ve found your new favorite!

Imagine taking the beloved flavors of a classic summer dessert – the bright tang of cherries and the rich creaminess of cheesecake – and transforming them into an easy-to-handle, fan-favorite cookie. These Cherry Cheesecake Cookies are set to become the highlight of any season, especially summer gatherings. Each cookie offers a sumptuous blend of sweet and tart cherry pie filling alongside a dreamy, homemade cheesecake swirl, all cradled within a soft, chewy cookie dough. Finished with an optional tantalizing drizzle, these cookies are a heavenly dessert that promises to captivate your palate and ignite an undeniable craving for more. They’re not just cookies; they’re an experience, a perfect marriage of texture and taste designed to impress and delight.

Looking for more exciting and delicious cookie recipes? Here are a few must-try ideas that you should definitely bake soon!

• Tasty Lemon Blueberry Muffin Cookies
• Fun and Festive Birthday Cake Cookies
• Browned Butter Blueberry Cookies

Why You Need to Bake These Incredible Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re wondering whether to add these delectable **cherry cheesecake cookies** to your baking list, wonder no more! Here’s why these unique treats are an absolute must-bake:

1. A Unique Twist on a Classic Treat: These cookies offer a brilliant reinterpretation of traditional cookies by infusing them with the irresistible flavors of tangy cherries and velvety cheesecake. It’s a delightful surprise that elevates the humble cookie to a sophisticated dessert, perfect for any occasion where you want to serve something truly special and unexpected.
2. Mouthwatering Texture in Every Bite: Prepare for a textural symphony! Each cookie boasts a perfectly soft and chewy base that yields gently, providing an ideal contrast to the gooey, fruity cherry filling and the smooth, creamy homemade cheesecake. This harmonious blend of textures ensures a truly satisfying and memorable eating experience that will have you reaching for another.
3. Impressive Visual Appeal That Charms: Beyond their incredible taste, these cookies are a feast for the eyes. With their vibrant red cherry centers and creamy white cheesecake swirls, often finished with a delicate drizzle, they are visually stunning. They make a beautiful addition to any dessert table, whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a holiday spread, or simply want to gift a thoughtful homemade treat.
4. Remarkably Versatile and Adaptable: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While cherry pie filling is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to get creative! You can easily customize these cookies by experimenting with different fruit pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or even peach. Furthermore, explore various drizzle options, from a simple vanilla glaze to melted white chocolate or dark chocolate, to perfectly match your preferences or the season.
5. A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are designed to be a universal hit. Their unique flavor profile and delightful presentation are sure to impress guests of all ages. From children to adults, everyone will appreciate the innovative combination of flavors and textures, making these **cherry cheesecake cookies** your go-to dessert for any gathering, big or small.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

To create these divine **cherry cheesecake cookies**, you’ll need a selection of both pantry staples and a few star ingredients. Below is a detailed look at the key components, highlighting what each brings to the recipe. For the complete, precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down:

1. Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our chewy cookie base, unsalted butter is crucial for imparting a rich, deep buttery flavor. It contributes significantly to the cookie’s overall richness and tenderness, creating that melt-in-your-mouth quality we all love. Using slightly cold butter helps achieve the perfect texture.
2. Cream Cheese: The star of our luscious cheesecake filling! Full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended for its ultimate creaminess and tangy notes. It provides that signature cheesecake texture and flavor that beautifully complements the sweet and tart cherries. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
3. Cherry Pie Filling: These cookies wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant bursts of fruity goodness from the cherry pie filling. It delivers that delightful, classic cherry flavor and a wonderful gooey texture that contrasts with the creamy cheesecake. You can opt for store-bought for convenience or prepare your own for a more personalized touch.
4. Egg: Essential for the cookie dough, a large egg acts as a vital binding agent. It helps to hold all the cookie dough ingredients together, providing structure and contributing to the desired chewy texture, preventing the cookies from becoming too crumbly.
5. Egg Yolk: Adding an extra egg yolk to the cookie dough (and half to the cream cheese filling) enhances richness and tenderness, making the cookies even chewier and more decadent. It also aids in creating a beautiful golden-brown color.
6. Vanilla Extract: A staple in most baked goods, pure vanilla extract adds a layer of aromatic sweetness. It rounds out the flavors of both the cookie and the fillings, elevating the overall taste profile to something truly irresistible.
7. Baking Powder: This leavening agent is responsible for giving the cookies a slight lift, ensuring they are soft and fluffy rather than dense. It contributes to the perfect rise and spread, creating an ideal texture for holding the fillings.
8. Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness in both the cookie dough and the fillings. It acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the best in all the other ingredients and preventing the cookies from tasting overly sweet.
9. Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: A combination of sugars ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Granulated sugar provides crispness around the edges, while light brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle molasses flavor to the cookie base.
10. All-Purpose Flour & Cake Flour: The blend of these two flours is key to achieving that ideal chewy yet tender cookie texture. All-purpose flour provides structure, while cake flour, with its lower protein content, contributes to the cookie’s softness and delicate crumb.
11. Cornstarch: A secret ingredient for super soft and tender cookies! Cornstarch helps to soften the flour, making the cookies wonderfully delicate and preventing them from becoming tough.
12. Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon in the cookie dough adds a warm, inviting spice note that beautifully complements the cherry and cheesecake flavors, adding an extra layer of complexity and aroma.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Creating these amazing **Cherry Cheesecake Cookies** is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor:

Preparing the Dough and Fillings

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together your all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, cornstarch, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, leading to consistent texture and flavor in every cookie.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate, larger bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the slightly cold unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming process incorporates air, which is vital for the cookie’s tender structure, and creates the rich base for your cookie dough.

3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually add the eggs. Start by adding the large egg, mixing for about 30 seconds until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is incorporated. Then, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing for another 30 seconds. Adding eggs one at a time helps them emulsify properly into the butter mixture, preventing a curdled appearance and ensuring a smooth dough.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: With your mixer on the lowest speed, slowly add the combined dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix *just* until there are no visible streaks of flour remaining. Overmixing at this stage can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cookies. Stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Forming and Filling the Cookies

5. Portion the Dough: For uniform cookies, it’s highly recommended to use a kitchen scale. Divide the cookie dough into 10 equal portions, aiming for about 4 ounces (approximately 113 grams) each. Roll each portion into a smooth ball in the palm of your hand. Uniform sizing ensures even baking.

6. Create Indentations: Take each dough ball and create a deep indentation in the center using your thumb or the back of a spoon. This “divot” will be the cozy nest for your delicious fillings. Be gentle but firm enough to create a good pocket.

7. Fill with Cherry and Cheesecake: Now for the star fillings! Using a piping bag (or a spoon for a less precise but still effective method), carefully pipe or spoon the creamy homemade cheesecake filling into half of the indentation. Then, use a spoon to fill the other half with the cherry pie filling. Be cautious not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking. A balanced amount ensures a beautiful, contained center. If you want a more distinct separation, you can pipe the cream cheese first, then the cherry next to it.

8. Chill the Filled Cookies: Once filled, place the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step is crucial! Let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up, preventing excessive spreading in the oven and ensuring the fillings stay in place, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.

Baking and Finishing

9. Preheat and Bake: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring ample space between each cookie to allow for proper spreading. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; cookies are typically done when their edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.

10. Cool Completely: As soon as the cookies emerge from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This firming-up process is essential to prevent them from breaking apart and ensures they achieve their ideal chewy texture.

11. Optional Drizzle: For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, prepare a simple drizzle. A classic vanilla glaze (1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2-3 teaspoons milk) or melted white chocolate can work beautifully. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies just before serving to add visual appeal and an additional layer of sweetness.

Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality **cherry cheesecake cookies** is easier than you think with these expert tips. Pay attention to these details, and your cookies will be a resounding success every time:

1. Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! Chilling the dough for at least 1-2 hours (or even overnight) before baking makes it much easier to handle, preventing excessive spreading in the oven. Cold dough holds its shape better, allowing the cookies to bake up thick and chewy with defined edges, and keeps the fillings perfectly contained.
2. Mind the Fillings – Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the delicious cherry and cheesecake fillings, resist the urge to overfill the cookie dough indentations. Using a conservative amount ensures that the fillings remain neatly tucked inside the cookie during baking, preventing leaks and messy cookies. A good rule of thumb is to fill about three-quarters of the divot.
3. Give Your Cookies Space: Always arrange cookie dough balls on your baking sheet with enough space between them, typically about 2 inches apart. This allows for natural spreading during baking and ensures that air can circulate evenly around each cookie, promoting uniform baking and preventing them from merging into one giant cookie blob.
4. Patience is Key: Cool Completely: It’s hard to wait, but allowing the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before handling or storing is essential. Hot cookies are fragile and prone to breaking. As they cool, the internal structure firms up, and the fillings set properly, ensuring you get a sturdy, perfectly chewy cookie.
5. Experiment with Drizzle Options: The drizzle is an excellent opportunity to add a personal touch. While a simple vanilla glaze is classic, consider other options. Melted white chocolate creates a beautiful contrast and creamy texture. A dark chocolate drizzle can add a rich, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet cherry. You could even try a lemon zest glaze for an extra citrusy kick.
6. Room Temperature Ingredients (Except Butter for Dough): For the cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese (and any other dairy components) is at room temperature. This allows for smooth, lump-free mixing. For the cookie dough, slightly cold butter works best as it helps control spread and creates pockets of steam for a chewier texture.
7. Measure Accurately, Especially Flour: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, especially for flour. If using measuring cups, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a straight edge; don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and results in too much dry ingredient.
8. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher, less tender cookies. Stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Baking Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here’s a list of the best equipment that will ensure smooth sailing and delicious results when making your **cherry cheesecake cookies**, often available at great prices:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need various sizes – a medium one for dry ingredients, a larger one for wet ingredients (or your stand mixer bowl), and a small one for the cream cheese filling. Having multiple bowls simplifies the process and keeps your workspace organized.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking. Invest in a good set of measuring cups for your flours and sugars, and a precise set of measuring spoons for smaller quantities like vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Proper measurement ensures consistent results every time.
3. Baking Sheet: Sturdy baking sheets are fundamental. Opt for light-colored, heavy-gauge aluminum sheets that conduct heat evenly to prevent burnt bottoms and ensure uniform baking of your cookies. A good quality sheet will last for years.
4. Parchment Paper: This is a baker’s best friend! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents cookies from sticking, promotes even browning, and makes cleanup incredibly easy. It’s a non-negotiable for perfectly baked cookies.
5. Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While a hand mixer works perfectly, a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze, producing light and fluffy results effortlessly. It’s also great for mixing the cream cheese filling until smooth.
6. Rubber Spatula: An indispensable tool for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. It’s also gentle enough not to overmix the dough.
7. Cookie Scoop or Spoons: For consistently sized cookies, a cookie scoop is invaluable. It ensures each cookie bakes evenly and looks uniform. If you don’t have a scoop, two spoons can help you portion the dough.
8. Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling your cookies properly. Air circulation around the entire cookie prevents sogginess and helps them set, maintaining their perfect texture.
9. Airtight Storage Containers: Once cooled, these cookies need to be stored properly to maintain their freshness. Airtight containers or resealable bags are ideal for keeping them soft and delicious, whether at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Got questions about baking these delightful **cherry cheesecake cookies**? Here are some common queries and their answers to help you along:

Q: Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling?

A: Absolutely! Store-bought cherry pie filling is perfectly suitable and convenient for this recipe, ensuring quick preparation. However, if you prefer, you can certainly make your own homemade cherry pie filling for a fresh, customized taste.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A: Yes, you can! Freezing the formed cookie dough balls before baking is an excellent way to prepare ahead. Once the dough balls are filled and shaped, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Q: Can I substitute cream cheese in the filling?

A: While there isn’t a perfect one-to-one substitute that will yield the exact same classic cheesecake flavor and texture, you could try mascarpone cheese for a richer, slightly less tangy result. Greek yogurt (thickened by straining) might offer a tangier, lighter alternative, but the texture will be different. For the best “cheesecake” experience, full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended.

Q: Can I omit the drizzle on top?

A: Absolutely! The drizzle is entirely optional and serves mainly to enhance the visual appeal and add an extra layer of sweetness. These **cherry cheesecake cookies** are incredibly delicious on their own, so feel free to skip the drizzle if you prefer a simpler look or want to reduce the sweetness slightly.

Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?

A: Excessive spreading can often be attributed to a few factors: butter that was too soft or melted when incorporated into the dough, not chilling the dough long enough (or at all), or an oven temperature that was too low. Ensure your butter is slightly cold, and always chill the filled cookie dough thoroughly before baking.

Storing and Freezing Your Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

To keep your **cherry cheesecake cookies** tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. After baking and ensuring they are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their quality and delightful chewiness for up to 3-4 days. It’s crucial that the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out. If you live in a particularly warm or humid environment, or if you want to extend their freshness for a bit longer, it’s advisable to refrigerate the cookies. Place them in a sealed container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you’re ready to indulge, allow the cookies to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture, or for an extra special treat, gently warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring out that fresh-baked aroma.

Freezing Baked Cookies

These **cherry cheesecake cookies** freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying a single treat whenever a craving strikes. To freeze baked cookies, first ensure they are completely cool. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 30-60 minutes, or until they are solid. This flash-freezing step prevents them from sticking together. Once solid, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. They’ll taste almost as good as freshly baked!

How to Serve: For the ultimate enjoyment, allow your **cherry cheesecake cookies** to reach room temperature if they’ve been refrigerated. Arrange these beautiful cookies on a serving platter or dessert plate to showcase their vibrant colors and appealing textures. They are absolutely delightful on their own, but you can also pair them with a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy every blissful bite!

Remember to **LEAVE A STAR AND A COMMENT REVIEW** if you love this **Cherry Cheesecake Cookie** recipe or have any questions! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for even more fun baking ideas, tips, and behind-the-scenes content!

Recipe

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

Molly Murphy

Chewy cookie base filled with sweet cherry pie and a creamy homemade cheesecake filling – a delightful fusion dessert!

5 from 2 votes

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Course
Dessert

Cuisine
cookies

Servings
10

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter slightly cold.
• ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoon Cinnamon

For the cherry filling

• Small can cherry pie filling
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Half of an egg yolk

Instructions

For the cream cheese filling

• In a medium size bowl, using an electric hand mixer, on medium speed, cream the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. About 2 minutes.
• With a rubber spatula, scrape down he sides, and add the sugar. Cream for 1 more minute.
• Add the egg yolk, and cream for 30 more seconds. Set aside or place in a piping bag!

For the cookies

• In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together both flours, baking powder, salt, corn starch, and cinnamon.
• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and the sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
• Add the egg, and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds, with a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl. Add the egg yolk, and vanilla and mix for 30 more seconds.
• On the lowest speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients just until there are no more signs of flour. Don’t over mix.
• If you have a kitchen scale, evenly divide the dough between 10 balls (mine were 4 ounce each). Roll in the palm of your hand to form a ball.
• Take the back of a spoon and press it into the middle of each cookie to form a divot. Using a piping bag, pipe into half of the divot with the cream cheese filling. Using a spoon, fill the other half with cherry pie filling. Let it sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight.
• When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and place 4 balls of cookie dough on each cookie sheet.
• Bake for 13-15 minutes. Allow the cookies to slightly cool, and then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
• While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze by combining 1 cup powder sugar and 3 teaspoons milk and mixing. Drizzle over the cookies!

Keyword
Cherry, Cheesecake cookies, cheesecake

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