Description
These Cherry Cheesecake Cookies combine the soft, buttery texture of sugar cookie dough with a creamy cream cheese blend and a burst of cherry pie filling in the center for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1 (16 oz.) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 4 ounces whipped cream cheese
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Filling
- ¾ cup cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the refrigerated sugar cookie dough, whipped cream cheese, and all-purpose flour until the mixture is fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Portion Dough: Use a small cookie scoop measuring about 4 teaspoons to portion out the dough, then lightly roll each portion into a ball with your hands.
- Coat Dough Balls: Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar coating to add a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Create Wells: Remove the cookies from the oven and while still warm, gently press the back of a rounded teaspoon into the center of each cookie to create a small well for the filling.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the cookies cool completely; this helps them set and prevents the filling from melting.
- Add Cherry Filling: Once cooled, use the teaspoon to scoop about one cherry each from the cherry pie filling into the well of each cookie, adding a sweet and fruity center.
Notes
- To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within two days for optimal freshness and flavor.
- If using regular cream cheese instead of whipped, ensure it is softened completely before mixing; the baking time may increase by a couple of minutes.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Spacing cookies 2 inches apart allows even baking and prevents them from merging.
- The cherry filling adds moisture and a pop of flavor, but can be substituted with other fruit preserves if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
