Cherry Cheesecake Cookies (Easy Recipe with Graham Cracker Crust)

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies Are the Perfect Dessert Mashup

These cherry cheesecake cookies take everything you love about a classic cheesecake and transform it into an irresistible, bite-sized treat.

If cheesecake is a staple in your household, these cookies will feel like a revelation. Imagine buttery graham cracker cookie dough, a luscious swirl of sweetened cream cheese, and a topping of vibrant cherry pie filling—all baked into one handheld delight. Whether for holiday cookie trays, family get-togethers, or just because you need a cheesecake fix, these cookies deliver big flavor with a small footprint.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

• Cheesecake Meets Cookie: The rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake meets the portability of your favorite cookie.

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make these a great baking project.

• Customizable Toppings: Cherry is classic, but the base works beautifully with strawberries, lemon curd, or even caramel.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake and freeze in advance, then add toppings when ready to serve.

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1¼ cups finely crushed graham crackers

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 large egg, separated

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg yolk (reserved from above)

For the Topping:

• Cherry pie filling (homemade or store-bought)

Tip: Use “extra fruit” pie filling for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

In one bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, flour, and baking powder. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Mix in the egg white, then stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.

3. Shape and Fill

Scoop cookie dough (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press the center of each dough ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon to form an indentation. Fill each with a spoonful or piped swirl of the cheesecake mixture.

4. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cheesecake filling is set. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Top with Cherry Pie Filling

Once completely cooled, spoon cherry pie filling onto each cookie just before serving.

Optional Topping Variations

While cherry is the traditional go-to, these cheesecake cookies are highly adaptable:

• Strawberry or Blueberry Pie Filling

• Lemon or Lime Curd

• Salted Caramel Sauce

• Chocolate Ganache

• Crushed Nuts or Fresh Fruit

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add cherry topping right before serving.

• Freezer: Freeze cookies (without topping) for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

These cherry cheesecake cookies are more than just another dessert—they’re a celebration of two classics combined. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and irresistible to eat, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more innovative dessert recipes, sweet seasonal ideas, and baking how-tos you’ll want to bookmark.