Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s both fruity and creamy with a delightful soft texture, then you’ll absolutely adore this Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between a chewy sugar cookie and a luscious cherry cheesecake bite, making them a fan-freaking-tastic treat for any occasion. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through all the tips I’ve picked up while baking these little gems that always impress guests and family alike.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in this Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. From the ready-made cookie dough to the luscious cherry pie filling, these components come together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s why I picked these specific ingredients—and some shopping tips so you get the best results.

• Refrigerated sugar cookie dough: Convenience and reliability—this dough bakes up soft and sweet, making your life so much easier without sacrificing taste.
• Whipped cream cheese: Adds creamy moisture and a tang that complements the sugar cookie base beautifully; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• All-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the dough once combined with cream cheese, giving your cookies structure without heaviness.
• Granulated sugar: Rolling the dough in sugar before baking creates a light crisp coating for a little extra texture and sparkle.
• Cherry pie filling: Sweet, sticky, and bursting with cherries, this filling is the star surprise that transforms these cookies into a cherry cheesecake dream.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your preferences. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or need to cater to dietary quirks, these cookies play well with some fun swaps and tweaks.

• Variation: I’ve swapped cherry pie filling with raspberry or blueberry filling before, and it still turned out delicious — perfect if you want to mix things up or use whatever fruit filling you have on hand.
• Dairy-free option: For friends who avoid dairy, I’ve used vegan cream cheese with good success, just make sure it’s softened to mix well.
• Extra texture: Adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the dough gives a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Sweetener swap: If you prefer, you can roll the cookie balls in cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar — it adds a warm, cozy note that’s perfect for fall baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature—it blends better and prevents lumps. If you forget, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) does the trick without melting it.

Step 2: Mix Cookie Dough, Cream Cheese & Flour

Using 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 everything is fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides with a spatula so nothing is left behind. The dough should be soft but hold together nicely.

Step 3: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies

Grab a small cookie scoop or measure out about 4 teaspoons of dough at a time. Roll each portion lightly into a ball with your hands, then roll the ball in granulated sugar for that beautiful, sparkly crunch. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet so they have room to spread.

Step 4: Bake and Create Cherry Wells

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Right after removing them from the oven, use the back of a rounded teaspoon to gently press into the center of each cookie, creating a small well. This step is key because it holds the cherry filling in place. Then transfer the cookies carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.

Step 5: Fill and Serve

Once the cookies are fully cool, use that teaspoon again to scoop a dollop of cherry pie filling into each well—usually one cherry per cookie fits nicely. This last touch takes these cookies from delicious to drool-worthy cherry cheesecake bites.

How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my cookies with a little extra fresh cherry or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. Sometimes I even add a tiny sprig of mint for color contrast—it makes these cookies look bakery-fancy while keeping the flavor straightforward.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot black coffee—or even a pot of fragrant green tea if you want something lighter. I sometimes serve them alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making these for a party, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with fresh cherries scattered around for extra flair. They’re also adorable packaged in clear bags tied with a ribbon, making them perfect little gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay soft and fresh for up to two days—though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! Keeping them in a cool spot helps maintain their texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully if you want to save them for later. I freeze them without the cherry filling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, then add fresh cherry pie filling just before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked softness, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for about 3 to 5 minutes—don’t heat too long or the cream cheese can firm up too much. If you’ve frozen without filling, add cherry pie filling after warming for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites because it’s simple yet impressively delicious every single time. The way the creamy tang of cream cheese plays with the pop of cherries just feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a casual coffee date with friends, or just because, I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the same joyful smiles it brings to my kitchen.

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