Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups! First, they combine the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the comforting taste of a sugar cookie crust. The warm, gooey strawberry jam adds a beautiful pop of sweetness and color, while the fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings offer an optional but delightful finishing touch. These mini treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of texture and flavor in each bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or homemade dough)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup strawberry jam (warmed for easy swirling)

• Fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal.

2. Shape the Cookie Cups
   Place 1 tablespoon of sugar cookie dough into each muffin cup, pressing the dough up the sides to form wells. Chill the tray for 10 minutes to firm up the dough before baking.

3. Bake
   Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. While the cookies are still warm, press down gently on the puffed centers. Let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

4. Make Filling
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

5. Fill and Swirl
   Once the cookie cups have cooled, fill each cup with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. Top each with ½ teaspoon of the warmed strawberry jam and swirl it gently with a toothpick or small spoon.

6. Chill
   Refrigerate the filled cookie cups for at least 1 hour, allowing the cream cheese filling to firm up.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Once chilled, add fresh strawberry slices or chocolate shavings on top for garnish (if desired). Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Bake Time: 12-14 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Variations

• Different Jam Flavors: While strawberry jam is a classic, you can experiment with other fruit jams such as raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot to give your cookie cups a unique twist.

• Chocolate Cookie Cups: Swap the sugar cookie dough for chocolate cookie dough for a richer, more decadent treat.

• Mini Cheesecake Version: For a slightly different take, fill the cookie cups with a traditional no-bake cheesecake filling instead of the cream cheese mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store these Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer them to be at room temperature, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

How can I make the sugar cookie dough from scratch?

You can easily make homemade sugar cookie dough by combining butter, sugar, egg, flour, baking powder, and a touch of vanilla extract. There are many simple recipes online for sugar cookie dough that you can follow.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and the flavor might not be as rich.

Can I freeze these cookie cups?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookie cups (without the filling). To freeze, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the cream cheese filling and strawberry jam after thawing.

How do I know when the cookie cups are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should not look too puffed up. You can gently press on the centers to make sure they’ve firmed up.

How do I get a smooth swirl with the jam?

Make sure to warm the jam slightly so it’s more fluid and easier to swirl. Use a toothpick or small spoon to create gentle swirls in the cream cheese mixture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these cookie cups can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate them after filling and swirling to maintain their freshness.

Can I use a different type of cookie dough?

Yes, you can substitute the sugar cookie dough with snickerdoodle, shortbread, or even oatmeal cookie dough for a fun twist.

How do I make sure the cream cheese filling is smooth?

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, as this will ensure a smooth and creamy filling. If necessary, use an electric mixer to beat the filling until smooth.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

A muffin tin is ideal for creating the small cookie cups, but you could use a mini tart pan or mini pie pans as an alternative.

How long do these stay fresh?

These cookie cups will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. However, they taste best within the first 1-2 days after making them.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of cheesecake in a bite-sized form. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat, they’re sure to impress everyone who tries them. With their creamy filling, buttery cookie crust, and sweet strawberry swirl, they offer a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy!