Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe

If you love cheesecake but are looking for a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy it, these Cheesecake Cookie Cups are the perfect solution! These individual-sized treats combine a buttery cookie crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling—making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or even as a fun dessert for family night. Plus, they’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and can be served directly from the muffin tin. Keep reading for the full recipe, along with tips and variations to make these irresistible cheesecake cookie cups a hit!

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What are Cheesecake Cookie Cups?

Cheesecake Cookie Cups are miniature cheesecakes baked in a muffin tin with a cookie dough crust at the bottom. The cookie crust can be made from pre-made cookie dough or homemade dough, while the cheesecake filling is a simple cream cheese mixture that’s creamy and rich. These bite-sized cheesecakes are topped with anything from fresh fruit and whipped cream to chocolate chips or caramel sauce, making them a versatile dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cheesecake cookie cups, including the cookie dough, cheesecake filling, and optional toppings:

For the Cookie Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Alternatively, you can use pre-made cookie dough to save time.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• Chocolate chips or chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Crushed cookies or candy pieces

Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways you can customize this recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Store-Bought Cookie Dough: If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made cookie dough for the crust. Sugar cookie dough, chocolate chip cookie dough, or even peanut butter cookie dough works perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour to make these cookie cups gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free alternative for the sour cream (such as coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt) to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Flavor the Filling: For a twist on the cheesecake filling, add lemon zest, cinnamon, or even a swirl of Nutella or peanut butter.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make these cheesecake cookie cups from scratch, from the cookie base to the rich cheesecake filling and all the way to the topping.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Roll about 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough into a ball and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup, creating a crust.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Cookie Cups

1. Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the cookie dough in each muffin cup, filling them almost to the top.
2. Tap the muffin tin lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Cookie Cups

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake cookie cups to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake cookie cups for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let them fully set.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Before serving, top each cheesecake cookie cup with your choice of toppings such as fresh fruit, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream.

How to Assemble Cheesecake Cookie Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide

For the best results, follow these tips when assembling your cheesecake cookie cups:

Step 1: Use a Cookie Scoop

A cookie scoop or tablespoon works well for evenly portioning out the cookie dough and cheesecake filling. This ensures all your cheesecake cookie cups bake evenly.

Step 2: Create a Cookie Crust

Press the cookie dough firmly into the bottom of the muffin cups to create a solid crust for the cheesecake filling. You can even bring the dough up the sides slightly to create a cup shape.

Step 3: Don’t Overfill

Leave a little room at the top of each muffin cup for the cheesecake filling to rise slightly as it bakes. This will give you beautifully rounded tops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Overbaking the cheesecake filling can cause it to crack. Remove the cookie cups from the oven while the center is still slightly jiggly—they will firm up as they cool.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! Cheesecake needs time to set properly in the fridge to achieve the best texture and clean slices.
• Overmixing the Filling: Overmixing the cheesecake batter can incorporate too much air, which can lead to cracks. Mix just until everything is smooth and combined.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Cheesecake Cookie Cups are not only delicious but also fun to present. Here’s how to make them look extra special:

How to Serve Cheesecake Cookie Cups

• Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce right before serving for a final flourish.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesecake Cookie Cups

• For a fancy touch, pipe whipped cream into pretty swirls on top of each cheesecake cookie cup and add a sprinkle of crushed cookies or mini chocolate chips.
• Garnish with a fresh berry or a mint sprig for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve them on a tiered dessert tray for parties and gatherings—guests will love the individual portions.

Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These cheesecake cookie cups can be made a day in advance. Keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.
• Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these cookie cups for up to 2 months. Wrap each cup in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-made cookie dough for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Pre-made cookie dough works great if you're short on time. Just press the dough into the muffin cups as you would with homemade dough.

Q: Can I use different types of cookie dough?
A: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of cookie dough, like sugar cookie dough, chocolate chip cookie dough, or peanut butter cookie dough for different flavor combinations.

Q: How long do these cheesecake cookie cups need to chill?
A: You should chill the cookie cups for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best to allow the cheesecake to fully set.

Q: Can I make these cookie cups in mini muffin tins?
A: Yes! You can use mini muffin tins to make bite-sized cheesecake cookie cups. Adjust the baking time to 10–12 minutes.

Conclusion

These Cheesecake Cookie Cups are the perfect way to enjoy the deliciousness of cheesecake in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you top them with fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or event. With their buttery cookie base and rich, creamy cheesecake filling, these cookie cups are a portable, customizable, and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake these sweet little treats!

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