Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The cookie cup is soft and buttery, while the cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy, providing the perfect base for the sweet strawberry swirl on top. The combination of the rich cream cheese filling and the tangy, fruity strawberry jam makes each bite a burst of flavor. These cookie cups are not only simple to make but also visually stunning, making them an ideal treat for special occasions or just to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Ingredients

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

For the Cookie Cups:

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

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Swirl & Garnish:

• ⅓ cup strawberry jam, warmed slightly
• Fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Cups:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners.
3. Slice the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 12 equal portions.
4. Press each portion of dough into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to form a small crust.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set. Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined and fluffy.

Assemble the Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups:

1. Once the cookie cups have cooled completely, spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each cookie cup, filling them about ¾ of the way full.
2. Warm the strawberry jam slightly (in the microwave or on the stovetop) until it’s runny and easier to swirl.
3. Drop a teaspoon of the warmed strawberry jam on top of each cheesecake-filled cookie cup.
4. Use a toothpick or a skewer to gently swirl the jam into the cheesecake filling, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Garnish:

1. For an extra touch, garnish each cookie cup with a fresh strawberry slice or a few chocolate shavings, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes (for the cookie cups)
• Total time: 30 minutes (includes cooling time)

Variations

• Berry Swirl: Use other fruit jams, such as raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry, to create a different swirl topping for the cheesecake.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Cups: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate version of these cookie cups, or drizzle with melted chocolate for garnish.
• Caramel Swirl: Instead of strawberry jam, use caramel sauce for a rich and decadent swirl in your cheesecake filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: These cookie cups are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave if desired—just be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie cups in advance?

Yes, you can make both the cookie cups and the cheesecake filling ahead of time. Store the cooled cookie cups and cheesecake filling separately in the refrigerator, and then assemble just before serving.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade sugar cookie dough for the crust if you prefer a homemade touch over store-bought dough.

Can I freeze these Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups?

Yes, these cookie cups freeze well! After assembling, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use a different type of filling?

Yes, you can get creative with different fillings. Try using mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, or add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy flavor.

Can I use a different fruit for the swirl?

Yes, feel free to swap the strawberry jam for any other fruit jam, such as blueberry, raspberry, or peach, depending on your preference.

How do I keep the cheesecake filling from spilling over the cookie cup?

Be sure to let the cookie cups cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling. You can also slightly overfill the cups to make sure they hold the filling but stop just below the top edge to prevent spillage.

Can I make these cookie cups without the jam?

Yes, you can make these cookie cups without the strawberry jam. For a simpler treat, just top the cheesecake filling with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Can I pipe the cheesecake filling into the cookie cups?

Yes, piping the cheesecake filling into the cookie cups will give them a neat and professional look. Use a piping bag with a wide tip or simply use a ziplock bag with the tip cut off.

Can I add a crumble topping to these cookie cups?

For a fun variation, you can sprinkle a bit of crumble topping (made with flour, butter, and sugar) over the cheesecake filling before baking. This will give your cookie cups a crunchy texture.

How can I make the cheesecake filling fluffier?

To make the cheesecake filling fluffier, beat the cream cheese for a bit longer, or you can fold in a bit of whipped cream to lighten the texture.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cookie Cups are a fun and decadent dessert that perfectly balances creamy cheesecake and sweet, tangy strawberry jam. They’re simple to make, customizable with your favorite fruit or topping, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a treat to enjoy, these cookie cups are sure to impress with their combination of rich flavor, beautiful presentation, and satisfying texture.

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