Print

Cherry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies Easy Bakery-Style Recipe

cherry cheesecake thumbprint cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

These cherry cheesecake thumbprint cookies combine the best of creamy cheesecake and jammy thumbprint cookies in a tender, buttery bite. Easy to make and bakery-worthy, they’re perfect for celebrations, gifting, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 6 oz (170g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup (160g) cherry preserves, cherry jam, or cherry pie filling
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, blending on low speed until a soft dough forms. If crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk.
  4. Portion dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll between palms and place on prepared sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
  5. Press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each dough ball to make a well. Pinch any cracks back together.
  6. In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  7. Spoon or pipe about 1/2 teaspoon of cheesecake filling into each thumbprint well.
  8. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon cherry preserves or pie filling on top of the cheesecake layer. Stir in lemon zest if desired.
  9. Bake for 13-16 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and filling is just set. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  10. Cool cookies on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese. Chill dough if sticky for easier shaping. Do not overfill thumbprints to prevent overflow. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months. For best results, use block cream cheese and measure flour by spooning and leveling.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry cheesecake thumbprint cookies, bakery-style cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, cream cheese cookies, cherry cookies, thumbprint cookies, dessert, potluck cookies, gifting cookies

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cherry-cheesecake-thumbprint-cookies-easy-bakery-style-recipe/