Cherry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies

If you’re craving the classic flavors of cherry cheesecake but want a handheld treat, these Cherry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are the answer. Picture thick, chewy graham cracker cookies stuffed with creamy cheesecake filling and crowned with a dollop of cherry pie filling—each bite is pure dessert bliss. These cookies combine the nostalgia of a bakery sugar cookie with the indulgence of creamy cheesecake and tangy cherry, making them irresistible for holidays, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.

Their gorgeous appearance makes them the centerpiece of any cookie tray. Plus, the clever “stuffed” method ensures every bite is packed with flavor, making them a favorite for cookie swaps and gifting. Let’s dive into how you can bake the best Cherry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies from scratch.

Ingredients List

For the Graham Cracker Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon milk (if needed for consistency)

For the Cherry Topping

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote

For the Crumb Topping (Optional)

• ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use gluten-free graham crackers for gluten-free cookies.
• Substitute dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry compote for variety.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until fluffy and creamy.
3. Add milk as needed for a thick but pipeable texture. Transfer to a piping bag—refrigerate while prepping cookie dough.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt.
4. Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Chill dough for at least 1 hour for best texture.

3. Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of chilled dough; make a deep indentation with a spoon.
3. Pipe or spoon in 1 tablespoon cheesecake filling and top with 2–3 cherries or 1 teaspoon cherry pie filling.
4. Take another tablespoon of dough, flatten it, and gently seal the cheesecake/cherry center by wrapping it over.
5. Shape into a ball and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

4. Bake and Top

1. Bake for 15–17 minutes until edges are golden and centers set.
2. Cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
3. Optional: Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle graham cracker crumb topping.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Chill your dough: Prevents spreading and yields thick, tender cookies.
• Room temperature cream cheese: Smooth cheesecake filling blends more easily and pipes cleanly.
• Seal cookies well: Ensures creamy centers don’t leak during baking.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Using fresh crumbs gives better texture than pre-boxed crumbs.
• Don’t overbake: Cookies should be golden at the edges and soft in the middle for a luxurious bite.

Variations & Substitutions

• Make mini cookies for parties—just reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes.
• Swap filling to blueberry, raspberry, peach, or apple pie filling for new flavors.
• Use chocolate chips in cookie dough for an extra treat.
• Make bars instead by pressing dough in a pan, layering filling and cherries, and baking as a slab.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with coffee, lattes, or a glass of milk for an indulgent pick-me-up.
• Drizzle extra cheesecake filling or chocolate ganache for fancy presentation.
• Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for an upgraded dessert.
• Layer on cookie platters for festive occasions—perfect for the holidays!

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Store cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week for extra freshness; bring to room temp before serving.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
• Assemble unbaked cookies and freeze; bake from frozen with a 2–3 minute extension.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per cookie)

• Calories: 235
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 35g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 4g

FAQs for Cherry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Yes, but cook down with a little sugar for a jammy texture.

How do I prevent cookies from leaking cheesecake filling?

Chill dough, seal balls well, and avoid overfilling.

Can I make the dough or filling ahead?

Absolutely! Store dough and filling separately up to 3 days before baking.

What’s the best cream cheese?

Full-fat block cream cheese (like Philadelphia) yields the richest flavor.

Can I freeze baked cookies?

Yes, layer with parchment in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Do I need to chill the dough and filling?

Chilling reduces spreading and helps shape thick cookies.

How do I make gluten-free cookies?

Use gluten-free flour blend and graham crackers.

Can I use a different pie filling?

Swap cherry for other fruity, thick pie fillings—raspberry, blueberry, peach, and lemon are great.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love stuffing and sealing cookie dough.

Should cookies be soft or chewy?

Both: soft creamy centers and chewy graham cookie outside for best texture.

Conclusion

Cherry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies deliver all the creamy, sweet flavors of a classic cherry cheesecake in a portable cookie form. From their dreamy graham cracker cookie base to that luscious cheesecake center and juicy cherry topping, they are truly a crave-worthy treat for any occasion. Whip up a batch for holidays, gift trays, or just a satisfying dessert—and be ready for rave reviews!