Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

Introduction

Cream Cheese Cookie Cups are the perfect blend of a buttery, soft cookie base with a rich and creamy cream cheese filling. These delightful treats are both cute and indulgent, making them perfect for any occasion. The cookie cups hold a luscious cream cheese filling, offering a sweet and tangy contrast that will leave everyone craving more.

I first made these when I wanted to try something new for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit! The combination of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie and the creamy filling is irresistible. They’re surprisingly easy to make, too, and with a little creativity, you can even customize the filling with different flavors or toppings to suit your taste. Whether you want to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or add a few fresh berries, the possibilities are endless.

These cookie cups are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration. Their bite-sized charm and delicious flavor make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’ll surely be gone in no time!

Perfect for:

• Holiday gatherings
• Birthday parties
• Gift-giving
• Potlucks
• Cream cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

Here’s why this recipe will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Buttery Base: The buttery cookie base is soft and slightly chewy, providing the perfect contrast to the rich and creamy filling.
• Luscious Cream Cheese Filling: The smooth cream cheese filling is sweet with just the right amount of tang, making each bite irresistible.
• Customizable: These cookie cups are easy to personalize by adding toppings like fruit, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel.
• Easy to Make: This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and is a fun, hands-on baking project for all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: These individual-sized treats are easy to serve, making them great for parties and gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Servings: 12 cookie cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this recipe:

• For the Cookie Base:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional for added tang)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling is what makes these cookie cups stand out, providing a rich, smooth texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
• Butter: The butter in the cookie base gives it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and fragrant flavor to both the cookie base and the cream cheese filling.
• Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice in the filling adds a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Cookie Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
6. Form the Cookie Cups: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place one ball of dough into each muffin cup and gently press it down to form the base of the cookie cup.
7. Bake the Cookie Cups: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookie cups cool in the pan while you prepare the cream cheese filling.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

8. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, flour, and lemon juice (if using), and beat until fully combined.
9. Fill the Cookie Cups: Once the cookie bases have cooled slightly, spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into each cookie cup, filling them almost to the top.
10. Bake Again: Return the filled cookie cups to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
11. Cool: Let the cookie cups cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

Cream Cheese Cookie Cups are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve these cookie cups as an after-dinner treat or for a sweet snack.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite hot beverage for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• For Parties: These bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings and are easy to serve on a platter.
• As a Gift: Package these cookie cups in a cute box or tin to give as a homemade gift to friends and family.

Additional Tips for Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe are perfect every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother textures.
• Do Not Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the cookie cups with the cream cheese filling, as it will overflow during baking.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before baking to make it easier to handle.
• Decorate: Top the filled cookie cups with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
• Check for Doneness: The filling should be set and lightly golden on top when the cookie cups are done.

Recipe Variations for Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Fruit-Topped Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Add a fresh fruit topping like berries, sliced kiwi, or citrus segments for a refreshing contrast.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist on the classic cookie base.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Replace the vanilla extract with pumpkin spice and add canned pumpkin to the cream cheese filling for a fall-inspired treat.
• Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolatey base and swirl in melted chocolate into the cream cheese filling.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy twist.
• Nutty Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Caramel Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese filling for a sweet, indulgent flavor.
• Mini Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Make these treats in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized versions.
• Chocolate-Dipped Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Dip the edges of the cookie cups in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
• Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Cookie Cups: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cookie dough to make these cupcakes gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the baked and cooled cookie cups (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before filling and serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, refrigerate for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you cream the butter and sugar to the perfect consistency.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps portion out the dough evenly for consistent cookie cups.
• Muffin Tin: Use a standard 12-cup muffin tin to bake your cookie cups to perfection.
• Piping Bag: For precise filling of the cream cheese mixture, a piping bag makes the process easier.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack lets the cookie cups cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

1. Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the cookie cups and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days before filling with cream cheese.
2. Can I freeze these cookie cups?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookie cups (unfilled) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling with cream cheese.
3. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
   Yes, you can use flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or blueberry, to give these cookie cups a different twist.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend for the cookie dough to make these cookie cups gluten-free.

Print

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Cookie Cups are a sweet and indulgent treat with a buttery cookie base and a rich, creamy filling. Whether you’re looking for a new dessert for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookie cups are sure to satisfy. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, these little bites of heaven will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is tasty, making it perfect for everything from casual family nights to festive gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe are sure to bring joy to every bite.

I’d love to see how this recipe turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!