Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

Oh my gosh, you guys – have you ever had that moment when you can’t decide between cheesecake and cookies? Well, let me introduce you to my absolute obsession: Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies! These little bites of heaven combine the creamy tang of cheesecake with sweet cherry jam swirled right into the dough. I first made these for a last-minute potluck when I was craving cheesecake but didn’t have time to bake a whole one.

The results were so good, my friends literally fought over the last cookie! What I love most is how the cream cheese in the dough keeps them soft for days, while those cherry swirls give you little bursts of fruity goodness in every bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat!

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Why You’ll Love These Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

Let me tell you why these cookies are about to become your new baking addiction:

• So easy – No fancy equipment needed, just a bowl and spoon
• That perfect combo – Creamy cheesecake meets sweet-tart cherry in every bite
• Crowd favorite – I’ve never brought these to a party without getting recipe requests
• Soft for days – The cream cheese keeps them tender long after baking
• Pretty swirls – They look bakery-fancy but are actually simple to make

Seriously, what’s not to love? They’re like little handheld cheesecakes you can eat without a fork!

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these dreamy cookies – and trust me, every ingredient matters! I learned the hard way that using cold cream cheese leads to lumpy dough, so take my advice and let everything come to room temperature first.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it, don’t scoop!
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the tang
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Leave it out for 30 minutes first
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Full-fat works best here
• 1 large egg – Room temp helps it blend smoothly
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – The good stuff makes a difference
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves – My secret? Use the thickest, fruitiest jar you can find

See how I specify “large” egg and “unsalted” butter? Those little details are what make these cookies perfect every time. Now let’s get mixing!

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How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

Alright, let’s get these heavenly cookies in the oven! I promise it’s easier than you think, but there are a few key steps that make all the difference. Follow along closely and you’ll be rewarded with perfect swirls every time.

Mixing the Dough

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your biggest mixing bowl (I like to use my trusty yellow one). Toss in the flour and sugar first, then add that softened butter and cream cheese. Here’s my trick: use a wooden spoon to mash everything together before switching to a whisk – it prevents those pesky little cream cheese lumps! Once you’ve got a crumbly mixture, crack in the egg and drizzle that gorgeous vanilla. Now, mix just until the dough comes together – overmixing makes tough cookies, and we want these babies tender!

Swirling in the Cherry Preserves

Time for the fun part! Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Now, take a teaspoon and make a little well in the center of each cookie. Dollop about ½ teaspoon of cherry preserves into each divot. Here’s where the magic happens: use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the preserves outward in a spiral pattern. Don’t overdo it though – 2-3 swirls max keeps those pretty red streaks visible!

Baking and Cooling

Slide those beauties into the middle rack of your preheated oven. Set your timer for 12 minutes, but start checking at 10 – ovens vary! You want the edges just golden but the centers still slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (this is crucial – don’t skip it!). Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, unless you can’t resist sneaking one warm – I won’t tell!

If you’re looking for another fun and colorful cookie idea, try these Cotton Candy Cookies — a whimsical recipe that’s sure to bring smiles.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

After making dozens of batches (for research purposes, obviously), here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Parchment is your friend – No sticking AND easy clean up? Yes please!
• Taste your preserves first – If they’re super sweet, add a squeeze of lemon to balance
• Chill that dough – If it’s too sticky, 15 minutes in the fridge makes shaping easier
• Swirl gently – Think “artist’s brushstroke” not “cement mixer” for pretty results
• Bake in batches – Crowded cookies = uneven baking (ask my first batch how I know)

Follow these and you’ll have bakery-worthy cookies every single time!

Ingredient Substitutions

While I’m pretty obsessed with the original version, here’s how you can tweak these cookies if needed: swap vanilla for almond extract (just 1/2 tsp – it’s stronger!), try raspberry or strawberry jam instead of cherry, or use Neufchâtel cheese if you want slightly less fat. Whatever you do, keep the cream cheese – it’s essential for that perfect soft texture! The key is making substitutions that don’t throw off the dough’s consistency – too much liquid and your cookies will spread, too little and they’ll be dry.

Storing Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (if they last that long!). For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags – they’ll stay perfect for 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature whenever that cheesecake craving hits!

Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies Nutritional Info

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know you might be curious about what’s in these tasty little cookies! Keep in mind that all nutritional info here is just an estimate – your exact numbers will vary depending on the specific brands of preserves you use or if you tweak the recipe at all. That said, these cookies strike a nice balance between indulgence and moderation. The cream cheese adds protein to balance the carbs, and if you use quality cherry preserves, you’re getting some real fruit in there too! Personally, I think life’s too short to stress over cookie nutrition – just savor each bite and maybe share with friends (or don’t, I won’t judge).

For more creative cookie recipes and baking inspiration, make sure to follow us on Pinterest, where we share trending desserts and seasonal favorites daily.

FAQs About Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

I know you might have some questions about these heavenly cookies – here are the ones I get asked most often:

Now that you’re armed with all my cookie wisdom, I can’t wait to see your beautiful Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies! Tag me in your photos so I can admire your swirl game!