Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?

While fresh cherries sound delicious (and I love them for topping!), they're too watery for swirling into the dough. The preserves give us that thick, concentrated cherry flavor without making the cookies soggy. If you're set on fresh fruit, try reducing chopped cherries with a bit of sugar first to thicken them up!

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Oh honey, we've all been there! Usually it means your butter was too soft or the dough wasn't chilled enough. Next time, make sure your ingredients are softened but still cool to the touch, and if your kitchen is warm, pop the shaped cookies in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their perfect round shape!

How can I prevent overbaking?

The number one trick? Set that timer for 2 minutes less than you think! These cookies continue cooking as they cool, so pull them when the edges are just golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. They'll firm up perfectly during cooling - promise!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just be sure to add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your mix doesn't already include it - this helps mimic the structure regular flour provides.

Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

Name: Irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies in Just 12 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup cherry preserves

Description

Delicious cookies with a creamy cheesecake swirl and cherry flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup cherry preserves

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, butter, and cream cheese until smooth.
Add egg and vanilla extract, then blend well.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
Swirl cherry preserves into each cookie.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
Let cool before serving.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
Adjust baking time based on cookie size.
Store in an airtight container for freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American