Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 tablespoons strawberry puree; Fresh strawberries for garnish

Sweet, creamy cheesecake meets classic cookie in this irresistible strawberry cheesecake cookie cups recipe that promises pure dessert magic.

Soft, buttery cookie shells cradle a luscious cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth.

Fresh strawberries add a vibrant burst of fruity flavor to each delightful bite.

These mini desserts blend textures and tastes in a way that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Each cup is a perfect balance of crisp cookie and smooth, rich filling.

The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates an elegant yet playful treat.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with this simple yet stunning dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Whip Up Quickly: Super simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to impress with a delightful dessert.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Combines classic cheesecake flavor with adorable cookie cup format, making it a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Customize with Ease: Versatile dessert that allows creative variations like using different fruit purees or adding chocolate drizzle for personalized touch.
No-Fuss Preparation: Straightforward steps with basic ingredients mean you can create a stunning dessert without complicated techniques or professional baking experience.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure to the cookie cups.
Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and dark color to the cookie base.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and create a light texture.
Cornstarch: Ensures a soft and tender cookie texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie cups.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Creates a rich and creamy foundation for the cookie dough.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm and classic flavor to the cookie cups.

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Forms a smooth and sweet cheesecake-like filling.
Strawberry Puree: Adds a fresh and fruity flavor to the filling.
Fresh Strawberries: Provides a vibrant and natural garnish for the cookie cups.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your cupcake pan and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Cornstarch
Salt

Whisk these together until well blended.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Base

Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla extract.

Mix until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Gradually fold in your dry ingredient mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups

Roll out small dough balls, about two tablespoons each.

Gently press these into your cupcake pan, creating little cup shapes that climb up the sides.

Make sure to form an even layer that will hold your delicious filling.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look golden and set.

Once done, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.

If the centers have puffed up, softly press them down.

Transfer the cookie cups to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Whip Up the Strawberry Filling

In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.

Slowly incorporate strawberry puree, mixing until you have a creamy, dreamy filling with a beautiful pink hue.

Step 6: Assemble and Chill

Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cooled cookie cup with the strawberry cream cheese mixture.

Top with fresh, sliced strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.

Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve these delightful treats.

Use the back of a rounded spoon or your thumb to create even, smooth cookie cup shapes with thin, consistent walls for the best texture.
Gently press down the slightly puffed centers immediately after removing from oven to create a perfect indentation for filling.
Strain strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and ensure a silky, uniform filling consistency.
Refrigerate filled cookie cups for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and filling to set firmly.
Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling texture.

Berry Burst Variation: Replace strawberry puree with raspberry or blueberry puree for a different fruity flavor profile.
Chocolate Lover's Cup: Swap regular flour with dark cocoa powder for an intense chocolate base, adding chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the treat.
Vegan Transformation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based cream cheese, replace egg with flax egg, and choose dairy-free powdered sugar for a completely animal-product-free version.

Sweet Strawberry Nest: Fill cookie cups with creamy strawberry cheesecake mixture, creating a delightful dessert centerpiece perfect for summer gatherings.
Brunch Showstopper: Arrange cookie cups on elegant serving platter, garnished with mint leaves for a professional, restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.
Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack chilled cookie cups in portable containers for outdoor events, making them an easy-to-transport and mess-free dessert option for family and friends.
Individual Indulgence: Serve each cookie cup on small dessert plates with extra fresh strawberry slices, allowing guests to enjoy personalized sweet treats with beautiful visual appeal.

Store these delightful strawberry cheesecake cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain their creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Separate the filling from the cookie cups if storing for longer periods. This prevents the cookies from becoming soggy and keeps both components fresh and tasty.
Avoid leaving these treats at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as the cream cheese filling can spoil quickly and lose its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen strawberries completely before pureeing to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from breaking when removing from pan?

Let cookies cool in pan for 5 minutes, then gently use a spoon to help lift them out without cracking.

Is it possible to make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare cookie cups and filling separately up to 2 days in advance, then assemble just before serving for best texture.

What if my dough seems too soft to form cups?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator to make it easier to shape and prevent spreading during baking.

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices

Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.