In the world of cookies, certain flavor combinations rise above the rest—and cherry and cream cheese is undeniably one of them. These Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and perfectly sweet with a subtle tang from the cream cheese. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert to bring to a holiday gathering, a Valentine’s Day delight, or just a colorful treat for your family, these cookies tick all the boxes.
This in-depth recipe guide walks you through everything you need to know, from ingredient tips and substitutions to baking techniques, storage advice, flavor variations, and expert answers to common baking questions.
1. Ingredients Overview
Every great cookie starts with great ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this luscious cherry-infused treat:
Main Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
Adds richness and ensures the cookies remain tender. - Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
Brings a unique tangy flavor and a moist, chewy texture. - Granulated Sugar (1 cup)
Balances the tang of the cream cheese and highlights the cherries. - Egg (1 large)
Binds the dough and contributes to that perfect texture. - Pure Vanilla Extract (2 tsp)
Enhances flavor depth with warm, aromatic notes. - All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups)
Provides structure to the cookie dough. - Baking Powder (1 tsp)
Helps the cookies rise gently without becoming cakey. - Salt (¼ tsp)
Elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness. - Maraschino Cherries (1 cup, finely chopped and well-drained)
The stars of the show. Their vibrant color and sweet flavor shine in every bite.
Optional Add-ins:
- White Chocolate Chips (½ cup)
For a creamy, sweet burst that complements the cherries. - Chopped Nuts (½ cup)
Adds crunch and contrast. Consider pecans or walnuts.
2. Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Gather the following:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for chopping cherries
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until creamy and uniform—about 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Wet Ingredients
Add the sugar to the bowl and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat just until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Add the Cherries
Carefully fold in the chopped, well-drained cherries using a rubber spatula. The dough will be slightly sticky and tinted pink—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
Step 9: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 3–5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
These cookies are delicious as-is, but if you love experimenting, try these creative options:
🍋 Lemon Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
🍫 Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
Mix in ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
🥥 Cherry Coconut Delight
Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut with the cherries.
🍓 Berry Blend Bonanza
Substitute half the maraschino cherries with finely chopped strawberries or raspberries (fresh or freeze-dried).
5. Pro Tips for Cookie Perfection
- Drain cherries well: Excess liquid makes the dough too soft. Pat cherries dry thoroughly after chopping.
- Chill the dough: Essential for shape retention and flavor development.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Cream cheese, butter, and egg should all be at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Avoid overmixing: Once flour is added, mix just until the dough comes together to avoid tough cookies.
- Rotate pans: If baking multiple sheets at once, rotate halfway through for even baking.
6. Presentation and Serving Ideas
Make your cookies even more festive and visually appealing:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Drizzle with white chocolate glaze and top with a cherry half.
- Serve on a tiered dessert stand at parties.
- Gift in treat boxes with parchment separators and ribbon.
These cookies are great for:
- Valentine’s Day
- Baby showers
- Afternoon tea
- Cookie swaps
- Christmas cookie platters
7. Storage and Freezing Guide
Room Temperature
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator
For longer freshness, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 7 days.
Freezer (Dough or Baked Cookies)
- Raw dough: Scoop and freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen—just add 2 minutes to bake time.
- Baked cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in layers with parchment between. Thaw at room temperature or reheat at 300°F for 4–5 minutes.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes! Just pit, chop, and drain them well. Fresh cherries will give a more natural, tart flavor.
❓ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is certified gluten-free.
❓ Can I omit the cream cheese?
The cream cheese is key to the texture and flavor. For a substitution, try Greek yogurt, but the result will vary.
❓ Why are my cookies too flat?
This usually happens when the dough is too warm. Always chill before baking.
❓ Can I double the recipe?
Yes! It scales beautifully. Just make sure to chill dough in batches and bake in batches to avoid crowding.
9. Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie, Approx.)
- Calories: 145
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 55mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific brands used.
10. Final Thoughts and Printable Recipe
These Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies are more than just a pretty dessert. They’re a celebration of texture, flavor, and seasonal cheer. Soft yet sturdy, tangy yet sweet, they hit the perfect balance that few cookies can achieve. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is forgiving, flexible, and sure to please.
📋 Printable Cherry Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24–28 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, beat until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients separately. Add to wet mixture.
- Fold in cherries (and chocolate chips if using).
- Chill dough 30+ minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets.
- Scoop and shape dough balls. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool and enjoy!
