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Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Discover the delectable delight of Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies! We combine the buttery goodness of a classic thumbprint cookie with the rich and creamy flavor of cheesecake to create a sweet sensation. This recipe is perfect for dessert lovers, and it will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, why wait? Indulge your taste buds with this mouthwatering treat!

cheesecake thumbprint cookies

One of the best things about the holiday season is the smell of freshly baked cookies that wafts through the house.

Whether it’s for a cookie exchange or just for family and friends, baking cookies is a wonderful way to bring friends and family together.

And what could be more festive than a batch of delicious Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies?

These cookies start with a sweet graham cracker cookie base then we top them with creamy cheesecake filling and your favorite tangy jam.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why this cookie recipe is so perfect, how to make it, and why it’s perfect for your Christmas Cookie Exchange.

Disclosure – I may get a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.

thumbprint cheesecake cookies

❤️ Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are a fantastic option for anyone looking to add a new twist to their holiday baking.

The graham cracker cookie crumbs make them extra buttery and give them a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake filling and jam.

They are easy to prepare, freeze well, and make a great last-minute dessert option, especially during the busy holiday season.

Plus, their festive appearance is sure to delight any guest at your holiday gathering.

So, why not try making a batch of Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies for your Christmas Cookie Exchange this year?

Your friends and family will thank you for it!

thumbprint cheesecake cookies

If you’re looking to step up your dessert game, then you definitely need to try making Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies with graham cracker crumbs in the cookie base.

The texture and flavor of graham cracker crumbs are the perfect complements to the creamy and rich cheesecake filling.

So, by incorporating this ingredient into your recipe, you’ll add another layer of deliciousness that will make your cookies stand out from the rest.

One of the great things about graham cracker crumbs is that they contain molasses, which pairs beautifully with the tangy flavor of cheesecake.

This flavor combination is what makes these cookies so irresistible.

When you bite into the cookie, the slight crunch from the crumbs adds a nice texture, while the creamy filling melts in your mouth.

It’s no wonder these cookies are a fan favorite!

cheesecake thumbprint cookies

First things first, rolling the cookie dough into a ball is a crucial step to ensure your cookies will be evenly sized and perfectly round.

Make sure to scoop out the dough using a spoon or a cookie dough scoop, then gently roll it between your palms until it forms a ball.

Once you have a nice ball shape, it’s time to slightly flatten it with the bottom of a glass.

This will not only help the cookie cook evenly, but it will also create the perfect thumbprint shape for you to fill with deliciousness.

To avoid sticking, I recommend using a piece of waxed paper between the glass and the cookie dough.

Simply place the waxed paper on top of the dough ball, then press the glass down until the cookie is flattened to about half an inch thick.

This little trick will save you lots of frustration and will make the process much smoother.

Now, here comes the fun part – using your thumb to press a deep indentation into the cookie!

Make sure to press gently but firmly, so the dough doesn’t crack or break apart.

You want to create a well in the center of the cookie that is big enough to hold a dollop of cheesecake filling and a spoonful of your favorite jam.

My personal favorites are strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and combinations until you find your perfect match.

cheesecake thumbprint cookies

🔑 Key to Success #3 – Use Your Favorite Jam Flavor

One of the greatest things about the Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies recipe is that you can use any flavor of jam that you prefer!

Whether you are a fan of classic strawberry jam or you prefer the tartness of raspberry jam, this recipe is perfect for you.

Personally, I love to experiment with different flavors of jam depending on my mood.

Blueberry jam is always a hit in my household and adds a burst of sweet berry flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

To get the perfect swirl of jam with the cheesecake filling in the thumbprint of your cookies, I suggest using a toothpick.

Simply drop a small amount of jam on top of the cheesecake filling in the thumbprint and use the toothpick to swirl the two together.

Not only is this a practical way to ensure that the jam gets evenly distributed, but it also gives your cookies a beautiful and professional-looking finish.

You can also experiment with different techniques for swirling the jam, such as creating a heart shape or making a spiral pattern.

The possibilities are endless!

📌 Get the Printable Recipe for Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Save this Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies recipe to your favorite Cookie Recipes board or your Christmas Cookie Exchange board.

Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies
cheesecake thumbprint cookies

Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Yield: 16 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

These Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are unique because they combine the rich, creamy flavors of homemade cheesecake with the classic buttery goodness of thumbprint cookies. They're the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a slight tang from the cream cheese filling that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 20 crackers)
  • 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup jam of your choice (I used strawberry)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and mix well.
  3. Blend in the baking powder, salt, and flour until just combined. Mix in the graham cracker crumbs.
  4. Scoop 3 tablespoons of dough and form it into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet and press down slightly with the bottom of a glass. Then use your thumb to make a deep indention in the middle of each cookie.
  5. In a small bowl using an electric mixer, make the cheesecake filling by blending together the cream cheese, sugar, egg white, and vanilla extract. Spoon two teaspoons of the filling into the indention in each cookie. Top with 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam then use a toothpick to swirl together.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Cool completely before serving.

Notes

You can substitute any flavor of jam that you like. Strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry jam are all fantastic in this recipe. You can also use a bit of pie filling, such as cherry pie filling or lemon creme pie filling.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 266Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 277mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 1gSugar: 22gProtein: 3g

Nutrition Information Provided For Educational and Informational Purposes Only.

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