Description
Buttery, golden cookies with creamy cheesecake centers — what’s not to love? These Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, tangy filling and soft sugar cookie base. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, an easy cookie recipe for the holidays, or fun baking ideas, this sweet treat checks all the boxes. Ideal for parties, cookie swaps, or cozy nights in, this recipe belongs in your collection of go-to dessert and food ideas. It’s a perfect choice for quick baking, breakfast ideas with a twist, or even just a healthy-ish snack to satisfy that cheesecake craving without the full commitment.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup coarse sugar (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, egg yolk, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Chill mixture slightly in the fridge.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix. Add flour and salt; stir until dough comes together.
3. Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll in coarse sugar if using. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Use your thumb or back of a spoon to gently press an indent into the center of each dough ball.
5. Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
7. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Chill cookies for 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
Let cream cheese and butter soften fully to avoid lumps in your dough and filling.
For a different flavor, try adding a splash of almond or lemon extract to the filling.
Don’t skip the chilling step at the end — it enhances the cheesecake texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg