Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies - Balancing Motherhood (2024)

These cheesecake thumbprint cookies have everything you love about a sugar cookie and a cheesecake in one delicious dessert. A lightly sweet and buttery cookie forms the base for this treat and acts almost like a crust that holds the sweet and creamy cheesecake filling.

Thumbprint cookies are an easy way to turn an ordinary cookie into something really special. They get their name from the method of creating them, which involves pressing your thumb into the cookie dough (although you can use any small round object) to make a groove that will hold all kinds of delicious fillings. Popular versions often include jam or chocolate ganache, but we think this cheesecake version is the best one yet.

These cookies are so rich and delicious that they’d be perfect for a special occasion but easy enough that you can make them any time you have a craving. Try out this impressive and easy recipe for a holiday party or a special Valentine’s Day treat. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s guaranteed to impress!

Why We Love This Recipe

• This delicious cookie looks fancy and impressive but is super easy to make.
• With a cookie base and cheesecake filling, this treat gives you 2 desserts in one!
• With their rich taste and pretty appearance, these cookies are a perfect treat to serve during the holiday season, at a party, or as a Valentine’s Day gift.

Ingredients

• For the cookies:
• Butter (softened)
• Sugar
• Salt
• Egg yolk
• All purpose flour

• For the filling:
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sugar
• Salt
• Egg yolk
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

How to Make Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Step One:Prepare the Filling

• Heat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
• Add the egg yolk, salt, vanilla, and sour cream to the cream cheese mixture and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
• Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step Two: Make the Cookies

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt and mix until well incorporated.
• Cream together the butter and sugar using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
• Add the vanilla extract and egg yolk and continue mixing until well incorporated.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients a little at a time, mixing after each addition.

• Scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Each scoop should contain about a tablespoon of dough.
• Place balls on the prepared cookie sheet. Use the end of a wooden spoon handle, your thumb, or another small round object to press a hole in the center of each cookie.
• Bake for approximately 10 minutes.

Step Three: Add Filling to the Cookies

• Remove the cookies from the oven. Gently press in the center of each cookie again and fill with the cream cheese filling.
• Place cookies back into the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until the filling has set.
• Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Suggestions

• After filling the cookies, you can chill them for 10-15 minutes to allow the cream cheese layer to set before baking again.
• For best results, use a small cookie scoop to ensure that all of your cookies are uniform size and bake evenly.

Variations

• Make strawberry or raspberry thumbprint cookies using jam filling in place of the cheesecake.
• Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over top of the cookies before serving.
• Roll the cookies in a cinnamon and sugar mixture prior to baking.
• Use a flavored cream cheese like strawberry or blueberry for the filling.

How Do I Store Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies?

Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but be sure to bring them to room temperature prior to serving.

Can I Use a Different Type of Cookie?

Sure – the thumbprint technique should work with most types of smooth cookies, so if you have a favorite cookie dough recipe, give it a try! Peanut butter, pumpkin, and chocolate cookies would all be delicious with the cheesecake filling.

More Cookie Recipes

• Christmas Wreath Cornflake Cookies
• Ooey Gooey Christmas Cookies
• Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Pinwheel Sugar Cookies
• Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies
• Peanut Butter Balls
• Fruitcake Cookies
• Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
• Frosted Christmas Cookies