Name: Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 0.5 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 0.5 cup (110 grams) brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 0.5 cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips (optional); 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt; 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened; 0.25 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract; Fresh berries; Chocolate chips or drizzle; Caramel sauce; Whipped cream

Sweet dreams come true with these irresistible cheesecake cookie cups that blend creamy decadence with classic cookie comfort.

Soft chocolate chip cookies form the perfect crispy base for a luscious cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth.

Every bite of these delightful treats promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich cream cheese mingles with a buttery cookie shell, creating an indulgent dessert that’s both elegant and playful.

These miniature delights are surprisingly simple to craft, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal baking skills.

Each cup delivers a compact burst of pure dessert magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Mini Dessert Magic: Transforms classic cheesecake into adorable, bite-sized treats perfect for sharing and portion control.
Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Requires minimal baking skills with straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it ideal for novice bakers.
Versatile Party Favorite: Offers endless customization with various toppings like chocolate chips, fresh berries, or caramel sauce, ensuring crowd-pleasing potential for different tastes and occasions.
No-Fuss Preparation: Comes together quickly with basic kitchen tools, allowing home bakers to create impressive desserts without complex techniques or expensive equipment.

Crust:

Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake cups.
Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich flavor.
Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.

Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
Egg: Helps set the filling and provides structure.
Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, aromatic flavor to the cheesecake.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the filling.

Toppings:

Chocolate Chips, Berries: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the cheesecake cups.

Step 1: Prepare Tasty Cookie Crust Base

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until smooth.

Press the mixture firmly into each muffin cup liner, creating an even, compact base to hold the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

Blend softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until silky smooth and free of lumps.

The mixture should be creamy and consistent

Step 3: Fill Muffin Cups With Cheesecake

Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in each muffin cup, ensuring each has a generous and uniform amount.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Bake the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-18 minutes, until the centers are set and slightly firm.

Keep an eye to prevent overbaking.

Step 5: Cool And Chill

Let the cheesecake cups cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour to fully set.

Step 6: Decorate And Serve

Top with chocolate chips, fresh berries, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle just before serving.

Use room temperature cream cheese and egg for smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
Press graham cracker mixture firmly into muffin cups to create a compact, even base that won't crumble.
Watch closely during final minutes of baking to prevent overcooking – slight jiggle in center means perfectly creamy texture.
Experiment with various toppings like caramel drizzle, whipped cream, or crushed nuts for personalized flavor combinations.
Keep cheesecake cups refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly option.
Low-Sugar Cheesecake Cups: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content and create a diabetic-friendly dessert.
Vegan Cheesecake Cups: Use cashew cream cheese, coconut cream, and agar-agar instead of traditional dairy ingredients for a plant-based alternative.
Fruit-Infused Cups: Blend fresh raspberries or strawberries into the cheesecake mixture for a vibrant, natural flavor and colorful presentation.

Berry Bliss Topping: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or strawberries on top for a burst of fruity flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake.
Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle chocolate chips for an indulgent twist that elevates the dessert's richness.
Caramel Crunch Finish: Add a swirl of caramel sauce and crushed nuts to create a delightful texture contrast and sweet-salty combination.
Whipped Cream Finale: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant and classic presentation.

Store leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep covered with plastic wrap or sealed lid to prevent drying out.
Wrap individual cheesecake cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before eating to soften slightly. Serve chilled or let sit at room temperature for gentle warming.
Avoid microwaving these delicate treats as they can become rubbery and lose creamy texture. Room temperature or slight refrigerator chill works best for enjoying leftover cheesecake cups.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies for a different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent my cheesecake cups from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, don’t overbake, and let the cheesecake cups cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to minimize cracking.

Is it possible to make these cheesecake cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake cups up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
Developing easy single-serving recipes
Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.