Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade sugar cookie dough, go for it. Just make sure to chill the dough before shaping in the muffin pan for best results.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer for the filling?

No problem! You can use a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Just ensure the cream cheese is very soft for easy mixing—this makes the filling smooth.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free sugar cookie dough, and ensure the rest of your ingredients (especially powdered sugar) are certified gluten-free.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely. The cookie cups and filling can both be made a day in advance—just fill and top with strawberries shortly before serving for the freshest flavor.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 roll Pillsbury Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough; 8 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese, room temperature; 3 tbsp Whipping Cream; 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 tsp Almond Extract (optional); 6 or more Fresh Strawberries

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups combine the best of two worlds in one blissful bite: the chewy, golden goodness of a sugar cookie cup filled with creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, and finished off with fresh, juicy strawberries. The whole dessert is surprisingly easy and lightning fast to make, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The flavors are everything you love in a classic strawberry cheesecake, but in a handheld treat—each bite delivers a perfect combo of sweet cookie, velvety cheesecake, and bright berry freshness. Whether you’re making dessert for the family or impressing friends at a potluck, these cookie cups never fail to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: The shortcut of using refrigerated sugar cookie dough means you get homemade flavor with almost zero effort, so dessert is ready in just over 20 minutes.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookie cups look fancy and festive, but they’re so approachable—ideal for parties, gatherings, or even as a fun baking activity with kids.
Incredible Texture and Flavor: The combo of soft, buttery cookie and creamy cheesecake filling (with a hint of almond if you choose!) is simply irresistible.
Easy to Customize: Versatile enough for you to swap out toppings, add flavors, or mix up the fruit as your heart desires.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these ahead, making them a stress-free dessert option for busier days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pillsbury Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough: The ultimate time-saver for the cookie cup base—gives you that classic soft sugar cookie texture.
Cream Cheese: Must be at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest filling.
Whipping Cream: Adds a lovely, airy lightness to your cheesecake mixture.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and a pourable texture that blends seamlessly.
Almond Extract: Optional but highly recommended! It adds a unique, fragrant depth to the cheesecake filling and brightens the berry flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: Sliced for a juicy, tart finish; use more for extra fresh goodness.
Non-Stick Muffin Pan: Helps you get those perfectly shaped cookie cups that pop right out.

Tip: For best results, let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before starting!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Love a bit of variety? Here are some simple ways to make this recipe your own:

Berry Swap: Try blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a new flavor twist or a medley of mixed berries on top.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a little chocolate and drizzle it over the finished cups for a decadent finish.
Citrus Kick: Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for extra brightness.
Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios over the strawberries for a satisfying crunch.
Sugar Cookie Alternatives: If you want, you can substitute the sugar cookie dough with chocolate chip or snickerdoodle dough for a different base flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Cookie Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if using a non-stick pan). Slice the roll of refrigerated sugar cookie dough in half, then cut each half into six pieces for a total of 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, flatten slightly, and press into the wells of a 12-cup muffin pan. Bake according to the dough package instructions—usually about 10-14 minutes—until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 2: Shape the Cups and Cool

Once baked, let the cookies cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. As they cool, the centers will sink; if needed, use a teaspoon to gently press and shape the indentation in the center to form a “cup.” Place the muffin tin in the freezer for 5-8 minutes to help them firm up and avoid crumbling when removing.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese and blend with a hand mixer until silky smooth. Add whipping cream, powdered sugar, and almond extract (if using), beating until the mixture is creamy, light, and fluffy.

Step 4: Fill and Decorate

Remove the cookie cups from the pan (use a spoon to gently loosen if needed), then freeze them for another 10 minutes until fully set. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each cookie cup, then top generously with sliced fresh strawberries.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Serve straight away for a cool treat, or store in the fridge until you’re ready to wow everyone.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Don’t rush this—it’s the best way to get a perfectly lump-free filling!
Freeze for Easy Handling: Don’t skip the freezer steps; they make the cookie cups much sturdier and less likely to break when filling.
Uniform Cookie Cups: Measure out the dough for even-sized cookies, so they bake and cool at the same rate.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye during baking; slightly underbaked is better than overbaked so you get a soft, chewy base.

How to Serve

These cookie cups are lovely on their own—just arrange on a platter and watch them disappear. For a party, place them in cupcake papers for easy, mess-free grabbing. Want to get creative? Pair these with a glass of sparkling lemonade or a light rosé for an ultra-refreshing summer treat. Add a few extra strawberries on the side, or dust with a bit of powdered sugar or a mint leaf for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any remaining cookie cups in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You can freeze the cookie cups without the cheesecake filling. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature, then fill and top with strawberries as needed.

Reheating

These are best enjoyed cold, but if you need to soften just the cookie cup, a quick (10-second) microwave zap works before filling.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade sugar cookie dough, go for it. Just make sure to chill the dough before shaping in the muffin pan for best results.
What if I don’t have a hand mixer for the filling?

No problem! You can use a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Just ensure the cream cheese is very soft for easy mixing—this makes the filling smooth.
Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free sugar cookie dough, and ensure the rest of your ingredients (especially powdered sugar) are certified gluten-free.
Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely. The cookie cups and filling can both be made a day in advance—just fill and top with strawberries shortly before serving for the freshest flavor.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups deliver big on flavor with very little effort, making them a dessert hero for both special occasions and those “just because” nights. Fun, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser, these treats promise homemade charm without the kitchen fuss. Grab a baking sheet and some strawberries and take the plunge—you’ll be glad you did!