If you love cheesecake and cookies, this Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe is the perfect fusion of both! These bite-sized treats feature a soft, buttery cookie cup base filled with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive touch. Ideal for parties, holidays, or when you just want a fun dessert that’s easy to serve, these mini cheesecake cookie cups are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
With a crispy cookie shell, smooth cheesecake filling, and a pop of color from the sprinkles, these cookie cups are the ultimate dessert mashup. Let’s dive into the recipe, complete with tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions to make these delightful treats.
Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups are mini cookie cups made by baking cookie dough in a muffin tin to form the cup shape. Once baked, the cookie cups are filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, then topped with sprinkles for a fun and festive dessert. The base is typically made from sugar cookie dough, but other cookie flavors can work too. The combination of the buttery, chewy cookie and the smooth cheesecake filling creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups
To make these delicious Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups, you’ll need a handful of ingredients for both the cookie cups and the cheesecake filling.
For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly while baking.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a bit of lift and chewiness to the cookie cups.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a bit of caramel-like flavor.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the cookies.
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles: Mixed into the cookie dough for a festive look.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base for the cheesecake filling.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the cheesecake filling.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Makes the filling smooth and creamy.
- 1 large egg: Helps the cheesecake set as it bakes.
- Extra sprinkles for topping: For a fun and colorful garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
Cookie Cup Substitutions:
- Chocolate chip cookie dough: Swap the sugar cookie dough for chocolate chip cookie dough to make chocolate chip cheesecake cookie cups.
- Peanut butter cookie dough: Use peanut butter cookie dough for a nutty twist.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookie cups gluten-free.
Filling Variations:
- Chocolate cheesecake: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate version.
- Lemon cheesecake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the cheesecake filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Berry swirl: Swirl in a tablespoon of raspberry or strawberry jam into the cheesecake filling before baking.
Topping Ideas:
- Crushed cookies: Instead of sprinkles, top the cookie cups with crushed Oreo cookies or graham crackers for added texture.
- Drizzle of chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make these delightful Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups step by step:
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
- Divide the cookie dough evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it into the bottom and slightly up the sides to form little cups. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a well in the center of each cup.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Cookie Cups
- Bake the cookie cups for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and use the back of a spoon or a small jar to press down the center of each cookie cup again, creating a well for the cheesecake filling.
- Let the cookie cups cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and egg, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 4: Fill the Cookie Cups
- Spoon the cheesecake filling into the cooled cookie cups, filling them almost to the top.
- Add extra sprinkles on top of the cheesecake filling for a festive look.
Step 5: Bake the Cookie Cups
- Bake the filled cookie cups at 325°F (163°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cookie cups cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cookie cups to a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the cheesecake filling to fully set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookie cups are fully chilled, they’re ready to serve! You can top them with extra whipped cream, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.
How to Cook Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Make the cookie dough: Prepare the cookie dough by creaming butter and sugar, then adding dry ingredients and sprinkles.
- Pre-bake the cookie cups: Bake the cookie cups for a few minutes, then press down the centers to create wells for the filling.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and sour cream together, then add the egg.
- Fill the cookie cups: Spoon the cheesecake mixture into the pre-baked cookie cups and top with sprinkles.
- Bake again: Bake until the cheesecake filling is set, then cool and chill the cookie cups before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the cookie cups: Keep an eye on the cookie cups as they bake. You want them slightly underbaked in the center so that they stay soft and chewy after cooling.
- Overfilling the cheesecake: Don’t overfill the cookie cups with cheesecake filling, as it can overflow while baking. Leave a little room at the top for the filling to puff slightly as it sets.
- Not pressing the wells deep enough: When forming the wells for the cheesecake filling, make sure they are deep enough to hold a good amount of filling without spilling over.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups are set and chilled, it’s time to enjoy these bite-sized delights! Here are some tips to serve and present them beautifully.
How to Serve Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups
- Chilled: These cookie cups taste best when they’re slightly chilled, so be sure to refrigerate them for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Add toppings: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, extra sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra fancy touch.
Presentation Ideas for Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups
- Colorful sprinkles: Use rainbow sprinkles or themed sprinkles (such as Christmas or birthday colors) to customize these cookie cups for different occasions.
- Mini cupcake liners: For an added festive touch, place each cookie cup in a colorful mini cupcake liner for easy serving at parties.
- Serve on a tiered platter: Display the cookie cups on a tiered dessert tray for an elegant, party-ready presentation.
Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Chill for best results: The cookie cups need time to chill and set after baking, so plan ahead and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Get creative with toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, like crushed candy bars, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle, to personalize these treats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these cookie cups in advance?
A: Yes! You can make these cookie cups a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze sprinkle cheesecake cookie cups?
A: Yes, you can freeze these cookie cups for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough as the base for these cookie cups. Just press it into the muffin tin as directed and follow the rest of the recipe.
Q: Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Conclusion
These Sprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups are the perfect blend of two favorite desserts: cookies and cheesecake! With their fun, colorful sprinkles and creamy cheesecake filling, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just because, these bite-sized desserts are sure to impress. Follow the step-by-step instructions and tips to create these delicious cookie cups, and don’t forget to get creative with the toppings for a festive and fun finish. Happy baking!
PrintSprinkle Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe
These sprinkle cheesecake cookie cups are the perfect fun and festive treat for any celebration! Made with a soft sugar cookie base and filled with creamy cheesecake, these bite-sized desserts are packed with colorful sprinkles, adding a playful twist to your dessert table. Easy to make and great for parties, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to impress with a unique dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Cookie Cups:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
- Cookie Cups: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles.
- Roll the dough into small balls and press into the mini muffin tin to form cookie cups.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Use a spoon to gently press the center of each cookie to create a cup shape. Cool completely.
- Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling into the cooled cookie cups.
- Top with additional sprinkles before serving. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie cups are completely cooled before adding the cheesecake filling to avoid melting.
- Use jimmies-style sprinkles for the best texture in the cookie dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 80mg
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