Decadent Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe

Sweet summer memories bloom with these delightful strawberry shortcake cheesecake cookie cups nestled in a perfect handheld treat.

Creamy cheesecake meets classic shortcake in a delectable fusion that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, velvety filling complement the buttery cookie base with remarkable precision.

Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, each bite delivers a nostalgic dance of textures and tastes.

The cookies cradle a luxurious cheesecake center that melts smoothly on your tongue.

Decadent yet simple, these mini desserts bring restaurant-quality elegance to your home kitchen.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible dessert that turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of sweetness.

Tips for Layering Strawberry Cheesecake

  • Cookie Dough Texture Tip: Aim for a soft, pliable dough that holds shape without sticking to your hands. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of milk; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie cups and filling components a day ahead. Store cookie bases in an airtight container and refrigerate strawberries and frosting separately to save time on party day.
  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut to give the cookie cups a unique twist. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully as alternative toppings.
  • Storage Secrets: Keep assembled cookie cups refrigerated for up to 3 days. Pro tip: Add whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain perfect texture and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these delightful treats accessible for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for complete compatibility.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these delightful cookie cups with a light mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a stunning weekend breakfast treat that feels like a special occasion.
  • Dessert Table Showstopper: Arrange these cookie cups on a beautiful platter with extra fresh strawberries scattered around, creating an eye-catching display that will impress guests at parties or gatherings.
  • Coffee Shop Moment: Serve alongside a hot cappuccino or cold brew coffee, letting the creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry flavors complement the rich coffee notes for a perfect afternoon indulgence.
  • Gifting Delight: Package these cookie cups in cute individual clear boxes with a ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for friends, teachers, or neighbors who appreciate a personal sweet touch.

Keeping Cheesecake Cups Fresh

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Store cookie cups in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Prep-Ahead Magic: Bake cookie bases and prepare strawberry mixture one day before serving, saving time and reducing day-of stress.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Temperature Tricks: Always serve chilled for best texture and flavor. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before enjoying to let cream cheese frosting soften slightly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 13

For Sugar Cookie Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, smooth texture and adds tender crumb to the cookie base.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden, crisp exterior for the cookie cups.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Almond Extract: Introduces a delicate, nutty undertone to complement the strawberry.
  • Flour: Creates structure and gives the cookie its signature tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookie rise and become light and fluffy.
For Strawberry Preparation:
  • Strawberries: Brings fresh, vibrant fruity essence and natural sweetness to the dessert.
  • Sugar: Helps macerate strawberries, intensifying their natural juices and flavor.
For Creamy Frosting:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy base for the frosting with smooth, velvety texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create stable, spreadable consistency.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Strawberry Decorating Icing: Adds extra strawberry flavor and vibrant color.
  • Heavy Cream: Softens frosting and creates silky, pipeable texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the frosting with warm, comforting flavor.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Whipped Cream: Adds light, airy topping that complements the rich cheesecake frosting.
  • Muffin Pan (12-cup regular): Essential for creating cookie cup shape.
  • Small Ice Cream Scooper: Perfect for evenly portioning cookie dough into cups.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining cookie dough ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer: Helps beat butter, sugar, and create smooth frosting.
  • Small Bowl: Used for preparing strawberry mixture.
  • Piping Bag: Great for neatly adding frosting and whipped cream.
  • Knife: Helpful for dicing strawberries.
  • Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Useful for scraping and mixing ingredients.
  • Cookie Base Preparation

Gather your ingredients and tools. Mix softened butter with sugar until creamy. Blend in egg and vanilla extract smoothly. Gently fold in flour and baking powder to create a soft dough.

  • Muffin Pan Setup

Grease a standard muffin tin thoroughly. Use a small scoop to place dough into each cup. Press down gently to create a cup-like shape with a slight indentation.

  • Baking Process

Slide the muffin pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for approximately 12 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove and allow cookies to cool completely in the pan.

  • Strawberry Mixture

Chop fresh strawberries into small pieces. Sprinkle with a touch of sugar and let sit in the refrigerator to develop a sweet syrup.

  • Creamy Filling

Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Create a light and airy texture perfect for filling the cookie cups.

  • Final Assembly

Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries into each cooled cookie cup. Pipe cream cheese frosting generously. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberry pieces.

Print
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Decadent Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe

Decadent Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cookie Cups Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful strawberry shortcake cheesecake cookie cups combine classic dessert flavors in miniature form. Creamy cheesecake filling nestled in buttery cookie bases delivers irresistible sweetness you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ tablespoon (0.5 tbsp) sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) baking powder
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 12 tablespoons (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) almond extract
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) strawberry decorating icing
  • 6 strawberries, diced
  • Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

  1. Mixing Base: Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and airy, creating a smooth foundation for the cookie cups.
  2. Wet Ingredients Integration: Whisk in egg and vanilla extract, ensuring a consistent and well-blended mixture throughout the dough.
  3. Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Gently fold flour and baking powder into the wet mixture, forming a soft, manageable dough with minimal stickiness.
  4. Pan Preparation and Dough Shaping: Thoroughly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick coating, then distribute dough evenly into each cavity, pressing to create distinctive cup shapes with a centered well.
  5. Baking Process: Slide the muffin pan into a preheated 350°F oven, baking for 12-14 minutes until edges develop a golden-brown hue and centers appear set.
  6. Strawberry Preparation: While cookies bake, dice fresh strawberries and sprinkle with sugar, allowing them to macerate and intensify their natural sweetness in the refrigerator.
  7. Cooling and Setting: Remove cookie cups from the oven and let them cool completely within the pan, allowing them to firm and stabilize.
  8. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until achieving a smooth, pipeable consistency with a luxurious texture.
  9. Final Assembly: Layer macerated strawberries at the base of each cooled cookie cup, then pipe a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting to cover the fruit.
  10. Garnishing Finale: Crown each cookie cup with a delicate dollop of whipped cream and strategically placed fresh strawberry pieces for a visually stunning presentation.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and optimal cookie texture.
  • Prevent Stickiness: Avoid overworking dough to maintain a soft, manageable consistency without becoming tough or dry.
  • Muffin Pan Technique: Press dough gently and evenly to create uniform cookie cups with perfect indentations for filling.
  • Strawberry Preparation: Let macerated strawberries rest in refrigerator to intensify natural sweetness and release juices before assembling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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