Cherry cheesecake cookies can be a delicious treat, but it’s important to note that they are typically high in calories, sugar, and fat. However, cherries themselves offer some health benefits, and depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used, there may be some nutritional benefits to cherry cheesecake cookies. Here are a few potential benefits:
1. Antioxidant-rich cherries: Cherries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant red color. These compounds have been associated with various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and potentially lowering the risk of certain diseases.
2. Nutritional value of cherries: Cherries are a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as dietary fiber. They also contain small amounts of potassium, calcium, and iron. Incorporating cherries into your dessert can provide some of these beneficial nutrients.
3. Protein from cheesecake filling: Cheesecake filling often contains cream cheese, which is a dairy product that can provide a decent amount of protein. Protein is essential for various functions in the body, including building and repairing tissues and supporting the immune system.
4. Mood-boosting properties: Cherries are known to contain natural compounds that may have mood-enhancing effects. They contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, and they are also a natural source of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation.
It’s worth noting that these potential benefits may be outweighed by the high sugar, calorie, and fat content typically found in cherry cheesecake cookies. Moderation is key when enjoying such treats, and it’s important to consider them as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of a healthy diet. Additionally, the specific nutritional profile of cherry cheesecake cookies can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used, so it’s a good idea to check the nutrition information for the specific cookies you’re consuming.
Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
INGREDIENTS
* 1 package of sugar cookie mix
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1 egg
* 2 tablespoons unbleached flour
For the filling
* 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1 can of cherry pie filling, about 1 cup
For the topping
* 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
* 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
* Combine sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and egg in a medium sized mixing bowl and mix well.
* Add 2 tablespoons of flour and mix until a soft dough forms (dough will be crumbly).
* Refrigerate dough while you make the cream cheese filling and the topping.
* For the cream cheese filling, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together and mix until smooth. Transfer cream cheese filling to a zippered bag and cut off the tip to pipe.
* To make the crumb topping, combine graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar and set aside.
* To put the cookies together, create 2 tablespoon dough balls and place them 2” apart on the prepared cooking sheet (I used a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop).
* With a tablespoon, create a bowl in the middle of each cookie dough ball.
* Pipe or spoon about a teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture into the cookie.
* Fill the cookie with three cherries or about 2 teaspoons of cherry pie filling.
* Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the edges of the cookie start to brown and the center is set.
* When you remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
* Let cool and then drizzle with remaining cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with the graham cracker topping.
NOTES
Make sugar cookie mix according to the package and add the flour. My package of sugar cookie mix called for 1/2 cup butter and 1 egg.
The cookies will drop in the middle when they are done and not be puffed up.