Description
Delight in these Zesty Key Lime Cheesecake Cookie Cups, a perfect blend of tangy key lime cheesecake filling nestled inside a buttery sugar cookie cup. These bite-sized treats are simple to make, beautifully presented, and bursting with fresh lime flavor, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Cups
- 1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Extra lime zest or lime slices
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Form Cookie Cups: In a bowl, combine the refrigerated sugar cookie dough with the all-purpose flour until well incorporated. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Press each ball firmly into the muffin cups, shaping them into small cups with even sides and bottoms.
- Bake and Shape Cookie Cups: Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they are golden. Immediately after baking, gently press the centers down to reinforce the cup shape and avoid rising. Allow them to cool completely in the muffin tin.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the cookie cups cool, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and silky smooth.
- Fill Cookie Cups: Once the cookie cups have cooled, spoon or pipe the prepared key lime cheesecake filling into each cookie cup evenly, filling them generously.
- Chill: Refrigerate the filled cookie cups for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie cup and garnish with extra lime zest or a small slice of lime for added zest and decoration.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Pressing the centers right after baking helps maintain the cup shape as they cool.
- If key limes are unavailable, fresh lime juice can be used but will slightly alter the flavor.
- These cookie cups can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated until serving.
- For a less sweet version, reduce sweetened condensed milk slightly but note it may affect texture.
