Description
These Zesty Key Lime Cheesecake Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on classic cheesecake, baked inside a sweet sugar cookie cup and filled with a creamy, tangy key lime cheesecake filling. Perfect for a refreshing dessert that combines the buttery flavor of cookies with the zesty brightness of lime, topped with whipped cream for a light finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Cup
- 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
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Extra lime zest or lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Form cookie cups: In a bowl, combine the refrigerated sugar cookie dough with the all-purpose flour until well mixed. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, roll each into a ball, and press each ball into the muffin cups, shaping them to form a cup for holding the filling.
- Bake cookie cups: Bake the cookie cups for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Carefully press the centers down gently with the back of a spoon to maintain the cup shape while hot. Let them cool completely in the tin before removing.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and evenly combined.
- Fill cookie cups: Once cooled, spoon or pipe the key lime cheesecake filling into each cookie cup evenly, filling them generously.
- Chill: Place the filled cookie cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to set the cheesecake filling properly.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, top each cookie cup with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with extra lime zest or a thin lime slice for a fresh, decorative touch.
Notes
- If you prefer a more tart flavor, increase the key lime juice to 1/3 cup.
- You can substitute regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable, although the flavor will differ slightly.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For an extra decorative look, use a piping bag to fill the cookie cups and to add whipped cream.
- Store leftover cookie cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
