Name: Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz plain cream cheese, softened; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 5 cups pitted black cherries, thawed if frozen; 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 4 Tbsp cornstarch; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch kosher salt; Powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly balances tangy fruitiness with a rich, buttery crust, look no further than this Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe. These little gems take the classic charm of cherry pie cookies and elevate it with a luscious homemade black cherry filling and a whisper of warm cinnamon. The combination of a creamy cream cheese cookie crust with the vibrant, slightly tart cherry filling creates an irresistible bite-sized dessert that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a dark gray muffin pan with its cups filled with small, round, white dough balls and one circle of white dough pressed into the side of a cup by a wooden tamper with a light natural wood texture. The dough looks soft and fluffy with a light, slightly rough texture, sitting inside the smooth cups of the pan resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, from the creamy cookie crust to the jewel-toned filling.

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds tangy richness and tenderizes the cookie crust beautifully.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the crust a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure to the cookie crust, creating a sturdy yet tender base.
Black Cherries (5 cups, pitted and thawed if frozen): The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and deep, fruity flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice (2 Tbsp): Brightens and balances the sweetness of the cherries.
Granulated Sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the fruitiness.
Cornstarch (4 Tbsp): Thickens the cherry filling to a perfect jam-like consistency.
Ground Cinnamon (¼ tsp): Adds a warm, comforting hint that complements the cherries perfectly.
Kosher Salt (pinch): Enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that adds a bit of sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Make Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Cookie Crust

Start by combining the softened butter and cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Then, stir in the flour gradually until the dough comes together but isn’t overworked. This dough is the base for your mini pie crusts, so aim for a consistency that’s easy to shape but not too sticky.

Step 2: Shape the Cookie Cups

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each ball into the cups of a miniature muffin tin and gently press them down with your fingers or a wooden tamper to form small crusts that line the muffin cups evenly. This step creates the perfect little vessel for the cherry filling—think mini hand pies but in cookie form!

Step 3: Cook the Black Cherry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted black cherries, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Warm the mixture on a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning, until the filling thickens and achieves a luscious, glossy texture that will hold beautifully inside the cookie cups.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Cookies

Carefully spoon about 2 cherries along with some of the thickened sauce into each dough-lined cup. Be mindful not to overfill the cups—aim for no more than three-quarters full—as the filling will bubble up when baking and could spill over. Bake these delights in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crusts turn a lovely golden brown, signaling that they are ready.

Step 5: Cool and Finish

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. After they have cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar to add a beautiful snowy finish and a hint of extra sweetness. These finishing touches bring all the flavors and textures together in perfect harmony.

How to Serve Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe

The image shows several small tartlets arranged on a black metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each tartlet has two layers: a light golden-brown crust forming a cup shape on the outside, and a dark red fruit jam filling in the center. The crust looks crumbly and slightly thick, holding the jam snugly inside. A light dusting of powdered sugar covers the top of the jam layer, creating a fine white powder that contrasts with the dark red color. The tartlets are spaced evenly, with some close to the camera and others blurred softly in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe presentation, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted almonds on top of the powdered sugar for a subtle crunch and extra warmth. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and a refreshing aroma, making these cookies look as amazing as they taste.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For a lighter pairing, serve them alongside a cup of hot herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee to enjoy contrasting flavors and temperatures alongside each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden board or a pretty tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching display. You can also put them in pretty cupcake liners to make them easy to grab and share at parties. For a charming gift, stack them in a jar tied with a ribbon and add a handwritten note with the recipe—this Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe is sure to earn compliments wherever it goes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Black Cherry Cup Cookies can be kept at room temperature in a single layer inside a large ziplock bag or an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious for about 4 to 5 days, making them perfect to bake in advance for a week of tasty treats.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together. You can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months without losing their wonderful texture or flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy your Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe fresh from the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft, tender crust and vibrant filling, almost as if they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking the filling. Frozen cherries work wonderfully and make this recipe available year-round without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have a miniature muffin tin?

If you don’t have a mini muffin pan, you can use a mini tart pan or even shape the dough into small cups by hand on a baking sheet, although the baking time might vary slightly. The mini muffin tin is ideal for uniform shape and ease.

How do I prevent the filling from spilling over during baking?

It’s all about filling the cookie cups only about three-quarters full and using a thickened filling. The cornstarch thickens the cherries so they hold up in the oven without oozing excessively.

Can I substitute cream cheese in the crust?

Cream cheese is key to the soft, rich texture of the crust, but if needed, you could try a combination of butter and sour cream. Keep in mind this may change the texture slightly and might require some experimentation.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As the recipe stands, no. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough gluten-free, but the results may differ in texture. Be sure to use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about these Black Cherry Cup Cookies Recipe treats that makes every bite worth savoring. They are simple enough to whip up any day of the week but impressive enough to steal the show at your next gathering. Give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with the perfect harmony of creamy crust and luscious cherry filling—these cookies might just become your new go-to dessert!