Mother Edna’s Cheesecake Cookies: A Black Family Reunion Cookbook Recipe
If you’re a cheesecake lover but don’t always have the time (or patience) to make a full-size cheesecake from scratch, let me introduce you to Mother Edna’s Cheesecake Cookies—a game-changer from the Black Family Reunion Cookbook. This recipe delivers all the best parts of a classic cheesecake—the creamy filling, the buttery crust, and a hint of tangy sweetness—but in a much simpler form. Think of it as the perfect way to get your cheesecake fix with less effort and more deliciousness!
I’ve made this recipe before, and let me tell you—it never disappoints. It’s quick, easy, and completely customizable. If you love the crust of a cheesecake as much as I do, you’re going to adore this. The crumbly, buttery base and topping add the perfect texture, making every bite irresistible. Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe, and check out my Youtube channel for the full recipe video.
Ways to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about this cheesecake cookie recipe is how versatile it is. While the original version is divine on its own, you can easily tweak it to suit your taste:
Swirl in Some Fruit Preserves: Try adding strawberry, blackberry, or even raspberry preserves before sprinkling the crumb topping.
Experiment with Different Citrus Flavors: Swap out the lemon juice for key lime or orange juice for a fun twist.
Adjust the Size and Shape: I used a round pan instead of a square one, which allowed me to cut these into various sizes—two large pieces, eight medium-sized ones, and four small, bite-sized treats. It’s great for entertaining, but also perfect for when you just want a big bite or a little bite!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Cookies
Let the crust cool before adding the cheesecake filling: This ensures a better texture and helps prevent the layers from blending together.
Chill before slicing: While I was too tempted to wait in my video, I highly recommend chilling these before cutting for picture-perfect slices.
Don’t skip the crumb topping: It adds the best crunch and balances out the creamy cheesecake layer beautifully.
Now, let’s get into the recipe!
Mother Edna’s Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions (as written in the Black Family Reunion Cookbook):
Heat oven to 350°F.
Cream butter and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Add flour and nuts. Mix until crumbs form. Reserve 1 cup for topping. Press remaining crumbs into an 8-inch square pan.
Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Blend cream cheese and granulated sugar at low speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Add egg, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla, beating well. Spread over the crust. Sprinkle with reserved 1 cup of crumbs.
Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Cool, then cut into 2-inch squares.
I truly hope you give these a try! They’re the perfect dessert for any gathering, and they come together so effortlessly. Whether you enjoy them as is or put your own spin on them, I guarantee they’ll be a hit. Let me know if you make them and what twists you try—I’d love to hear your variations!
Happy baking, Antoinette
