Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the flavors of summer with the comforting vibes of home baking, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are just what you need! Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with jammy strawberries and a luscious cheesecake filling—it’s like having strawberry cheesecake in cookie form! This recipe has become a favorite in our home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them at a picnic or enjoying them with your coffee, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

These cookies are not only delicious but also super fun to make! Kids love to help out with mixing and rolling the dough, making it a wonderful bonding activity. Plus, they can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later. You’ll definitely want to add these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies to your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and the strawberry cheesecake flavor is always a hit!
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready for fresh cookies.
• Fresh Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling makes each bite irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
• 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

For the Cookie Dough

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling dough in

Variations

One of the best things about these cookies is how flexible they are! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or available ingredients. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dark chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.
• Use Different Berries: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a berry medley!
• Experiment with Extracts: Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by making the creamy cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy. This step is important because it creates that luscious filling that will surprise everyone when they bite into these cookies!

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Next up, let’s get those strawberries ready! Hull and finely dice your fresh strawberries. Sprinkle them with a bit of sugar to help release their natural juices. This will enhance their sweetness and create that jammy texture throughout your cookies.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in your egg and vanilla extract next. Beat well until combined. Then gently mix in your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Finally, fold in those sweetened strawberries. The mixture should be thick but manageable.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cookies

Take small portions of dough and flatten them slightly in your hand. Place about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center before folding the dough around it to seal completely. Roll each cookie ball in sugar before placing on a lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake your cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 11 minutes or until they are lightly golden on the edges. Allow them to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to finish cooling.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Baking these delightful strawberry cheesecake cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you follow these helpful tips!

• Use cold cream cheese: Starting with cold cream cheese ensures a smoother filling texture. It blends more easily, giving you that perfect cheesecake consistency without lumps.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. This prevents them from spreading too much, resulting in thick and chewy cookies.

• Roll in sugar: Rolling the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking adds a lovely sweetness and a slight crunch to the exterior. It enhances the overall flavor and gives your cookies a beautiful finish.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake! Pull them out of the oven when they’re just set but still slightly soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, yielding a perfectly chewy texture.

• Experiment with strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but don’t hesitate to try other fruits like raspberries or blueberries if you want to mix things up! Just remember to adjust the sugar according to their sweetness.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These strawberry cheesecake cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Present them in various ways to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant touch and makes them look extra special.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can brighten up your presentation and add a refreshing aroma that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cookies, adding an extra layer of sweetness and richness. Plus, it creates a delightful contrast in temperature!

• Fruit salad: A colorful fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light and refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cookies. It’s a great way to use any leftover berries you may have!

• Whipped coconut cream: For those looking for a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream is a fantastic accompaniment. Its fluffy texture and subtle sweetness perfectly complement the cheesecakey goodness of these cookies.

With these serving suggestions, your strawberry cheesecake cookies will not only taste incredible but also look beautiful on any dessert table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want to enjoy them throughout the week, here’s how to keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them to keep that creamy filling delightful.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
• Alternatively, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies!

Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer. It will still give you that creamy texture!

How should I store Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?

Store your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Refrigeration can extend their freshness!

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

While fresh strawberries work best, you can use frozen ones. Just ensure they are thawed, drained of excess moisture, and finely diced before adding them to the dough.

What makes these cookies taste like strawberry cheesecake?

The combination of fresh strawberries mixed into soft sugar cookie dough and the creamy vanilla cheesecake filling gives these cookies their delightful cheesecake flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies as I am! They truly blend the best of both worlds—cookies and cheesecake—into one delicious treat. Enjoy making them and sharing with friends and family! Remember, there’s nothing quite like homemade goodies to bring joy into your day. Happy baking!