Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the best of two worlds, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are not only soft and buttery but also packed with a creamy cheesecake filling and sweet strawberry jam. They perfectly balance tangy and sweet flavors, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion—from busy weeknights to family gatherings. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of my favorites!

Baking these cookies is such a joy, especially when you see the smiles they bring to friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them at a celebration, they will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll whip these up in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious combination of strawberry and cheesecake flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The cheesecake filling can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy bakers!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or an everyday treat, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need to create these scrumptious treats!

For the Cheesecake Filling

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

For the Strawberry Jam

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative based on your preferences or ingredients on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the Fruit: Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
• Add Zest: Include some lemon zest in the cream cheese filling for a refreshing zing.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for added texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for an indulgent touch.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, mix until fluffy and well combined—this will take about 2 minutes. Scoop out 18 portions of this creamy filling using about 2 teaspoons each. Flatten each portion slightly into thick discs and place them on the baking sheet. Freeze these discs until completely frozen; this step ensures that the filling stays intact while baking.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a medium pot over medium heat, combine diced strawberries with sugar. Cook them down for about 45 minutes while occasionally smashing them with a wooden spoon. This process lets the strawberries release their juices and form a deliciously thick jam. Keep stirring towards the end to prevent sticking! Once thickened to about 1/3 cup (80 ml), remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—this ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat softened butter with granulated sugar on high speed until fluffy—about 2 minutes should do it! This helps incorporate air into your mixture for light cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla into your creamed mixture and continue mixing on medium speed until it becomes pale and very fluffy—this should take around 1-2 minutes. It’s crucial to properly blend these ingredients together as they form the base of your cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture on low speed until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Layer Jam & Dough

Push about three-quarters of your dough to one side of the bowl. Flatten one-quarter of it on the bottom; spoon one-quarter of your chilled jam onto it, then top with another quarter of dough. Repeat layering two more times until all dough is used! Cut through with a rubber spatula to create pockets without fully mixing.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Using a 2 tbsp cookie scoop, portion out 18 dough portions. Slightly flatten each portion before placing one frozen cheesecake disc in the center. Encase it completely with dough; shape each into slightly flattened discs before rolling them in reserved granulated sugar.

Step 8: Bake

Place cookies on prepared baking sheets—bake only six at a time for about 11-12 minutes until lightly golden around edges. To ensure perfectly round cookies after baking, use a large circular cookie cutter immediately after they come out of the oven.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite in your household too!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Making these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies can be a joyful experience if you keep a few handy tips in mind.

• Use cold cream cheese: Starting with cold cream cheese helps create a smoother filling. It blends better when whipped and maintains its shape during baking.
• Chill the cheesecake filling: Freezing the cheesecake discs ensures they stay intact when baked, preventing them from melting into the cookie dough and losing their structure.
• Don’t skip the jam reduction: Cooking the strawberries down properly to make jam concentrates the flavor and gives your cookies that delicious sweet-tart taste, enhancing the overall experience.
• Shape cookies right after baking: Using a cookie cutter to shape your cookies immediately after they come out of the oven allows for uniformity and a polished look, making them even more tempting.
• Let cookies cool completely: Allowing your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack helps them firm up and ensures that the cheesecake filling sets perfectly within each cookie.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies not only taste amazing but also make for an impressive presentation. Here are some fun ideas for how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your cookies’ appearance while adding an extra touch of sweetness.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve these cookies with dollops of whipped coconut cream for a creamy, indulgent pairing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these cookies, providing a creamy complement to their rich flavors.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal berries enhances the fruity notes in the cookies while adding freshness and brightness to your dessert spread.
• Milk or almond milk: A classic glass of milk or plant-based almond milk is perfect for dunking these soft cookies, making it a comforting treat.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these cookies alongside coffee or herbal tea offers a warm beverage option that balances out their sweetness beautifully.

Enjoy baking these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family! Each bite is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, ensuring that you always have a delightful treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough for future baking. Shape the cookies as directed, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookie dough to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and delightful again.
• You can also microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds if you’re eager for a quick treat!

FAQs

If you have questions about this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used; however, make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking them down into jam.

How do I ensure my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies turn out soft?

To achieve soft cookies, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. Also, be careful not to overbake—taking them out just as they start to turn golden will help maintain that soft texture.

What’s the best way to serve these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?

These cookies are delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Can I make this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making these scrumptious Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! They truly bring together the best of both worlds—soft cookies and creamy cheesecake filling packed with fruity goodness. Enjoy every bite as you share these delightful treats with family and friends. Happy baking!