Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re looking for a treat that brings the joy of summer into every bite, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are just the thing! Imagine a soft and chewy sugar cookie filled with creamy cheesecake goodness and bursting with fresh strawberries. They capture all the delightful flavors of strawberry cheesecake in a convenient cookie form, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they will become a beloved favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies are simple enough for even novice bakers. With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious treats ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cookies, and adding strawberries makes them extra special! Kids and adults alike will enjoy these delightful bites.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready. Perfect for those busy days!
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy filling will have your taste buds dancing. Each bite is like a little piece of summer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful cookies!

For the Cheesecake Filling

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

For the Cookies

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or ingredients to suit your tastes.

• Add Different Berries: Try using blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a new twist.
• Change Up the Filling: Swap out the vanilla for lemon or almond extract for a fun flavor change.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
• Include Chocolate Chips: For an indulgent touch, mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips to the cookie dough.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by mixing together your cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. This filling is what makes these cookies extra special! It adds that rich cheesecake flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh strawberries.

Step 2: Prep Your Strawberries

Next, hull and finely dice your fresh strawberries. This step is essential because smaller pieces will distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough, giving you bursts of strawberry goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add in your egg and vanilla. Mixing well ensures that everything is thoroughly combined, which contributes to the lovely texture of your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until combined. This step helps prevent overmixing once you add in those juicy strawberries.

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in those diced strawberries into the cookie dough using a spatula. Be careful not to overwork it—this keeps your cookies nice and tender while allowing those strawberry pieces to shine!

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop out portions of dough and flatten them slightly before adding about one teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around it to form a ball. Rolling each ball in sugar gives them that classic cookie crunch on the outside.

Step 7: Bake

Place your cookies on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 11 minutes or until they start turning golden around the edges. Watching them closely ensures they don’t overbake; we want them chewy!

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, allow your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies to cool on wire racks before diving in! The wait will be worth it as you indulge in these delicious treats that taste just like cheesecake—but in cookie form! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the best strawberry cheesecake cookies ever!

• Chill Your Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thick and chewy cookies.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This ensures they blend smoothly into the dough, creating a creamy texture that’s essential for those cheesecake-like qualities.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy delights.

• Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking your cookies at around 10 minutes. Remove them when they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Flavorings: While vanilla is traditional, consider adding a hint of almond extract or lemon zest for an extra layer of flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of tea. Here are some ideas on how to present these delicious bites!

Garnishes

• Fresh Strawberries: A few slices or whole berries placed on top of each cookie add a fresh pop of color and enhance the strawberry flavor.

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies gives them an elegant touch that looks appealing and adds a hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the flavors in the cookies perfectly—think strawberry cheesecake à la mode!

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cookies while providing a colorful presentation.

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and fresh strawberries alongside your cookies for a delightful breakfast or brunch option that feels indulgent yet healthy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your strawberry cheesecake cookies will surely be a hit! Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet treats with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, store them, and 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 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Have questions about these delightful treats? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?

Frozen strawberries can be used, but they may release more moisture. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before incorporating into the cookie dough.

What makes Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies so special?

The combination of soft, chewy cookie dough with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberry flavor truly captures the essence of strawberry cheesecake in every bite!

How do I ensure my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies stay soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden while the centers remain slightly underbaked.

Can I substitute cream cheese in Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based cream cheese alternatives that are available in stores.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes approximately 18 delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies as much as I do! They’re a fantastic treat that brings together all the flavors we love about classic cheesecake but in a fun cookie form. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Happy baking!