Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the flavors of fresh strawberries and tangy cheesecake. These delightful cookies combine the richness of cheesecake with the ease of a handheld dessert, making them perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of cookies and cheesecake in one bite.
- Filled with fresh strawberry flavor and a creamy texture.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for parties, gifts, or an indulgent treat.
- Customizable with other fruit flavors or add-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Strawberry extract (optional)
For the Strawberry Mix
- Fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- Cornstarch
Directions
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and strawberry extract (if using) until smooth.
- Scoop small dollops (about 1 teaspoon) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Prepare the Strawberry Mix
- Toss chopped strawberries with cornstarch to absorb excess moisture. Gently fold them into the cookie dough.
Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a frozen cheesecake filling portion in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges.
- Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart.
Bake
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 cookies
- Prep time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Cook time: 14 minutes
- Total time: 54 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over the cookies for added decadence.
- Berry Mix: Replace or combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Lemon Strawberry: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a citrusy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the assembled, unbaked cookies for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended to avoid excess moisture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before chopping.
2. Can I skip freezing the cheesecake filling?
Freezing is essential to prevent the filling from melting too quickly during baking.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
4. Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes, swirl strawberry jam into the dough for a similar flavor profile.
5. What type of cream cheese is best?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before assembling and baking.
7. How do I ensure the filling doesn’t leak?
Completely seal the cookie dough around the cheesecake filling before baking.
8. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, white chocolate chips or chopped almonds pair beautifully with the strawberry flavor.
9. Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids will love the soft texture and creamy surprise center.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of fruity sweetness and rich creaminess. With their soft, chewy texture and surprise cheesecake center, they’re sure to impress at any gathering. Whip up a batch for a sweet treat everyone will love!
PrintCreamy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with strawberry flavor, complete with a cheesecake-like filling swirled into the dough. Perfect for strawberry lovers, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop teaspoon-sized mounds of the filling onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a frozen cheesecake filling mound in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges. Roll into a ball and place on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers may look soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve:
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for a cheesecake-like texture.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use fresh strawberries blended into a puree if freeze-dried strawberries are unavailable, but reduce the liquid slightly in the cookie dough.
- Add a drizzle of white chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.