If you’re a fan of both cheesecake and cookies, then Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a must-try treat! These cookies combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries, making them a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging in something sweet at home, these cookies will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Cheesecake Flavor in Every Bite: The cream cheese gives these cookies a tangy, decadent flavor that’s reminiscent of a classic strawberry cheesecake.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a soft, pillowy texture thanks to the cream cheese, making them irresistible with every bite.
- Burst of Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Chopped fresh strawberries are folded into the dough, giving a burst of fruity flavor that complements the richness of the cream cheese.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
To make these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. The cream cheese will help give the cookies their signature cheesecake flavor.
3. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the granulated sugar until fluffy, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s light and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and soft, perfect for cookies!
5. Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want the strawberries to break down too much. If you’d like, you can also add the white chocolate chips at this stage for a bit of extra sweetness.
6. Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
8. Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they maintain their perfect soft and chewy texture.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can also use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer a firmer cookie, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Customize with Add-ins: If you love extra sweetness, add some white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a unique twist.
- Storing the Cookies: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—cheesecake and cookies. With their creamy, tangy flavor, chewy texture, and refreshing strawberry burst, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself, these cookies will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Serving and Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Serving Tips
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are ideal for various events, from casual gatherings to special celebrations like birthdays or holidays. Serve them with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea for the ultimate indulgence.
- Presentation Ideas: For an elegant touch, serve the cookies on a platter with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce. You can also pair them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Make Mini Cookies: If you’re hosting a party, consider making mini versions of these cookies for bite-sized treats. Simply scoop smaller amounts of dough and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: These cookies store well at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezing: If you’d like to store these cookies for a longer period, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the cookies once they have cooled completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 3 months.
- To Thaw: Allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. They will retain their soft, chewy texture.
- Dough Storage: If you have extra cookie dough, you can also freeze it. Scoop the dough into individual portions and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies fresh or keep them on hand for later treats!
1. Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. However, be sure to thaw and drain the strawberries first to remove excess moisture, which could affect the texture of the dough. After draining, chop the strawberries into small pieces before adding them to the cookie dough.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you prefer to freeze the dough, scoop it into individual cookie-sized portions, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual.
3. How do I prevent my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent excessive spreading, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape. Also, make sure to use room-temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure proper dough consistency. If the dough feels too soft, chilling it will help achieve the perfect cookie texture.
4. Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely customize the cookies! Adding white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would enhance the flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overwhelm the dough with too many mix-ins, as the strawberries are the star of the recipe.
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are soft, buttery cookies with a creamy cheesecake filling and bursts of sweet strawberry flavor. Perfect for parties, holidays, or when you want a unique and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freezing Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into small pieces
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of the filling onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips, if using.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it into a disc.
- Place a frozen cheesecake filling portion in the center and cover it with more cookie dough, sealing the edges to enclose the filling completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly undercooked but will set as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Freeze the Filling: Freezing the cheesecake filling is crucial to make assembly easier and prevent the filling from oozing during baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Strawberry Swaps: If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, use strawberry jam swirled into the dough or add chopped fresh strawberries (pat dry to avoid excess moisture).