Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These perfect strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of strawberry cheesecake into a fun cookie form. Soft and chewy sugar cookies are filled with jammy strawberries and a creamy vanilla cheesecake center, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies will surely impress with their buttery texture and fresh strawberry flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious cookies.
• Versatile Flavor: These cookies are perfect for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or as an everyday dessert.
• Creamy Center: The luscious cheesecake filling adds an unexpected twist that elevates the traditional cookie experience.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using real strawberries gives these cookies a vibrant flavor and appealing look.
• Perfectly Chewy: Each bite is soft and chewy, making them irresistible to cookie lovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your strawberry cheesecake cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for ample space when combining your ingredients for the cookie dough.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create your delicious strawberry cheesecake 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 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

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, granulated white sugar, and vanilla.
2. Beat together until creamy and smooth. Set aside while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Hull and finely dice the fresh strawberries.
2. Mix them in a small bowl with 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to release juices.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In another large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and 1 cup of granulated white sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla; mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until combined.

Step 4: Combine Strawberries with Dough

1. Fold in the diced strawberries into your cookie dough gently to avoid breaking them apart too much.

Step 5: Assemble Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Scoop out portions of cookie dough using a cookie scoop.
3. Flatten each scoop slightly in your palm; place about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center.
4. Wrap the dough around filling completely and roll into a ball.
5. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar before placing on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

1. Bake in preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until lightly golden around edges.
2. Allow cooling on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your strawberry cheesecake cookies fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These strawberry cheesecake cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their delightful flavor and chewy texture make them a hit at parties or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve the cookies with sliced fresh strawberries on the side for an extra burst of fruitiness.

Alongside Whipped Cream

• Pair these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast that enhances the cheesecake flavor.

With Iced Tea or Lemonade

• Enjoy the cookies with a refreshing glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade to balance their sweetness.

For Dessert Platters

• Include these cookies on dessert platters alongside other treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for a varied selection.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

To ensure your strawberry cheesecake cookies turn out just right, consider these helpful tips.

• Use cold cream cheese: Starting with cold cream cheese helps maintain its structure when mixing, ensuring a creamy filling without lumps.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies due to excess flour.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when the edges are lightly golden, as they will continue to firm up outside the oven.
• Add more strawberries: For an even fruitier flavor, feel free to fold in additional finely diced strawberries into the cookie dough.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These strawberry cheesecake cookies can be paired with various side dishes to create a delightful dessert experience.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream complements the fruity flavors of the cookies perfectly.

2. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the strawberry cheesecake cookies.

3. Chocolate Sauce
   Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies provides a rich contrast that chocolate lovers will enjoy.

4. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer these cookies in yogurt parfaits with granola and fresh berries for a delicious breakfast or snack option.

5. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites make a great addition, echoing the flavors in your cookies while providing variety.

6. Coffee or Espresso
   A strong cup of coffee or espresso pairs beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor experience of your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• To make the perfect strawberry cheesecake cookies, keep these common mistakes in mind.

• Using warm cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is cold. Warm cream cheese can lead to a runny filling that won’t hold well inside the cookies.

• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the cookie dough to chill is essential. Skipping this step can result in cookies that spread too much while baking.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon and level method for measuring flour. Scooping straight from the bag can pack it down and result in dry cookies.

• Overmixing the cookie dough: Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Overmixing develops gluten, making cookies tougher.

• Ignoring oven temperature calibration: Always preheat your oven and check if it’s calibrated correctly. An incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry cheesecake cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

• Freeze cookies by placing them on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on low power for a soft texture.

• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to keep moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about strawberry cheesecake cookies.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the dough.

How do I prevent my cookie filling from leaking?

Ensure your cookie dough is thick enough around the filling. Chilling the dough also helps firm it up, preventing leaks while baking.

What variations can I make with Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my strawberry cheesecake cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, while the center looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

These strawberry cheesecake cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their chewy texture and creamy filling offer a delightful treat any time of day. Feel free to customize them with different fruits or mix-ins to suit your taste!