Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Bursting with flavor, these cookies combine soft, chewy dough with a creamy cheesecake filling, making them a delightful dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just looking for a sweet snack, these cookies will impress your friends and family. Their unique blend of strawberries and cream cheese makes them stand out from regular cookie recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates a rich and delightful taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because—these cookies suit any occasion.
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily switch to gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Impressive Presentation: The cream-filled center is not only delicious but also adds a beautiful touch to your cookie platter.
Tools and Preparation
Making these strawberry cheesecake cookies requires some essential tools. Gathering everything beforehand will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper
- Baking pan
- Freezer-safe container
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough and cream cheese filling quick and easy.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
Ingredients
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are soft, sweet and delicious! The cream cheese filling is so creamy. These cookies are fresh, easy to make, and great for any occasion!
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup cold butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (tightly packed)
- 2 eggs
- 3 ⅔ cups gluten free 1 to 1 flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup finely diced strawberries
- Pinch sea salt (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
First, make the cream cheese filling. In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.
Step 2: Form Cream Cheese Balls
Scoop out 1 teaspoon sized balls of cream cheese mixture. Place on a parchment-lined baking pan. Repeat for all cream cheese mixture. Place the pan in the freezer while making the cookie dough.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
To make the cookie dough, add cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a clean stand mixer. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes or until no clumps of butter remain.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add in eggs. Stir until combined.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Add in remaining ingredients except strawberries. Stir until a thick cookie dough is formed.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold in diced strawberries. Place bowl of cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
After 30 minutes, remove dough from fridge. Remove cream cheese balls from freezer. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 8: Form Cookie Balls
Use a spoon to scoop large balls of cookie dough. Place on lined baking pan. Use your thumb or back of spoon to press an indent in the center of cookie dough. Place a ball of cream cheese mixture into indent.
Step 9: Seal Filling Inside
Form the dough into a ball around the cream cheese. Ensure it is completely sealed inside.
Step 10: Space on Baking Pan
Continue for all cookie dough and cream cheese balls. Space at least 3 inches apart on baking pan.
Step 11: Bake Cookies
Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until cookies are just set in the middle.
Step 12: Cool Before Serving
Finally, remove from oven. Allow cookies to cool on pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of delightful ways. Whether for a casual snack or a festive gathering, these cookies will impress your guests and family alike.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Serve the cookies with sliced fresh strawberries on the side for a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair each cookie with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm cookie perfectly.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the cheesecake experience.
With Whipped Cream
- Serve alongside whipped cream for dipping, adding a light and airy texture to balance the richness of the cookies.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include these cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for a delightful dessert spread at parties.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Offer these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of strawberry and cheesecake pair well with both beverages, making for a cozy snack time experience.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
To ensure your strawberry cheesecake cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind.
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Use softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
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Chill the dough: After mixing in the strawberries, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and results in thicker cookies.
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Don’t overbake: Bake only until they are just set in the middle. Overbaking can result in dry cookies; they should be soft when you take them out of the oven.
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Seal the filling well: When forming the cookie around the cream cheese ball, ensure it is completely sealed. This prevents any filling from leaking during baking.
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Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other mix-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor variations in your strawberry cheesecake cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These strawberry cheesecake cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweet flavor. Here are some delightful options:
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Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits offers a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
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Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese pairs beautifully, balancing sweetness with savory notes.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a healthy accompaniment that complements the cookie’s sweetness.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that adds fun to any gathering.
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Nut Mix: A simple mix of roasted nuts provides crunch and saltiness, contrasting nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.
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Savory Scones: Offer some savory scones alongside for balance; their flaky texture pairs well with sweet treats like these cookies.
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Mini Muffins: Serve assorted mini muffins as an additional sweet option that adds variety to your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry cheesecake cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin the experience. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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Ignoring the cream cheese temperature: Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling. If it’s cold, you’ll end up with lumps in your mixture.
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Overmixing the cookie dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to achieve that soft and chewy texture.
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Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to flat cookies. Chilling helps them hold their shape during baking.
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Using fresh strawberries without preparing them: If you add fresh strawberries directly, they may release too much juice. Finely dice and pat them dry before folding into the dough.
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Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated properly. Baking at a lower temperature can lead to undercooked centers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Freeze cookies individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 months when properly stored.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies unique?
Strawberry cheesecake cookies combine the flavors of classic cheesecake with soft cookie texture, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before adding them to the dough.
How do I adjust this recipe for gluten-free options?
This recipe already includes gluten-free flour as an option. Just make sure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I customize my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
How do I store my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering. Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself, this recipe allows for customization that suits your taste. Try adding different fruits or toppings to make each batch unique!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! Each bite features a soft, chewy cookie enveloping a creamy cheesecake filling infused with fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion—from casual snacks to festive gatherings—these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family. The unique combination of strawberries and cream cheese elevates them beyond ordinary cookies, making them a must-try treat. Whether you serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream, these cookies promise to satisfy your sweet cravings and bring joy to every dessert table.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cold butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (tightly packed)
- 2 eggs
- 3 ⅔ cups gluten-free 1-to-1 flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup finely diced strawberries
- Pinch sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Make the cream cheese filling by beating softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Scoop into teaspoon-sized balls and freeze.
- For the cookie dough, mix cold butter with granulated and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs and combine.
- Mix in dry ingredients until thick dough forms, then fold in strawberries.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes, then preheat oven to 350°F.
- Form cookie balls, press an indent in the center, and place frozen cream cheese balls inside. Seal well.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until just set; cool on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
