Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies recipe – Soft, Sweet & Creamy

Introduction about Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Have you ever found yourself torn between wanting a cookie and craving cheesecake? Well, you’re in for a treat! This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe perfectly blends the two, creating an irresistible dessert that’s both satisfying and delicious. Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie that oozes with creamy cheesecake filling and bursts with the flavor of fresh strawberries. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

What if I told you that making these delightful cookies is straightforward and quick? With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with a dessert that’s both charming and indulgent. Whether you’re planning a summer gathering, a cozy family night, or simply a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.

As you dive into this recipe, you’ll discover not just a delectable dessert but also the joy of baking something wonderful from scratch. Are you ready to embark on this sweet adventure?

Key Benefits of Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich cream cheese filling combined with juicy strawberries creates a mouth-watering flavor explosion.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple steps and ingredients, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these cookies, making them a hit at any gathering.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, party, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies fit perfectly.
• Versatile Customization: You can easily play around with ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Make- Ahead Friendly: These cookies can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.

What makes it stand out

What sets this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe apart from your average cookie recipe is the rich filling and intriguing textures. The combination of a soft, chewy cookie with a creamy center is unparalleled.

These cookies are also fantastic for seasonal adventures. Fresh strawberries in the summer can be swapped for cranberries in the fall or even adapted for holiday celebrations with peppermint flavorings or spices. Customize the recipe to your liking, and each batch will feel like a whole new experience!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Complete ingredient list with measurements

To create these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Cream Cheese Filling:

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

• For the Strawberry Jam:

  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar

• For the Cookie Dough:

  • 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 extract
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling the dough in

Substitutes and alternatives

If you have dietary restrictions or simply want alternatives, consider these swaps:

• Cream Cheese: Use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan or lactose-free option.
• Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or a sugar replacement can work if you want it to be healthier.
• Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil is a great substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe – Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1 – Prep your workspace and ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and tools. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. A clean workspace is essential for a smooth baking process!

Step 2 – Prepare the cream cheese filling

In a small bowl, mix the cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is fluffy and the sugar has dissolved.

Scoop out 18 portions of the filling, each about 2 teaspoons. Place these portions onto your prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly to form discs. Freeze these cream cheese discs until they are completely firm.

Step 3 – Make the strawberry jam

In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the finely diced strawberries and 1/4 cup of sugar. As the mixture heats, smash the strawberries with a wooden spoon, stirring continuously. Let it cook for approximately 45 minutes. You’ll want the jam to reduce to a thick, heaping 1/3 cup. Once ready, remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator.

Step 4 – Combine the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for ensuring that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 5 – Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use your electric mixer (fitted with a paddle attachment if available) to beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar on high speed until the mixture is fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.

Step 6 – Add egg and vanilla

Add the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which typically takes 1-2 minutes.

Step 7 – Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to remain tender.

Step 8 – Layering the dough and jam

Divide your dough into four equal parts. Flatten one part and layer it with 1/4 of the strawberry jam. Repeat this process with the remaining portions of dough and jam.

Gently fold the dough in a way that combines it but leaves pockets of jam visible. This layering technique gives a beautiful marbled effect to the cookies.

Step 9 – Shape the cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out 18 dough pieces. Slightly flatten each portion, placing one of your frozen cream cheese discs in the center. Encase the disc completely with the dough, shaping each piece into a slightly flattened disc. Don’t forget: Roll the dough in the reserved granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior!

Step 10 – Bake the cookies

Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them out evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 11-12 minutes. To ensure perfectly round cookies, use a large circular cookie cutter to reshape them right after they come out of the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Best occasions to serve this dish

These delightful cookies are perfect for various occasions, including:

• Family gatherings
• Potluck parties
• Birthday celebrations
• Summer picnics
• Cozy evenings at home

What to serve with it

Complement your cookies with some fantastic pairings:

• Beverages: A chilled glass of milk, iced tea, or coffee
• Top it off: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream
• Side flavors: Pair with fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Storing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Properly

Best storage practices

To keep your cookies fresh:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezer: Place in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last for about 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating and freezing tips

• To Defrost: Leave your cookies at room temperature for a few hours to thaw after freezing.
• Reheat: If you want to warm them slightly, place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them as it may make them soggy.

Tips & Tricks for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Mistakes to avoid

• Not chilling the filling: Ensure your cream cheese filling is frozen solid; otherwise, it may melt out during baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined for a tender cookie texture.
• Skipping the rolling in sugar: This gives a lovely crunch and adds sweetness to the exterior.

Extra tips for better results

• Quality ingredients: Use the best cream cheese and fresh strawberries you can find for an enhanced flavor.
• Experiment: Feel free to add zest from lemons or limes, or try different berries for unique flavors.
• Taste testing: Taste your strawberry jam and adjust sugar to your liking before layering!

Recipe Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Creative twists

• Nutty additions: Add crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Spiced cookies: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the cookie dough for a warm flavor twist.
• Holiday-themed: Make these cookies festive by adding peppermint extract during the holidays or using cranberry for a fall variant.

Dietary adjustments

• Gluten-free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and make sure any other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
• Vegan: Use a plant-based cream cheese substitute, coconut oil for butter, and a flaxseed egg instead.

Conclusion about Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

To wrap things up, the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is an amazing blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With its easy-to-follow steps and delicious results, you’ll find that baking these cookies might just become your new favorite pastime.

These cookies are perfect for special occasions or simply as a sweet treat at home. So why not give it a try? I promise, after the first bite, you’ll be hooked! Share your experiences and variations with others as you enjoy this tasty dessert.

FAQs about Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

What if it doesn’t turn out right?

If your cookies don’t turn out perfect, don’t fret! Check the temperature settings and baking time. Sometimes, small adjustments in the oven can make a big difference.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make both the cream cheese filling and strawberry jam a day in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready!

What are the best ingredient substitutions?

You can swap cream cheese for dairy-free options, sugar for alternatives like coconut sugar, and butter for coconut oil based on your dietary needs.

How long can it be stored?

These cookies can last in the fridge for a week and can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure they are stored properly to retain their flavor and texture!

Can I use store-bought dough or crust?

Of course! If you’re short on time, using store-bought dough can save you effort while still delivering a tasty result.

Is this recipe kid-friendly or family-appropriate?

Definitely! These cookies are a hit with kids and are perfect for family gatherings. They can even help with assembling and decorating!

Can I make this recipe allergen-free?

Yes, you can make allergen-free versions by using substitutes for gluten, dairy, and eggs. Just pay attention to ingredient labels to ensure everything is safe for your dietary needs.

Now, you have a detailed guide to creating these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Enjoy!