Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of soft cookie and creamy filling that makes them perfect for any occasion. With their fresh strawberry flavor and rich cream cheese center, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family. Easy to prepare and bursting with sweetness, they are an ideal treat for celebrations, picnics, or simply indulging at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of strawberries and cream cheese creates a deliciously unique taste.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual snack, these cookies fit every event.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or flavors in the filling!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool ensures your batter is mixed evenly, making the dough light and fluffy.
- Parchment paper: It prevents sticking, making cleanup easy and your cookies come off the pan perfectly.
- Baking pan: A good-quality pan ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cookies.
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
In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy.
Step 2: Freeze the Cream Cheese Mixture
Scoop out 1 teaspoon-sized balls of the cream cheese mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking pan. Once complete, place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
In a clean stand mixer, add cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until no clumps remain.
Step 4: Combine Eggs
Add in eggs to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add in remaining ingredients except strawberries. Stir until a thick cookie dough forms.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold in diced strawberries. Place the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
After chilling, remove dough from fridge. Take out cream cheese balls from freezer. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line another baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 8: Form Cookie Balls
Use a spoon to scoop large balls of cookie dough onto lined baking pans. Press an indent into each ball using your thumb or back of a spoon.
Step 9: Add Cream Cheese Filling
Place one ball of cream cheese mixture into each indent made in the cookie dough balls.
Step 10: Seal Cookies
Carefully form the cookie dough around each ball of cream cheese. Ensure each is completely sealed inside.
Step 11: Bake Cookies
Space cookies at least 3 inches apart on the baking pan. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until just set in the middle.
Step 12: Cool Down
Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Now you have delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to elevate your dessert table or simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee, here are some serving suggestions.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor and freshness. The natural sweetness of strawberries complements the cookies perfectly.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy texture enhances the cheesecake filling and adds a delicious contrast to the warm cookie.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness. Dark or white chocolate can enhance the overall flavor and presentation.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange strawberry cheesecake cookies on a beautiful dessert platter. Add some mint leaves and additional strawberries for an appealing display at parties or gatherings.
With Hot Beverages
- Enjoy these cookies with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The warm drinks pair wonderfully with the sweet, creamy cookies.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
To achieve the best results with your strawberry cheesecake cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a firmer dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and makes it easier to handle.
- Seal the cream cheese filling: Ensure that each ball of cookie dough completely encases the cream cheese filling to avoid leaks during baking.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be just set in the middle to maintain their soft texture.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to enhance the cheesecake flavor in your cookies.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Strawberry cheesecake cookies make a wonderful dessert, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your overall meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and healthy side that balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast with the sweetness of the cookies and add depth to your dessert spread.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries in glasses for a tasty treat that pairs well with the flavors of strawberry cheesecake.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels adds an interesting texture that complements the sweet, creamy cookie.
- Mini Cheesecakes: For true cheesecake lovers, serving mini cheesecakes alongside will create a delightful dessert duo.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of light coffee cake provides another sweet option without overshadowing the star dessert—your strawberry cheesecake cookies.
- Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert is light enough not to overpower but rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
- Lemon Bars: The tartness from lemon bars creates a nice contrast to the sweetness of strawberry cheesecake cookies, making for an exciting combination on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry cheesecake cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well, leading to a lumpy filling.
- Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip refrigerating the cookie dough. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Packing flour can result in dense cookies.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be set but slightly soft in the center; overbaking will make them hard.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover strawberry cheesecake cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making strawberry cheesecake cookies.
What are Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
Strawberry cheesecake cookies are soft cookies with a creamy cheesecake filling and bits of strawberries mixed into the dough. They offer a delightful taste of strawberry cheesecake in cookie form.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just ensure they are thawed and diced before adding them to the cookie dough.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The cookies should be set at the edges but still slightly soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free flour, these strawberry cheesecake cookies can be made gluten-free without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different fruits or even chocolate chips for added flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet treat at home. Give them a try and enjoy!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, a perfect marriage of soft, chewy cookies and a luscious cream cheese filling. These cookies are bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy evening at home. Not only easy to prepare, but they also allow for customization with various fruits or flavors. With a gluten-free option available, these cookies can be enjoyed by everyone!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cold butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 eggs
- 3 ⅔ cups gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup finely diced strawberries
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Freeze teaspoon-sized balls of the filling on a parchment-lined pan.
- For the cookie dough, beat together cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and mix until combined.
- Stir in dry ingredients until a thick dough forms; fold in diced strawberries.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line another baking pan with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough onto the pan, create indents, and fill with cream cheese mixture; seal the dough around it.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until set; cool before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
