Satisfy your sweet cravings with our Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! These delightful treats combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake filling with the fruity freshness of strawberries, all nestled within a soft and chewy cookie dough. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a special dessert, these cookies are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon strawberry extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted sweet cream butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg + 1 egg white, room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, capped, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Directions:
Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed until smooth.
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and beat in the powdered sugar and strawberry extract until smooth.
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out 24 dollops of the cream cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each dollop to make round disks. Place the baking sheet in the freezer while preparing the cookie dough.
Strawberry Cookie Dough:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer or a medium mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter for 1-1 ½ minutes until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue to mix for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and strawberry extract until combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
- Toss the chopped strawberries in the tablespoon of flour, then fold them into the cookie batter. Cover the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a large cookie scoop, make 24 dollops of cookie dough, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Remove the cream cheese disks from the freezer and place one in the center of each dough dollop.
- Gently press down and shape the dough around the cream cheese disks, enclosing the cream cheese.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10-12 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 min Cooking Time: 12-14 min Total Time: 1 hr 4 min Servings: 24
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies fresh out of the oven for the best taste and texture. The warm, gooey centers and crisp edges are irresistible!
- Store Properly: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: If the cookies lose their freshness, you can revive them by reheating them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep or future cravings. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick thaw.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The creamy cheesecake filling and fruity strawberry flavors complement the warm beverage for a delightful snack or dessert experience.
- Garnish: For an extra special presentation, garnish the cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall appearance of the cookies.
- Customize: Get creative with your serving presentation by arranging the cookies on a decorative platter or serving them in individual cupcake liners for a charming touch.
- Share the Love: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts for friends, family, or coworkers. Package them in festive containers or gift bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious gesture.
- Enjoy Anytime: Whether as a snack, dessert, or indulgent treat, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with loved ones or savor a moment of sweetness all to yourself.
Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for a variety of flavors.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a crunchy texture by mixing chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the cookie dough before baking. The nuts add a delicious contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling.
- Berry Medley: Experiment with different berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries in place of strawberries. You can use fresh or frozen berries for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the cookie dough with the zest of lemon or orange for a refreshing citrus twist. The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling and adds brightness to the cookies.
- Almond Extract: Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract in the cookie dough for a subtle almond flavor that complements the strawberries and cream cheese filling.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Roll the chilled cookie dough balls in graham cracker crumbs before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture reminiscent of classic cheesecake crust.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: Instead of encasing the cream cheese filling inside the cookie dough, create mini cheesecake bites by pressing the dough into mini muffin tins, adding a dollop of cream cheese filling on top, and baking until set.
- Swirl Effect: Create a beautiful swirl effect by swirling a small amount of strawberry jam into the cream cheese filling before placing it on top of the cookie dough. This adds a pop of color and extra fruity flavor.
- Stuffed Cookies: Make stuffed cookies by rolling out the cookie dough, placing a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center, and folding the dough around the filling to encase it completely. Bake as usual for a surprise cheesecake center.
- Fruity Glaze: Top the cooled cookies with a thin layer of fruit glaze made from powdered sugar and fruit juice. This adds a glossy finish and extra burst of fruity flavor to each cookie.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
- Yes, frozen strawberries can be used in this recipe. Thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before chopping and adding them to the cookie dough.
- Can I substitute the strawberry extract with fresh strawberries?
- While fresh strawberries can add flavor, they may also add extra moisture to the dough. If using fresh strawberries instead of extract, reduce the amount of chopped strawberries in the dough slightly to maintain the dough’s consistency.
- How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out during baking?
- To prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking, ensure that it is well chilled before placing it on the cookie dough. Additionally, make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly around the filling.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and cream cheese filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble the cookies and bake them according to the recipe instructions.
- How should I store leftover cookies?
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
With their creamy cheesecake filling and juicy strawberry chunks, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Try making a batch today and treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of cheesecake and strawberries in every bite!
