Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft and chewy texture, each cookie bursts with the delightful flavor of strawberries and a creamy cheese filling. They are easy to prepare, making them great for everything from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Enjoy the unique combination of cheesecake and cookie in one delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of strawberries and cream cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will adore.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, these cookies come together quickly and easily!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Fun to Customize: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor!
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools beforehand. Having the right equipment can help ensure that your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Freezer-safe container
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and mixing ingredients quick and efficient.
- Baking pan: Ensures even baking and provides plenty of space for your cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Freezer-safe container: Ideal for chilling the cream cheese filling without taking up too much space.
Ingredients
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: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy.
Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Balls
Scoop out 1 teaspoon-sized balls of the cream cheese mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking pan, then freeze while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 3: 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 Ingredients
Add in the eggs and stir until combined. Then mix in the remaining ingredients except for strawberries until a thick cookie dough forms.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold in the finely diced strawberries. Place the bowl of cookie dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 6: Assemble Cookies
After chilling, remove dough from fridge. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Use a spoon to scoop large balls of cookie dough onto the lined pan. Press an indent into each ball using your thumb or back of a spoon. Place a frozen ball of cream cheese mixture into each indent.
Step 7: Seal Cookies
Form the dough around the cream cheese ball, ensuring it is completely sealed inside. Space cookies at least 3 inches apart on baking pan.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until cookies are just set in the middle.
Step 9: Cool
Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you have delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a casual evening at home or a festive gathering, serving them can be both fun and creative.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Pair your cookies with fresh strawberries for a delightful combination of flavors. The sweetness of the fruit enhances the creamy filling.
Ice Cream Sandwich
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a refreshing dessert that’s sure to impress.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies before serving. This adds a rich, decadent touch that complements the cheesecake filling beautifully.
At a Bake Sale
- These cookies are ideal for bake sales due to their unique flavor and eye-catching appearance. Package them in groups with a decorative bow for easy selling.
With Whipped Cream
- Serve your cookies alongside a dollop of whipped cream. This adds an extra layer of creaminess that pairs well with the cookie’s texture.
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons as party favors. They’re a sweet treat that guests will love taking home.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
To ensure your strawberry cheesecake cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
- Space them properly on the baking sheet: Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for expansion while baking.
- Check for doneness: Look for lightly golden edges; they should be set but still soft in the center when done.
- Cool on wire racks: Transferring the cookies to wire racks allows air to circulate and prevents sogginess from steam buildup.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding lemon zest or vanilla bean to enhance the flavor profile even further.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
While these strawberry cheesecake cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits will balance out the richness of the cookies.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes offer an added layer of cheesecake flavor that fans will appreciate.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels contrasts nicely with sweet cookies, providing a satisfying texture variety.
- Coffee or Tea: Serving coffee or tea enhances the enjoyment of these cookies, making them perfect for afternoon snacks or gatherings.
- Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert pairs well with strawberry flavors and adds elegance to your dessert table.
- Mini Tarts: Offer mini fruit tarts filled with custard or cream as another sweet option that complements your cookie selection.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in cups for a fresh, healthy side that balances indulgence with nutrition.
- Scones: Freshly baked scones can provide a nice contrast in texture while still keeping within the sweet theme of your dessert spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry cheesecake cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not softening cream cheese: Using cold cream cheese will result in lumps in your filling. Always allow it to soften at room temperature for a smooth texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill your cookie dough, the cookies may spread too much while baking. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Overmixing the cookie dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined; this keeps them soft and chewy.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Incorrect measurements can alter the texture and flavor of your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or standard measuring cups for accuracy.
- Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can make cookies dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they are set in the middle.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, warm cookies for about 5 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a skillet on low heat and warm cookies for about 1 minute per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about strawberry cheesecake cookies that might help you during your baking journey.
What makes strawberry cheesecake cookies so special?
Strawberry cheesecake cookies combine the creamy, rich taste of cheesecake with sweet strawberry flavor, creating a unique dessert experience.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before dicing.
How should I store leftover strawberry cheesecake cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.
Are these strawberry cheesecake cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour to make these delicious cookies safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! Try adding different flavors like lemon zest or chocolate chips to mix things up and create your own version of strawberry cheesecake cookies!
Final Thoughts
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Feel free to customize them with various fruits or flavors to match your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade treats!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies combine the delightful flavors of strawberries and creamy cheesecake into a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With a rich cream cheese filling encased in a buttery cookie dough, each bite is a sweet indulgence that will leave your guests wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or celebrating a special event, these strawberry cheesecake cookies are sure to impress. Plus, with options to customize them by adding chocolate chips or making them gluten-free, they cater to everyone’s taste buds.
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 flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup finely diced strawberries
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy.
- Scoop out teaspoon-sized balls of the cream cheese mixture and freeze on a parchment-lined baking pan.
- In the same stand mixer, combine cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar; beat until smooth.
- Add eggs and mix well; then incorporate remaining dry ingredients except strawberries to form dough.
- Gently fold in diced strawberries and refrigerate dough for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop large balls of dough onto lined baking pan, creating an indent in each ball.
- Place frozen cream cheese ball into each indent and seal with cookie dough around it.
- Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until set but soft in the center. Allow cooling before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
