Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe: Irresistible Treats

Sweet memories often dance around my strawberry cheesecake cookies, blending creamy comfort with childhood nostalgia.

Soft dough carries unexpected bursts of fruity delight from fresh berries nestled within.

Cream cheese swirls create luxurious pockets of richness that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Each cookie promises a delicate balance between tangy and sweet sensations.

Baking these treats fills kitchens with irresistible fragrance that beckons everyone closer.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers, making every bite a miniature celebration.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.

Why Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Are a Sweet Delight

Why Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Are a Sweet Delight
  • Burst with Flavor: Indulge in the delightful combination of strawberry and cream cheese that creates an explosion of taste in every single bite.
  • Surprise Inside Technique: Discover the magical hidden cream cheese center that transforms these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, offering a delicious surprise with each cookie.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by experimenting with different extracts or fresh fruits, making it a versatile treat that suits various preferences and occasions.
  • Impress Without Stress: Master a gourmet-style cookie recipe that looks complex but comes together smoothly, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create something special.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and tangy base that provides richness to the cookie filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth cream cheese mixture.
  • Strawberry Extract: Delivers a concentrated strawberry flavor to the filling.
Cookie Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental structure for the cookie dough.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and creates a deeper flavor profile.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cookie.
Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm background flavor to the cookies.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provide bursts of fresh fruit flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cookies rise and achieve a soft, light texture.
Preparation Assistance:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking.
  • Flour (for coating strawberries): Prevents strawberries from sinking in the batter.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Whip Cream Cheese Smooth

Grab your handheld mixer and beat cream cheese until silky and creamy, working on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Filling

Mix in powdered sugar and strawberry extract, bumping the mixer to medium-high and blending for another 30 seconds until perfectly smooth.

Step 3: Prepare Filling Drops

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tiny cream cheese dollops using 1½ teaspoons, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Gently flatten each into a rounded disk. Pop the sheet into the freezer.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine in a bowl:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 5: Cream Butter Perfectly

Using a stand mixer, beat butter until super smooth and creamy, about 1-1½ minutes.

Step 6: Add Sweet Goodness

Toss in granulated and brown sugars, mixing for 1 minute until light and fluffy.

Step 7: Introduce Flavor Enhancers

Pour in vanilla and strawberry extracts, blending until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 9: Combine Flour Mixture

Lower mixer speed and gradually add flour mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 10: Prepare Strawberry Coating

Dust chopped strawberries with flour to prevent sinking in the batter.

Step 11: Fold Strawberries

Gently fold strawberries into cookie dough, using lowest mixer speed or folding by hand.

Step 12: Chill Dough

Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 13: Prep Baking Stations

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 14: Shape Cookie Bases

Scoop 24 cookie dough portions onto sheets, 12 per sheet, with 2-inch spacing.

Step 15: Add Cream Cheese Centers

Pull frozen cream cheese disks from freezer.

Step 16: Wrap Filling

Center a cream cheese disk on each cookie dough portion, completely encasing the filling.

Step 17: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Let cookies rest on sheet for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Pro Tips for Soft and Flavorful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Pro Tips for Soft and Flavorful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
  • Coat strawberry pieces in flour to prevent sinking and distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.
  • Freeze cream cheese filling beforehand to create a delightful surprise center that stays intact while baking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs to ensure smooth, well-incorporated cookie dough.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Variations to Enhance Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Variations to Enhance Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
  • Vegan Berry Bliss Cookies: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, use plant-based butter, swap eggs for flax eggs, and substitute strawberries with mixed berries for a dairy-free treat.
  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Swirl Cookies: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, maintaining the same cream cheese filling and strawberry chunks for celiac-friendly option.
  • Chocolate-Strawberry Fusion Cookies: Mix cocoa powder into the cookie dough, use dark chocolate chips alongside strawberries, and create a chocolate-infused cream cheese filling for intense flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Fruity Delight Cookies: Utilize monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, incorporate chia seeds for added nutrition, and use fresh berries for natural sweetness.

Pairings That Go Well with Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Pairings That Go Well with Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
  • Sip Chilled Strawberry Lemonade to complement the sweet and tangy cookie flavors, creating a delightful summer-inspired refreshment that enhances the strawberry notes.
  • Pour Classic Whole Milk or Creamy Almond Milk alongside these cookies, providing a smooth, cooling contrast that balances the rich cheesecake filling and buttery cookie texture.
  • Select Light Rosé Wine or Sweet Moscato to elevate the dessert experience, matching the strawberry undertones and providing an elegant adult pairing that highlights the cookie's sophisticated profile.

Storage Recommendations for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Storage Recommendations for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
  • Refrigeration: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese filling from spoiling.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating Refrigerated Cookies: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power to restore softness. Alternatively, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes.
  • Room Temperature: Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese filling and enhance flavor.

FAQs

FAQs
  • Why use cream cheese in these cookies?

Cream cheese adds a tangy, rich flavor and creamy texture that makes these strawberry cheesecake cookies unique and delicious.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best to maintain the texture and prevent excess moisture in the cookie dough. Frozen strawberries might make the dough too wet.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to set while cooling on the baking sheet for 10-12 minutes after removing from the oven.

  • Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a better texture and more concentrated taste.

Print
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 59 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet strawberry cheesecake cookies blend creamy cheesecake essence with classic cookie comfort. Crumbly edges and tangy strawberry swirls create irresistible treats you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries (de-stemmed, cored, and finely chopped)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (measured with the spoon and level method)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted sweet cream butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 6 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 large egg and 1 egg white (both at room temperature)
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • tsps pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • tsps strawberry extract

Instructions

  1. Whip cream cheese with a handheld mixer at medium-high speed for 30 seconds until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and strawberry extract, beating for another 30 seconds at medium-high speed until well blended.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and create 24 small cream cheese dollops, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten into disks and freeze while preparing cookie dough.
  4. Sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
  5. Cream butter in a mixer for 1-1.5 minutes until smooth and soft.
  6. Mix granulated and brown sugars into the butter, beating until light and fluffy for 1 minute.
  7. Blend vanilla and strawberry extracts into the sugar mixture.
  8. Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each.
  9. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture at low speed, adding 1 cup at a time.
  10. Dust chopped strawberries with flour to prevent sinking in the batter.
  11. Gently fold strawberries into the cookie dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  12. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets.
  13. Scoop 24 cookie dough portions onto sheets, leaving 2 inches between each.
  14. Remove frozen cream cheese disks from freezer.
  15. Place a cream cheese disk in the center of each cookie dough portion.
  16. Carefully enclose each disk completely within the cookie dough.
  17. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Let cookies rest on the sheet for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

  • Freeze the cream cheese mixture for precise filling placement, preventing messy spreading during baking.
  • Coat strawberries with flour to prevent sinking and ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
  • Chill the dough before baking to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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