Delight in the mouthwatering combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake, all packed into a delicious cookie. These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasionβwhether itβs a family gathering, a special event, or just a cozy night in. This recipe captures the essence of classic cheesecake and the comfort of homemade cookies, making it a crowd-pleaser thatβs as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and well-combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the cheesecake filling in the center of the dough. Fold the edges of the dough around the filling, sealing it inside. Gently roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft and slightly undercooked for that perfect cheesecake texture. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve:
Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be served. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a special touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Other Details:
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Calorie Count per serving: 120 kcal
Serving Size: 24 cookies
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Accompaniments: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnishing: For a festive presentation, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. Alternatively, you can sprinkle them with extra chopped strawberries or crushed graham crackers for added texture and flavor.
- Portioning: These cookies are perfectly sized for a sweet snack. If you want to make them even more special, consider shaping the dough into smaller bite-sized portions and serving them as part of a dessert platter.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: While these cookies can be stored at room temperature, they stay fresher longer when kept in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese filling. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the oven at 300Β°F (150Β°C) for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cookies.
Variations:
1. Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Additions: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolate-strawberry flavor combination thatβs hard to resist.
- Filling: Consider adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate twist.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkling of cocoa powder.
2. Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Additions: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the cookie dough for a bright and tangy flavor.
- Filling: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon juice into the cheesecake filling for an extra zing.
- Serving Suggestion: These cookies are particularly refreshing when paired with a cup of herbal tea.
3. Almond Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Additions: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract in both the cookie dough and the filling for a delightful nutty flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with slivered almonds before baking for added crunch.
- Serving Suggestion: These cookies pair well with a glass of almond milk or a scoop of almond-flavored ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the dough to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dough too soft.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When youβre ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping and baking the cookies.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version of the cookies. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of two favorite desserts, offering the best of both worlds in every bite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore one of the fun variations, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the sweet and creamy taste of cheesecake, combined with the freshness of strawberries, all in the form of a convenient and irresistible cookie!