Craving a treat that perfectly blends the tangy creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet burst of fresh strawberries? Look no further! These strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delightful fusion of soft, chewy cookie texture and the irresistible flavor of strawberry cheesecake. This recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make at home with simple ingredients, delivering a bakery-worthy treat right from your kitchen. Get ready to experience melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness with every bite of these strawberry cheesecake cookies.
Table of Contents
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Description: These soft, chewy cookies are filled with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, complemented by a light tang from the cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie (depending on size)
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar, then blend until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, stirring gently after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until they are just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries.
- Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Place rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there is space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened for smooth creaming.
- Pat the chopped strawberries dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading excessively while baking.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, Chewy Texture: These strawberry cheesecake cookies offer the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake filling and soft, chewy cookie goodness.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Every bite is bursting with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh strawberries.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring no fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Even beginner bakers can achieve delicious results with these strawberry cheesecake cookies.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The foundation of perfect strawberry cheesecake cookies begins with properly preparing the dough. Start by creaming the softened butter, sugar, and cream cheese together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth — this process usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their signature soft and tender texture.
Once the butter, sugar, and cream cheese are fully combined, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Slowly sift in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix on a low speed until all the ingredients are just blended together. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to dense and tough cookies. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Add Strawberries
Here’s where the magic happens! Fresh strawberries give these cookies their bright flavor and bursts of fruity sweetness. Chop the fresh strawberries into small, even pieces, about the size of chocolate chips. Too-large chunks can release too much moisture, making the cookies soggy.
Once chopped, gently fold the strawberries into the dough using a spatula. Take your time with this step to avoid crushing the strawberries. Overmixing here can release extra moisture, which may affect the texture of your cookies. The goal is to distribute the strawberries evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every cookie gets a taste of that fresh strawberry flavor.
Pro Tip: If your strawberries are extra juicy, lightly pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the dough. This prevents excess moisture from making the cookies too wet.
Step 3: Chill and Bake
Chilling the dough is a step that should not be overlooked. It helps solidify the butter and cream cheese, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have time). This results in thicker, chewier strawberry cheesecake cookies with perfectly soft centers.
Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to ensure they have room to spread. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown and the centers are still soft and slightly underbaked.
Pro Tip: Cookies continue to bake on the hot baking sheet after they’re removed from the oven, so don’t wait for them to look fully done before pulling them out. This method ensures a soft, chewy center.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This helps the cookies retain their shape and texture as they cool down.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, fresh strawberries are recommended. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the dough. This will prevent excess moisture, which can affect the final product of your strawberry cheesecake cookies.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture. This is the key ingredient for the cheesecake-inspired cookies aspect.
- Butter and Sugar: Creaming these ingredients together properly creates air pockets, resulting in light and fluffy strawberry cheesecake cookies.
- Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For sugar-free options, use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is non-negotiable for strawberry cheesecake cookies. This prevents excessive spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries offer the best flavor and texture. Make sure to pat them dry before adding them to the dough to prevent excess moisture, which can impact the texture of your baked strawberry cheesecake cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be a bit soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will keep baking on the warm baking sheet. Overbaking will lead to dry, crumbly strawberry cheesecake cookies.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of indulgence. This adds a beautiful visual element to the strawberry cheesecake cookies.
- Strawberry Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of strawberry jam into the dough before baking for an even more intense strawberry flavor. This variation enhances the strawberry-flavored desserts aspect.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version of these delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature Storage: Store the cooled strawberry cheesecake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, and just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to have fresh strawberry cheesecake cookies whenever you crave them.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Dessert: These strawberry cheesecake cookies are a perfect standalone dessert, especially when paired with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or a freshly brewed coffee.
- Holiday Treat: Add these delightful cookies to your holiday dessert platter for a festive and flavorful addition.
- Gifting Idea: Package these strawberry cheesecake cookies in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful and homemade gift.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before adding them to the dough. This will prevent excess moisture in your strawberry cheesecake cookies.
How do I keep the strawberries from making the dough too wet?
Thoroughly patting the chopped strawberries dry before adding them to the dough is key.
Can I freeze these cookies after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked strawberry cheesecake cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes
Looking for more sweet inspiration? We’ve got you covered with these irresistible treats that are sure to satisfy your cravings:
- Cheesecake Cookies: Indulge in rich, creamy, cheesecake-inspired cookies that bring a decadent twist to every bite.
- Strawberry Desserts: Craving something fruity? Explore a selection of strawberry favorites, from classic shortcake to fluffy muffins and more.
- Easy Cookie Recipes: For quick, crowd-pleasing treats, discover simple cookie recipes that are soft, chewy, and ready in a snap.
Conclusion
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the tangy creaminess of cheesecake and the sweet burst of fresh strawberries, all within a soft, chewy cookie. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create bakery-worthy cookies in the comfort of your own home. We encourage you to try this recipe and leave a comment or review below.
Explore our other related recipes and share your strawberry cheesecake cookies creations on social media! These homemade strawberry cookies are sure to be a hit!