Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the comfort of cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are soft, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Their unique cream cheese filling makes them stand out from traditional cookies, ensuring they will be a hit at parties, picnics, or simply as a delicious snack at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry and cream cheese creates a rich and delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Treat: Great for special occasions like holidays or just as an everyday dessert, these cookies can fit any mood or event.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Baking pan
• Refrigerator
• Freezer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients effortless and ensures everything is well combined.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.

Ingredients

For these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, you will need:

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

First, make the cream cheese filling. In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Balls

Scoop out 1 teaspoon-sized balls of cream cheese mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking pan. Repeat for all cream cheese mixture. Place the pan in the freezer while making the cookie dough.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

To 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: Mix in Eggs

Add in eggs. Stir until combined.

Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add in remaining ingredients except strawberries. Stir until a thick cookie dough is formed.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries

Carefully fold in diced strawberries. Place bowl of cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

After 30 minutes, remove dough from fridge. Remove cream cheese balls from freezer. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line another baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Use a spoon to scoop large balls of cookie dough. Place them on the lined baking pan. Use your thumb or back of a spoon to press an indent in the center of each cookie dough ball. Place a ball of cream cheese mixture into each indent.

Step 9: Seal Cookies

Form the dough into a ball around the cream cheese mixture, ensuring it is completely sealed inside.

Step 10: Arrange on Baking Pan

Continue this process for all cookie dough and cream cheese balls. Space them at least 3 inches apart on the baking pan.

Step 11: Bake

Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until cookies are just set in the middle.

Step 12: Cool

Finally, remove from oven. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Enjoy your freshly baked Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These strawberry cheesecake cookies are not only delicious but also versatile in presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve these cookies alongside fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor. The sweetness of the strawberries complements the creamy filling.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds a rich touch. It pairs wonderfully with the tangy cream cheese and fruity flavors.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a colorful dessert platter with other treats. This makes for an impressive display at parties or gatherings.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. This enhances the cheesecake flavor and adds a delightful texture.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream. This creates a fun and indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

To ensure your strawberry cheesecake cookies turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This allows for smoother mixing and a creamier filling.

• Measure Flour Accurately: To avoid dense cookies, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour. Too much flour can make them dry.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time. Remove the cookies when they are just set in the middle for the perfect chewy texture.

• Incorporate Strawberries Gently: Fold in diced strawberries gently to maintain their shape and prevent excessive juice from leaking into the dough.

• Space Cookies Apart: Ensure you leave enough space between each cookie on the baking pan. This allows them to spread properly without merging together.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with strawberry cheesecake cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing provides a creamy contrast that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies while bringing additional textures.
3. Chocolate Mousse: The lightness of chocolate mousse complements the density of cheesecake cookies, creating a delightful combination.
4. Coffee or Espresso: Serving coffee or espresso alongside offers a bitter note that contrasts beautifully with sweet flavors.
5. Caramel Sauce: A warm caramel drizzle enhances both flavor and presentation, providing an extra layer of indulgence.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, can provide a savory balance to sweet desserts.
7. Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water cleanses the palate between bites, making each cookie taste as good as the first.
8. Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea can enhance the overall experience while providing warmth and comfort alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the perfect treat.

• Skipping the Cream Cheese Softening: Always soften your cream cheese first. Cold cream cheese makes it difficult to achieve a smooth filling.
• Overmixing the Cookie Dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step may result in cookies that spread too much. Refrigerate your dough to keep cookies thick.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt cookies.
• Neglecting Space Between Cookies: Not spacing cookie dough balls properly can cause them to merge together while baking. Leave at least 3 inches of space on the baking sheet.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep cookies layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.

How can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe without changing other ingredients.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to your dough, or they might make it too wet.

How do I know when my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are done?

Cookies should be just set in the middle and slightly golden around the edges. They will firm up as they cool.

What other flavors can I add?

Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or add chocolate chips for extra sweetness!

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with different fruits or add-ins. Try this recipe and bring joy to your dessert table!