As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of strawberries filled the air, whisking me away to sunny picnic days filled with laughter. That’s when the idea struck me—why not merge that joyful memory with a cookie that could light up any dessert table? Enter my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! These delightful treats combine a soft, tender cookie base with a luscious cheesecake filling and pockets of vibrant strawberry jam, making them the perfect indulgence for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. What’s more, they’re incredibly customizable; swap in your favorite fruits or extracts for a personal twist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade sweets, this recipe promises to bring a smile to your face. Curious about how to make these dreamy cookies? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Cookies So Special? Decadent Flavor: These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies offer the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake combined with the fresh burst of strawberries. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! Endless Customization: Whether you prefer raspberries or blueberries, this recipe allows you to play with flavors, making it adaptable to your whims. Effortless Elegance: With just a few steps, you’ll create a dessert that looks and tastes gourmet, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself. Quick Assembly: Each component can be made ahead of time for a stress-free baking experience. Just assemble and bake for fresh cookies anytime! Perfect Pairing: Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or coffee, or try serving them with a side of mixed berries for a refreshing meal. These cookies elevate your dessert game without requiring expert skills. Want to try another delightful treat? Check out my Brownie Cheesecake Indulge for even more deliciousness! Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Ingredients • Let’s gather the essentials for these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies that will elevate your baking game! For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – Ensures a rich and creamy center; make sure it’s cold for easy mixing. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor. Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste. For the Strawberry Jam Strawberries – The star fruit; fresh strawberries bring the perfect sweetness—feel free to substitute with raspberries or blueberries if desired. Sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the jam; adjust to your taste preferences. For the Cookie Dough Flour – Provides structure; careful measuring avoids dense cookies; gluten-free flour can be used if needed. Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise; don’t skip this for that tender texture! Baking Soda – Works in tandem with baking powder for a perfect rise. Salt – Balances out sweetness and enhances flavors. Butter – Brings richness; make sure it’s softened for mixing. Egg – Acts as a binder; room temperature ensures better mixing. For the Garnish Powdered Sugar – Adds a decorative touch; optional but highly recommended for that finishing flair. Gather these ingredients and get ready for a baking adventure that results in delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies your loved ones will adore! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Step 1: Prepare Cheesecake Filling In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of cold cream cheese, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scoop the filling into small discs using a cookie scoop, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the discs for at least 1 hour until they are solid. Step 2: Make Strawberry Jam While the cheesecake filling is freezing, prepare the strawberry jam by dicing 2 cups of fresh strawberries and placing them in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of sugar and stir occasionally, mashing the strawberries gently with a fork. Cook for about 45 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely. Step 3: Dough Preparation In one bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In a separate large bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy, around 3-4 minutes. Then, add 1 room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Step 4: Incorporate Jam Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the cooled strawberry jam into the cookie dough, taking care not to overmix. Use a spatula to create pockets of jam in the dough while keeping streaks visible. This will ensure a delightful burst of strawberry flavor in each bite of your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Step 5: Assemble Cookies Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop, take a portion of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a frozen cheesecake disc in the center, then wrap the dough around it, forming a sealed ball. Flatten the cookie slightly and roll it in sugar for a sweet crunch. Repeat until all dough and filling are used, placing them on a lined baking sheet. Step 6: Bake With your cookies assembled, space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even results, ensuring that all your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies come out perfectly. Step 7: Finishing Touches Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up. Use a cookie cutter to gently press around the edges for a refined shape while still warm. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, and dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. Enjoy these delectable Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies at room temperature! What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Bring warmth and comfort to your dessert table with delightful pairings that complement these luscious cookies. Earl Grey Tea: The fragrant notes of bergamot in this tea enhance the sweet flavors of your cookies, creating a serene afternoon treat. A perfect balance for cozy gatherings with loved ones. Fresh Mixed Berries: Serve with a medley of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a refreshing contrast. This vibrant addition brightens your plate, adding a delightful burst of flavor with each bite. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly alongside these cookies, allowing for an indulgent combination of textures. It’s a classic dessert duo that never fails to please! Lemonade Spritzer: A fizzy lemonade spritzer cuts through the richness of the cookies, providing a bright, citrusy contrast. This refreshing drink elevates the whole experience, making it perfect for warm days. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your cookies transforms them into an extraordinary dessert. The combination of chocolate and strawberry is utterly irresistible! Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance when served with the cookies. You can even flavor it with a hint of vanilla for an extra special treat. Hazelnut Coffee: The toasty notes of hazelnut coffee are a wonderful pairing, bringing warmth and depth to every bite of your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. It’s a delightful way to end a meal! Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring citrus and melons complements the sweetness of the cookies, offering a refreshing finish. It brings a beautiful pop of color and flavor to your table. Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are an absolute dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cheesecake filling and homemade strawberry jam up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate them separately in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and flavor. You can also mix the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy these delectable treats, just assemble the cookies by wrapping the chilled cheesecake filling in the dough and baking them as directed. This way, you’ll have warm, fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with minimal last-minute effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions! Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Customization Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cookies, inspiring creativity in your kitchen! Fruit Swap: Replace fresh strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruit flavor. Both options create a deliciously unique jammy burst in each bite. Cheese Choice: Use mascarpone or ricotta instead of cream cheese for a lighter, airy filling. These substitutes offer a subtly different texture while still maintaining that irresistible cheesecaky goodness. Flavor Twist: Add a splash of almond or coconut extract to the dough for an exotic twist. Just a hint can transform your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies into an unforgettable treat. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious cookie everyone can enjoy. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep the recipe compliant. Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the dough for an added texture. The crunch will beautifully complement the cookie’s soft center. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, inviting flavor profile. These spices offer a unique yet comforting twist to your cookies. Jam Variety: Try using different flavored jams such as apricot or peach instead of strawberry. Each fruit brings its own personality, making every batch a delightful surprise. Chocoholic’s Dream: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for that sweet, gooey chocolate explosion alongside the cheesecake filling. It’s the ultimate mashup of flavors! These variations not only enhance the experience but also invite you to share your personalized creations with loved ones. If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, don’t miss out on my Turtle Cheesecake Dessert or the rich flavors of a Cheesecake Fruit Salad to complement your baking adventures! Expert Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Chill the Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at the right temperature. Cold cream cheese is easier to mix for a smooth cheesecake filling. Avoid Overmixing: When preparing the dough, mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture in your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Quality Matters: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the jam. Substituting with frozen berries may lead to excess moisture. Shape Properly: Ensure the cheesecake discs are fully frozen before wrapping with dough to maintain their shape during baking. Bake Evenly: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to guarantee all cookies bake at the same time and achieve a lovely golden edge. Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Room Temperature: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Adding a slice of bread can help retain moisture, keeping them soft. Fridge: If you prefer a chill, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying to preserve flavor. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls. They can be baked from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to baking time. Reheating: If you have leftover baked cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture that brings back their fresh-baked glory. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe strawberries for the jam? Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red with a natural shine and are firm to the touch. Avoid any with dark spots or mold, as they may affect the flavor of your jam. Fresh strawberries should also have a sweet aroma. What’s the best way to store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies? To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For added softness, you can place a slice of bread in the container. If you prefer enjoying them chilled, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough? How? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough! Simply scoop the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time for freshly baked cookies! What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking? If your cookies spread too much, this could be due to the dough being too warm! Make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape. Additionally, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted before mixing, as melted butter can cause excessive spreading. Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies? Certainly! For dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Additionally, if you’re looking to avoid dairy, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like vegan cream cheese or even a cashew-based cheese spread. What’s a good alternative for cream cheese in the filling? For a lighter option, try mascarpone or ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. They will provide a lovely creamy texture while still giving that delightful cheesecake essence. Just ensure they are well-mixed to obtain a smooth filling. Feel free to dive into baking these decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies and delight yourself and your loved ones! Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies for Sweet Moments Delight in these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies that combine rich cheesecake filling with strawberry jam for a perfect dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 12 minutes minsFreezing Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs 12 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 160 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Cheesecake Filling8 ounces Cream Cheese cold1/3 cup Granulated Sugar1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract preferably pureStrawberry Jam2 cups Strawberries fresh1/2 cup Sugar adjust to tasteCookie Dough2 cups Flour1 teaspoon Baking Powder1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda1/4 teaspoon Salt1/2 cup Butter softened1 large Egg room temperatureGarnish1 cup Powdered Sugar optional Equipment Mixing BowlElectric mixerCookie scoopSaucepanBaking Sheetparchment paperspatulaWire Rack Method Prepare Cheesecake FillingCombine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scoop into small discs and freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 1 hour.Make Strawberry JamDice strawberries and cook with sugar in a saucepan over medium heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Let cool completely.Dough PreparationIn one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually combine dry ingredients.Incorporate JamGently fold in cooled strawberry jam into the dough, creating pockets of jam.Assemble CookiesPreheat oven to 350°F. Flatten a portion of dough, place a cheesecake disc in center, wrap dough around it, and roll in sugar. Repeat for all dough and filling.BakeBake cookies for 11-12 minutes, rotating halfway until edges are golden and centers are soft.Finishing TouchesLet cookies cool on a baking sheet, press edges with a cookie cutter for shape, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, chill ingredients and avoid overmixing. Use fresh strawberries for optimal flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
