Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Dreamy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet dreams come alive when these strawberry cheesecake cookies blend creamy indulgence with fruity charm.

Crisp edges give way to soft, pillowy centers that melt in your mouth.

Delicate strawberry swirls peek through a rich, cream cheese-infused dough, promising pure bliss.

Baking becomes an art form with this irresistible treat that captures summer’s essence.

Fragrant berries dance alongside smooth cheesecake notes, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each bite whispers of nostalgia and comfort, inviting you to savor every crumbly, decadent moment.

Grab a cooling rack and let magic unfold in your kitchen.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies That Feel Fancy

  • Burst with Flavor: Packed with white chocolate chips, strawberry extract, and freeze-dried strawberries for a delightful taste explosion.
  • Impress with Surprise: Hidden cheesecake center creates a luxurious, unexpected treat that will wow family and friends.
  • Master Easy Baking: Simple step-by-step process makes these cookies achievable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Customize with Creativity: Flexible recipe allows optional pink food coloring and personal flavor tweaks to match your style and preference.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients

Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth base for the creamy center.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the filling's flavor.
Cookie Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness.
  • Butter: Creates rich and tender texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Add sweetness and moisture.
  • Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients and provide richness.
Mix-Ins and Flavor Enhancers:
  • White Chocolate Chips, Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Add texture and strawberry flavor.
  • Strawberry Extract: Intensifies strawberry taste.
  • Pink Food Coloring: Optional visual enhancement.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor.

Step 1: Create Dreamy Cheesecake Filling

Grab a medium bowl and combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth mixture. Using a small scoop, drop teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the sheet into the freezer for about 30 minutes until the filling becomes firm and solid.

Step 2: Craft Delectable Cookie Dough

Fire up your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
In a large bowl, cream butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Blend in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until perfectly combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Gently fold in:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Strawberry extract
  • Freeze-dried strawberries
  • Pink food coloring (optional)

Step 3: Assemble Magical Cookies

Scoop a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a frozen cheesecake filling piece right in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, making sure the cheesecake is completely hidden. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your decadent strawberry cheesecake cookies!

What to Know for Cheesecake Strawberry Cookies

  • Freeze Filling for Precision: Freezing the cheesecake filling beforehand helps maintain its shape and prevents melting when wrapped inside the cookie dough.
  • Avoid Overmixing Dough: Gently fold ingredients together to keep cookies tender and prevent tough, dense textures that can result from excessive mixing.
  • Control Food Coloring Carefully: Add pink food coloring sparingly to achieve a delicate pastel hue without overwhelming the natural strawberry flavor.
  • Chill Dough for Better Texture: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more uniform, thick cookie shape.
  • Use Quality Strawberry Extract: Select a high-quality strawberry extract to enhance the authentic fruity flavor and ensure a vibrant taste throughout the cookies.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies: Store Them Soft

  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Alternatively, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds.
  • Warm cookies in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft texture and bring back the fresh-baked taste. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.

Cheesecake Cookies Pairing Tips

  • Pair Creamy Dessert Wine: Moscato d'Asti complements the sweet strawberry and cheesecake flavors, offering light effervescence and delicate fruity notes that enhance the cookie's richness.
  • Match Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside these warm cookies, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Serve Strawberry Milk: Blend fresh strawberries with cold milk for a vibrant, nostalgic drink that mirrors the cookie's strawberry elements and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Enjoy Champagne Cocktail: Mix a light champagne with strawberry liqueur to create an elegant, bubbly beverage that beautifully highlights the cookie's decadent cheesecake and fruity undertones.
  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Berry Cream Cookies: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative, use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and choose vegan white chocolate chips for plant-based dietary needs.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Delight Cookies: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free white chocolate chips, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich strawberry flavor for diabetic-friendly option.
  • Keto-Friendly Strawberry Cream Cookies: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate cream cheese sparingly, and add crushed nuts for extra texture and low-carb compatibility.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

No, fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and will make the cookie dough soggy. Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor and crispy texture without adding extra liquid.

  • Is the pink food coloring necessary?

The food coloring is optional. It only adds aesthetic appeal to the cookies. You can skip it if you prefer natural coloring or don’t want to use artificial colors.

  • How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking?

Ensure the frozen cheesecake filling is completely sealed inside the cookie dough. Press the edges firmly and make sure no filling is exposed before baking. Freezing the filling helps maintain its shape during baking.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling in advance. Store the unbaked dough balls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to freeze the cheesecake filling separately before assembling.

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Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent strawberry cheesecake cookies bring Italian bakery charm to classic American desserts, blending creamy cheesecake essence with sweet berry notes. Crisp edges and rich centers make these cookies an irresistible treat you’ll crave from first delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cookie Base Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Flavor and Decoration Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) freeze-dried strawberries, broken into small pieces
  • Pink food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft the cheesecake filling by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky and uniform in texture.
  2. Delicately portion the mixture into teaspoon-sized dollops on a parchment-lined tray, then freeze for approximately half an hour until solidified.
  3. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-covered baking sheet.
  4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate mixing vessel.
  5. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and airy, developing a fluffy consistency.
  6. Incorporate egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, thoroughly integrating into the butter mixture.
  7. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender dough.
  8. Introduce white chocolate chips, strawberry extract, freeze-dried strawberries, and optional pink food coloring, distributing evenly throughout the dough.
  9. Remove frozen cheesecake portions from the freezer.
  10. Take a generous tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and nestle a frozen cheesecake filling in the center.
  11. Carefully encase the filling, ensuring complete coverage with the cookie dough.
  12. Arrange dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining ample spacing between each cookie.
  13. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges achieve a delicate golden hue.
  14. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

  • Chill the cheesecake filling thoroughly to prevent melting during baking and ensure a delightful creamy center that stays intact.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cookie dough and better incorporation of flavors, helping create a more consistent texture.
  • Opt for high-quality freeze-dried strawberries to intensify the fruity flavor without adding excess moisture to the cookie dough.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cookie’s soft and chewy texture.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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