Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy texture of cheesecake. Perfect for any celebration or just as an afternoon snack, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional flavors. With a soft cookie exterior and a luscious cream cheese filling, they are sure to impress everyone at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of strawberries and cream cheese creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these cookies without any hassle.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holidays, or just a weekend dessert.
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily substitute with gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies stay soft and chewy, making them enjoyable to eat.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Freezer-safe container
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough and cream cheese filling efficient and easy.
- Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Baking pan: A good quality pan helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
Ingredients
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are soft, sweet and delicious! The cream cheese filling is so creamy. These cookies are fresh, easy to make, and great for any occasion!
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
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.
- Freeze the filled pan while preparing the cookie dough.
Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a clean stand mixer:
1. Add cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until no clumps of butter remain.
Step 4: Combine Eggs
Add in eggs and stir until combined well.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
Mix in the remaining ingredients except for strawberries until a thick cookie dough forms.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold in diced strawberries. Place the bowl of cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Pan
After chilling:
1. Remove dough from fridge.
2. Take cream cheese balls from freezer.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line another baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 8: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Scoop large balls of cookie dough using a spoon:
1. Place on lined baking pan with space between each ball.
2. Press an indent in each ball with your thumb or back of spoon.
3. Insert a ball of cream cheese mixture into each indent.
Step 9: Seal Cookies
Form the dough into a ball around each cream cheese filling, ensuring it is completely sealed inside.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Space cookies at least 3 inches apart on the pan:
1. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until cookies are just set in the middle.
Step 11: Cool Down
Once baked:
1. Remove from oven.
2. Allow cooling on the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Enjoy these delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies! They will surely become a favorite in your dessert lineup!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Serve the cookies with fresh strawberries on the side. This adds a fruity burst and enhances the strawberry flavor in each bite.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies. This is a fun and indulgent treat that everyone will love!
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a rich and decadent finish. Dark or white chocolate complements the flavors beautifully.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream for an added creamy texture. This pairing works especially well for dessert parties.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The cozy beverage will balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful afternoon snack.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
To ensure your strawberry cheesecake cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
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Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes not only helps firm it up but also enhances the flavors as they meld together.
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Seal the filling well: When forming the dough around the cream cheese filling, ensure it is completely sealed to avoid leaks during baking.
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Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be just set in the middle; overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
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Cool before serving: Letting the cookies cool on a wire rack helps them maintain their perfect texture, making them soft and chewy when you bite in.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Strawberry cheesecake cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider:
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies with its natural tartness.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with sweet treats, creating an interesting contrast on your palate.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These salty-sweet snacks add crunch and depth to your dessert table, making them an exciting addition alongside your cookies.
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Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that complements the rich flavors of strawberry cheesecake cookies.
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Nut Mix: A simple bowl of mixed nuts offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs nicely with soft cookies.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea provide a cool contrast to the warm cookies, making them ideal accompaniments for any gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making strawberry cheesecake cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not Softening Cream Cheese: Using cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling. Always soften it before mixing to achieve a smooth texture.
- Skipping the Freezer Step: If you don’t freeze the cream cheese balls, they may melt into the cookies while baking. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes for perfect centers.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to cookies that are over or undercooked. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
- Overmixing Cookie Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a softer bite.
- Ignoring Dough Resting Time: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Letting it rest helps maintain their shape.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to keep them intact.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about strawberry cheesecake cookies that might help you out!
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour in equal amounts if you’re not concerned about gluten.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers will look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries can be great additions or substitutes for strawberries.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different fruits or even add chocolate chips for extra flavor. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat at home. Try them out and delight your taste buds!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of strawberry and cheesecake with these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. These soft, chewy treats feature a creamy cream cheese filling nestled within a buttery cookie base, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, these cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to impress everyone. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or paired with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special dessert experience.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cold butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 eggs
- 3 ⅔ cups gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup finely diced strawberries
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Scoop and freeze teaspoon-sized balls of the cream cheese mixture.
- Mix cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a clean stand mixer until fluffy.
- Add eggs and mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate flour, baking soda, vanilla extract, and sea salt until dough forms.
- Fold in diced strawberries and chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking pans with parchment paper.
- Shape dough into balls, create an indent, fill with frozen cream cheese balls, and seal.
- Space on baking sheets and bake for 11-12 minutes until just set in the middle.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (35g)
- Calories: 147
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
