Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the soft, chewy texture of cookies. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving something sweet. These cookies stand out with their luscious cream cheese filling and fresh strawberry flavor, making them a hit among both kids and adults!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just an afternoon snack.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Impressive Presentation: These cookies look fantastic and will impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Parchment paper
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes it easy to mix ingredients thoroughly without manual effort.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect results every time.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking pan, making cleanup easier.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make these delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 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: Prepare 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: Freeze Cream Cheese Balls
Scoop out 1 teaspoon-sized balls of cream cheese mixture. Place 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 Cookie Dough
To make the cookie dough:
1. Add cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a clean stand mixer.
2. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes or until no clumps of butter remain.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add in eggs. Stir until combined.
Step 5: Mix Dry 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 baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 8: Form Cookies
Use a spoon to scoop large balls of cookie dough. Place on lined baking pan. Use thumb or back of spoon to press an indent in the center of cookie dough. Place a ball of cream cheese mixture into indent.
Step 9: Seal Cream Cheese
Form the dough into a ball around the cream cheese. Be sure it is completely sealed inside.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Continue for all cookie dough and cream cheese balls. Space at least 3 inches apart on baking pan. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until cookies are just set in the middle.
Step 11: Cool Cookies
Finally, remove from oven. Allow cookies to cool on pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry cheesecake cookies!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Serving strawberry cheesecake cookies can elevate any gathering or snack time. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing, and there are numerous ways to enjoy them.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Pair the cookies with fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor. The sweetness of the berries complements the cheesecake filling perfectly.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture and cold temperature create a heavenly contrast that enhances the overall experience.
Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce
- Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over your cookies. This adds an indulgent touch and makes them even more decadent.
Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors from both beverages pair well, making for a comforting treat.
Sweetened Whipped Cream
- Top each cookie with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. This adds extra creaminess that echoes the cheesecake filling.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
To ensure your strawberry cheesecake cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is soft enough to mix easily, resulting in a smoother filling.
- Chill the dough: Place the cookie dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and prevents spreading too much.
- Do not overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for even baking. An oven thermometer can help confirm accuracy.
- Space out cookies: Leave enough space between each cookie on the baking pan. This allows them room to spread without merging into one another.
- Cool before serving: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack completely. This helps enhance their flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Pairing side dishes with strawberry cheesecake cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses that can complement the flavors in your cookies, providing savory contrasts.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side that pairs well with dessert.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate offers a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Nut Mix: A selection of nuts brings crunch and protein, making it a satisfying side dish.
- Savory Scones: Serve savory scones alongside your sweet treats for an interesting flavor balance.
- Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches add a rich, savory option that contrasts beautifully with sweet desserts.
- Sparkling Water with Citrus: Refreshing sparkling water garnished with citrus slices cleanses the palate between bites of sweet cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies can be simple, but common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the cream cheese softening: Using cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling. Always ensure it’s softened for a smooth texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the cookie dough will cause the cookies to spread too much while baking. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using ingredients that are too cold or too warm can affect the final product. Aim for room temperature for eggs and butter.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or fluff and spoon method for accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them into freezer bags or containers for up to three months.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie briefly until just warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies that might help:
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries work perfectly! Just ensure they are finely diced.
How do I ensure my cookies remain soft?
Make sure not to overbake them; take them out when they are just set in the middle.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free flour with regular all-purpose flour if preferred.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How long do these cookies last?
They typically last about one week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the creamy goodness of cheesecake and the sweetness of strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, you can easily customize them by adding your favorite fruits or even chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try today, and enjoy the joy it brings!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, where the creamy richness of cheesecake meets the chewy texture of cookies. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a luscious cream cheese filling, these treats are perfect for any occasion—be it a casual afternoon snack or a festive gathering. Easy to make and visually impressive, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike. With an optional gluten-free twist, you can cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Enjoy these sweet bites that capture the essence of summer in every mouthful!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cold butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (tightly 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
- Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Scoop into teaspoon-sized balls and freeze.
- For the cookie dough, beat together cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in eggs until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) and stir until a thick dough forms. Fold in diced strawberries.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Form cookies by scooping dough, creating an indent for a cream cheese ball, then sealing it inside.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until set in the middle. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
