Strawberry cheesecake cookies

Name: Strawberry cheesecake cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 1 h 47 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (regular or vegan), softened; ¾ cup white sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2¾ cup all-purpose flour * SEE NOTES; ½-⅔ cup fresh strawberries, diced small* SEE NOTES; ¾ cup cream cheese (regular or vegan)* (6 oz) SEE NOTES; ¼ cup powdered sugar* SEE NOTES if using regular (not vegan) cream cheese

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: July 14, 2025

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Introduction to Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Let’s face it, life can get pretty hectic. Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, finding time to bake might feel like a luxury. But what if I told you that strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of joy without draining your energy? These cookies combine the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, all wrapped in a soft cookie. Perfect for quick snacks, impressing guests, or simply indulging yourself, they’re a little piece of happiness you deserve in your busy life.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These strawberry cheesecake cookies are everything you need in a treat! They come together quickly, making them perfect for moms on the go or busy professionals looking for a sweet escape. With a delightful combination of tart strawberries and rich cheesecake flavor, each bite feels like a mini celebration. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip them up in no time, leaving you free to enjoy your day!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Now, let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these scrumptious strawberry cheesecake cookies. Here’s the scoop:

Butter: Softened butter is your base here, adding richness. You can use regular or vegan butter based on your preferences.
White Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s delicate texture.
Brown Sugar: This will bring in a hint of caramel flavor while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
Egg: One whole egg enhances moisture and helps bind everything together.
Egg Yolk: Adding an extra yolk lends richness, making the cookies extra decadent.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile and brings warmth.
Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise perfectly.
Salt: A pinch of salt always enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The bulk of your cookie dough, it creates that delightful chewy texture.
Fresh Strawberries: Diced small, these juicy gems are the star of the show! Look for ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
Cream Cheese: Whether you go for regular or vegan, cream cheese adds that creamy cheesecake richness we all love.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener is mixed with the cream cheese, adding sweetness without grittiness.

You’ll find the exact measurements and additional tips for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print out and make baking a breeze!

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Ready to bring a touch of sweetness to your life? Let’s dive into how you can make these amazing strawberry cheesecake cookies. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in no time!

Preparing Your Cream Cheese Filling

Start by taking a small bowl and mixing your cream cheese with powdered sugar. Whisk them together until it’s nice and smooth. This is the creamy filling that will surprise everyone when they bite into your cookies!

Once combined, use a spoon to drop 10-12 heaping teaspoons of that cream cheese mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop it in the freezer for at least one hour. This freezing step keeps the filling from melting away during baking.

Mixing the Cookie Dough

While the cream cheese filling firms up, it’s time for the cookie dough. Grab two large baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is important for structure.

In another bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, mix in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. They add moisture and flavor that’s hard to resist!

Next, slowly add your flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined; over-mixing will lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in those delightful diced strawberries. Their juicy bites will enhance every cookie!

Forming the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—forming the cookies! Scoop 12 heaping tablespoons of dough onto each lined baking sheet. Then, take a teaspoon and gently press it into the top of half the dough balls.

Once you’ve done that, remove your cream cheese filling from the freezer. Place one frozen dollop into the center of each cookie. To seal them, take another dough ball and place it on top of the filling, firmly pressing the edges to close. This ensures a gooey surprise inside!

Baking the Cookies

Your cookies are almost ready! Refrigerate the prepared cookie dough balls for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. This helps them hold their shape while baking, leading to perfect edges.

Bake one sheet at a time for 13-17 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden and the tops are set. After baking, let them cool on a rack. You’ll want to let them rest for a few minutes before the first bite; trust me, they’re worth the wait!

Tips for Success

Softened butter is key! If it’s too hard, your cookies won’t be as fluffy.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen won’t give you the same juicy burst.
Don’t skip the freezing step for the cream cheese filling. It keeps everything intact during baking.
Chill the dough before baking. It helps maintain that perfect shape.
Experiment with add-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts for extra flair!

Equipment Needed

Baking sheets: Regular cookie sheets work fine, but stoneware gives an even bake.
Parchment paper: If you don’t have this, silicone baking mats are a great alternative.
Mixing bowls: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for mixing the dough.
Electric mixer: A hand mixer is easier for quick mixing, but you can use a whisk.
Freezer-safe plate: Any plate will do for freezing the cream cheese filling.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly option.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and a flaxseed egg for a fully vegan cookie.
Chocolate Chip: Add a half cup of mini chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate-strawberry combination.
Orange Zest: Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright citrus twist that complements the strawberries.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Pair these strawberry cheesecake cookies with a chilled glass of milk for a classic combination.
Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
To elevate presentation, dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Enjoy with a refreshing fruit salad for a delightful contrast of textures.
Great for picnics, package in colorful cellophane bags for a sweet gift!

FAQs about Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Wondering about these irresistible strawberry cheesecake cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I’ve come across, along with their answers to help you out:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture.

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for a special treat later on!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze the shaped balls. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake a fresh batch!

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, although the flavor will change a bit. For a non-dairy alternative, use vegan cream cheese for a similar result.

How can I make smaller cookies?

To whip up smaller strawberry cheesecake cookies, simply use less dough for each cookie. Check the baking time around 8-10 minutes, as they will bake faster!

Final Thoughts

Creating these delightful strawberry cheesecake cookies is not just about the end result; it’s about bringing sweetness into your life, even on the busiest of days. Each cookie bites back with a burst of strawberry joy, reminiscent of warm summer days. The soft, chewy texture combined with that gooey cheesecake surprise makes every bite a treat. So whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to uplift your spirit. Baking should be fun, and with this recipe, you’re just a few steps away from happiness!