Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the essence of strawberry cheesecake with the charm of cookies. They are soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor, making them ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. The creamy filling adds a unique twist, ensuring each bite is a heavenly experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because you deserve a sweet treat!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for everyone.
- Impressive Presentation: The stuffed cookies look stunning on any dessert table.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make preparing your strawberry cheesecake cookies enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Freezer-safe container
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool efficiently combines ingredients and saves time compared to manual mixing.
- Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps prevent cookies from sticking.
- Freezer-safe container: Necessary for chilling the cream cheese filling until you’re ready to assemble the cookies.
Ingredients
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: 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 the Cream Cheese Mixture
Scoop out 1 teaspoon sized balls of cream cheese mixture. Place on parchment lined baking pan. Repeat for all cream cheese mixture. Place pan in freezer while making the cookie dough.
Step 3: Make the 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 & Prepare Baking Sheet
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: Assemble Cookies
Use spoon to scoop large balls of cookie dough. Place on lined baking pan.
1. Use thumb or back of spoon to press an indent in the center of cookie dough.
2. Place a ball of cream cheese mixture into indent.
3. Form the dough into a ball around the cream cheese ensuring it is completely sealed inside.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Continue for all cookie dough and cream cheese balls, spacing at least 3 inches apart on baking pan. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until cookies are just set in the middle.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
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 Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, serving suggestions can enhance your experience.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Serve alongside sliced fresh strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- A drizzle of melted chocolate can add an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
With Whipped Cream
- Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream to make them extra decadent.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include these cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies and mini tarts for variety.
With Ice Cream
- Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent treat.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
To ensure your strawberry cheesecake cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use softened cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling mixture.
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Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
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Don’t overmix: When adding flour and strawberries, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
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Check baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be set but slightly soft in the center when done.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your strawberry cheesecake cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the cookie’s flavor and texture.
- Berry Salad: A light berry salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate Fondue: Perfect for dipping, chocolate fondue can enhance flavors and provide fun.
- Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet can cleanse the palate after enjoying rich cookies.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola adds crunch and contrasts nicely with the soft cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Offering a variety of cheeses provides savory options to balance the sweet treats.
- Mint Tea: A cup of mint tea can be a soothing complement to these delightful cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry cheesecake cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using Cold Ingredients – Always ensure your cream cheese is softened. This helps create a smooth filling that blends well with the cookies.
- Skipping the Chilling Step – Don’t skip chilling the cookie dough. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to work with and preventing cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly – Incorrect flour measurement can lead to dry or dense cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into measuring cups and level it off for accuracy.
- Overbaking Cookies – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are just set in the middle for a soft and chewy texture.
- Ignoring Strawberry Preparation – Make sure to finely dice strawberries to evenly distribute them throughout the cookie dough. This enhances flavor without overwhelming the cookie structure.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover strawberry cheesecake cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making strawberry cheesecake cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if you do not need gluten-free options. The texture will remain delicious!
How do I know when my strawberry cheesecake cookies are done?
Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center. They will continue cooking as they cool.
Can I customize the filling of my strawberry cheesecake cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, lemon zest, or other fruits to create unique flavors that suit your taste.
What should I do if my cream cheese filling is too runny?
If your filling is runny, ensure cream cheese is fully softened and not too warm. You may also add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This could be due to using warm butter or skipping the chilling step. Always chill your dough before baking for best results.
Final Thoughts
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are not only delightful but also versatile! You can easily customize them with different fruits or flavors based on your preferences. Whether for gatherings or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, where the luscious flavor of strawberry cheesecake meets the comforting familiarity of cookies. These soft and sweet treats are bursting with fruity goodness, making them a perfect addition to any occasion—from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Each cookie is filled with a creamy, dreamy center that elevates every bite into a heavenly experience. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, this easy recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces 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
- Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Freeze in teaspoon-sized balls.
- Make the cookie dough by combining cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a stand mixer; beat until smooth.
- Add eggs and mix until combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and vanilla until a thick dough forms; fold in diced strawberries.
- Chill cookie dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop cookie dough, press an indent in each ball, and place a frozen cream cheese ball inside before sealing.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until set but still soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
