Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the sweetness of strawberries, all wrapped in a soft cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only delicious but also simple to make. With their unique cream cheese filling, they stand out from traditional cookies and will impress your family and friends at gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up quickly, making them suitable for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh strawberries adds a burst of flavor while keeping the recipe vibrant and colorful.
• Gluten-Free Option: Adaptable with gluten-free flour, making these cookies accessible for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Freezer-safe container
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps achieve a smooth cream cheese filling and mixes the cookie dough efficiently.
• Baking pan: Provides an even surface for baking the cookies to perfection.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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!

• 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 the Cookie Dough

To make the cookie dough, add cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a clean stand mixer. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes or until no clumps of butter remain.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add in eggs. Stir until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in remaining ingredients except strawberries. Stir until a thick cookie dough forms.

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 Cookie Dough Balls

Use a spoon to scoop large balls of cookie dough. Place on lined baking pan. Use your thumb or back of spoon to press an indent in the center of each cookie dough ball. Place a ball of cream cheese mixture into each indent.

Step 9: Seal Dough Around Filling

Form the dough into a ball around the cream cheese filling. Ensure it is completely sealed inside.

Step 10: Space Out Cookies

Continue this process for all cookie dough and cream cheese balls. Space at least 3 inches apart on baking pan.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until cookies are just set in the middle.

Step 12: 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 delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Pair your cookies with fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor and a refreshing contrast.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Add a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top for an extra creamy touch that complements the cookie filling.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich, filling it with your favorite ice cream flavor for a delicious dessert.

Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the sweet flavors while providing a comforting experience.

Drizzled Chocolate

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for added sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

To make sure your strawberry cheesecake cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother filling.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which could make the cookies dense.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should just be set in the middle when you take them out to maintain softness.
• Seal the Filling Well: Make sure each cream cheese ball is fully encased in cookie dough to prevent leakage during baking.
• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add other fruits or chocolate chips for variation in flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These strawberry cheesecake cookies can be paired with various side dishes to enhance their sweetness. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the richness of the cookies and adds brightness to your plate.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Chilled Lemonade
   The tartness of lemonade provides a nice contrast, making it perfect for warm days alongside your sweet treats.

4. Chocolate Dipped Fruit
   Strawberries or bananas dipped in chocolate create a decadent pairing that enhances both flavors.

5. Panna Cotta
   This creamy Italian dessert can be flavored with vanilla or fruit puree, creating an elegant side dish that pairs well with cookies.

6. Mini Cheesecakes
   A small cheesecake can make a delightful match, especially if topped with strawberries or berry sauce to mirror cookie flavors.

7. Nut Mix
   A light nut mix offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cookies while adding healthy fats.

8. Whipped Cream Dip
   Serve whipped cream as a dip for an extra indulgent experience that complements each bite of cookie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, it’s easy to make simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how you can avoid them.

• Not Softening Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
• Overmixing the Cookie Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined for a soft texture.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Don’t skip chilling the dough. It helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a better texture.
• Incorrectly Measuring Flour: Use a proper technique for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Spoon flour into a measuring cup and level off with a knife.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Always preheat your oven correctly. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and cookie consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies that might help you along the way.

Can I use different fruits in Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?

Yes! You can swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for varied flavors.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour as listed in the recipe; ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

What makes Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies unique?

The combination of creamy cheesecake filling inside soft cookie dough creates a delightful contrast that sets these cookies apart from standard varieties.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They are perfect for any celebration or just as a sweet treat at home. Feel free to customize them by using different fruits or even adding chocolate chips for extra flavor!