If you have a sweet tooth craving that perfectly balances fruity freshness with creamy indulgence, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These delightful treats combine soft, tender cookie dough infused with luscious chunks of fresh strawberries and the unmistakably rich tang of cream cheese, all topped with a dreamy frosting that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies bring joy in every bite and have quickly become one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right combination of ingredients is key to making these strawberry cheesecake cookies sing. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance, making the baking process as rewarding as the delicious outcome.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps keep the cookies tender.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings a tangy richness that mimics classic cheesecake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids in browning for those golden edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Provides subtle caramel notes and extra moisture.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Bursts of tart fruitiness that brighten every bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies just the right lift and lightness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic depth.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the dough and contributes to softness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens the cream cheese frosting that finishes the cookies beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready once your dough is mixed. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and aromatic. This creaming step is key for that tender crumb and mellow sweetness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Cream Cheese
Next, add the egg and softened cream cheese to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is blended smoothly. The cream cheese will give your cookies that signature cheesecake flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Strawberries
Sift in the flour and baking powder gradually while mixing on low speed. This prevents overmixing and a tough cookie. Then, gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
Step 6: Frost Once Cooled
Allow the cookies to cool completely. Then, frost each one with a simple frosting made from the remaining cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar. This adds a creamy finish that perfectly complements the cookies’ fruity and tangy notes.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, consider adding fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. A sprig of mint can also add a pop of color and freshness that makes the presentation irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a chilled glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a mild coffee can accentuate that creamy cheesecake flavor beautifully. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies between parchment paper in a decorative jar for gifting or place them on a pretty tiered stand at your next gathering. You can also sandwich frosting between two cookies for a strawberry cheesecake cookie sandwich that doubles the delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigeration works well but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These strawberry cheesecake cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy fresh-baked taste anytime you crave them.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated cookies back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will soften the cookies and make the frosting a little more luscious without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well to reduce extra moisture, which can affect the dough’s consistency.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and cream cheese, but results may slightly vary in texture and taste.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! The frosting can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before spreading to restore its smoothness.
How do I prevent the strawberries from bleeding into the dough?
Finely chopping and gently folding the strawberries helps, but you can also toss the pieces in a bit of flour before adding them to the dough to minimize bleeding.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe scales up beautifully – just be sure to bake in batches and watch your baking time closely to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is like bringing a bite of summertime and celebration right into your home. With its perfect balance of sweet strawberries, tangy cream cheese, and tender cookie dough, it’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to over and over. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to fall in love with these little delightful gems just as much as I have!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These strawberry cheesecake cookies are soft, buttery treats bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a creamy cheesecake twist. With a tender crumb and a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Remaining cream cheese from dough (approximate 2 oz if any left)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Cream Cheese: Beat in the large egg and softened cream cheese until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and creamy dough base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Fold in Strawberries: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder while mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing. Once combined, gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries to distribute evenly without crushing them.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. Prepare the frosting by mixing the powdered sugar with the remaining cream cheese to achieve a smooth consistency, then frost the cooled cookies as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
- Use fresh strawberries, finely chopped, to prevent sogginess and maintain cookie texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft with golden edges.
- If cream cheese remains after mixing dough, use that; otherwise, prepare frosting using fresh cream cheese for best taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
