why make this recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies bring together two beloved desserts into one delicious treat. With the rich flavor of cheesecake and the sweetness of strawberries, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They are soft, chewy, and stuffed with a creamy filling, making them an irresistible dessert. Whether you have a sweet tooth or are looking for a special treat to share, these cookies are sure to delight everyone.

how to make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients:

Butter, softened – 1 cup
Brown sugar, packed – ¼ cup
Granulated sugar – 1 cup
1 large egg, room temperature
Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
Strawberry extract – ½ teaspoon
Red or pink food coloring (optional) – 1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour – 2½ cups
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
Salt – ¼ teaspoon (omit if using salted butter)

Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream cheese, softened – 1 cup
Powdered sugar – ⅔ cup
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Topping:

Granulated sugar – about 1 cup (for rolling)

Directions:

Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drop 1–2 teaspoon dollops onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30–60 minutes.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla, strawberry extract, and food coloring until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed until just combined. The dough should be thick and not sticky.
Stuff Cookies: Flatten about 2 tablespoons of dough, place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center, and seal it completely. Roll into a smooth ball and coat it in granulated sugar.
Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are soft. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet so the filling can firm up.

how to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Serve these delightful cookies warm or at room temperature. They make a great dessert for parties, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat at home. Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee for a perfect combination.

how to store Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

tips to make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Make sure to soften your butter and cream cheese for easy mixing.
Don’t skip freezing the cheesecake filling; it helps to keep its shape when stuffed in the cookie.
Experiment with different food coloring to give your cookies a fun twist.

variation

You can adjust the flavor by using different extracts, such as vanilla or lemon, instead of strawberry. You could also add chocolate chips for a chocolate-strawberry twist that would pair beautifully with the cream cheese filling.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture of the filling may be slightly different.

How can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to freeze the cheesecake filling ahead of time.

What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking. This helps them keep their shape better in the oven.