There is nothing quite like the delightful marriage of tangy cream cheese and sweet, juicy strawberries in a dessert—but imagine capturing all that goodness in a soft, chewy cookie form! This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe takes the classic flavors you love from a cheesecake and transforms them into handheld treats that are bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies offer a lovely balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness that will have you reaching for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together beautifully to create the perfect strawberry cheesecake cookie. Each one plays a key role, from the richness of the butter and cream cheese to the bright, fresh punch of strawberry puree.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps cookies soft and flavorful.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): Adds that signature tangy, smooth cheesecake texture that’s essential here.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender crumb.
- Strawberry puree (1/4 cup): Delivers natural, vibrant strawberry flavor and beautiful color.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure to hold the cookies together while keeping them soft.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup for rolling): Creates a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth coating that finishes the cookies perfectly.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by softening the butter and cream cheese to room temperature, then beat them together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates that ultra-soft, creamy texture you expect in cheesecake desserts.
Step 2: Add Sugar, Strawberry Puree, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the granulated sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The strawberry puree not only infuses the dough with a fresh fruity flavor but also gives these cookies their lovely pinkish hue.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. Don’t worry if the dough feels sticky at first; you can add a touch more flour to make it easier to handle without losing the cookie’s tenderness.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into neat balls later on.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Getting your oven ready ahead of time ensures even baking.
Step 6: Form and Roll the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, then roll each in powdered sugar for a beautifully sweet and crackly coating. Arrange the cookies on the baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for gentle spreading.
Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a light golden color while the centers remain soft — that’s your cue that they’re perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps them set and prevents crumbling when you bite into that chewy, strawberry-infused goodness.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these cookies by dusting a little extra powdered sugar on top just before serving, or add a small dollop of whipped cream and a slice of fresh strawberry for an elegant touch. These simple additions not only make them look irresistible but also add that extra hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot coffee to complement the creamy, fruity flavors. A small bowl of mixed berries on the side can enhance the strawberry notes and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, try stacking the cookies and sandwiching a layer of cream cheese frosting or strawberry jam between two cookies for a decadent treat. You could also serve them on a pretty dessert platter surrounded by fresh strawberries and edible flowers to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strawberry cheesecake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is a safe option to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later by wrapping each cookie individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months, allowing you to savor the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated cookies back to fresh-from-the-oven softness, heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gently warms the cookies without making them hard or crumbly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly for the puree. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid overly wet dough. This keeps your cookies from becoming too sticky.
Do these cookies taste like actual cheesecake?
Absolutely! The cream cheese gives these cookies a subtle tang and creamy texture that closely mimics cheesecake, while the strawberry puree adds that bright fruitiness you expect from a classic strawberry cheesecake.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key to achieving the signature flavor and texture of this recipe, so substitutions aren’t recommended. However, if you must, mascarpone can work but will alter the taste slightly.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges while the centers still look soft. The cookies will firm up during cooling, so it’s better not to overbake and risk them becoming dry.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps blend the flavors and makes rolling easier, but if you’re in a rush, you can bake immediately. Just be mindful that the cookies might spread more and have a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to delight yourself and your loved ones with an irresistibly tender, fruity, and creamy treat, this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a must-try. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is as enjoyable as eating them. Go ahead, bake a batch today, and watch how quickly these sweet little gems disappear from the plate!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies offer a deliciously sweet twist on traditional cookies by combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries. Soft, tender, and coated in powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for dessert lovers looking for a unique and delightful treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Coating
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Cream butter and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring a creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Add flavoring ingredients: Mix in the granulated sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until fully combined, incorporating sweetness and strawberry flavor throughout the dough.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of additional flour to make it manageable.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape and coat cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Place them on the baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and develop their texture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh strawberries blended into puree or use store-bought strawberry puree.
- If dough is too sticky after refrigeration, add a little extra flour gradually before rolling.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For an extra strawberry flavor, add finely chopped dried strawberries to the dough.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
