There is something truly magical about biting into a cookie that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity burst of strawberry. This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe brings that dream to life, blending luscious cream cheese and real strawberry puree into a soft, tender cookie that melts in your mouth. Perfectly balanced in flavor and delightfully chewy, these cookies are not just a treat—they’re a celebration of everything you love about classic desserts, reimagined in a fun, handheld form that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, you’ll be pleased to know this recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a cookie full of incredible flavor and inviting texture. Each component plays a critical role, from the smooth cream cheese that ensures softness to the strawberry puree that imparts a fresh, vibrant color and taste.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): The secret to that classic cheesecake flavor and superbly soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping achieve the slight crisp edges.
- Strawberry puree (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness, flavor, and a stunning pink hue that’s unmistakably inviting.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors for a harmonious bite.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structural backbone, giving the cookies just the right chew without heaviness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): For rolling the dough balls, creating a delicate, crackled sugar coating that adds a touch of elegance.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Begin by combining the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until they become smooth and fluffy. This step is essential because it ensures the base of your cookie dough is light, which gives your cookies that beautiful tender crumb texture.
Step 2: Mix in Sugar, Strawberry Puree, and Vanilla
Next, add the granulated sugar, fresh strawberry puree, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix these until everything is fully incorporated, and you start to smell that incredible aroma of strawberries mingled with vanilla and creaminess. This is where the flavor really begins to shine through.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Into Dough
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir gently until the dough just comes together. At this point, if you find the dough a bit sticky, don’t worry—just sprinkle in a touch more flour until it’s manageable. The dough should be soft but not overly tacky, perfect for shaping.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling period is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick surface ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking or burning on the bottom.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookie Dough
Use a tablespoon to scoop out evenly sized dough balls. Roll each one generously in powdered sugar, coating them completely. This addition not only adds an irresistible crackled exterior but also a slight sweetness that perfectly contrasts with the soft insides.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your sugar-coated dough balls about two inches apart on the baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start turning a lovely golden color. This timing ensures the cookies bake through while staying soft and chewy in the center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly without breaking apart.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe even further, consider sprinkling extra powdered sugar or adding a small dollop of whipped cream topped with a fresh strawberry slice. These additions make each cookie feel like a special treat perfect for guests or cozy moments at home.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a simple cup of hot tea, a latte, or even a chilled glass of milk for an indulgent snack or dessert. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad complement the strawberry flavor and add a refreshing balance on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, stack the cookies in an airtight jar layered with wax paper or wrap them in pretty parchment tied with twine. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or jam for an extra fruity cheesecake twist everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and delicious. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigeration is a good idea to prevent the cream cheese in the dough from spoiling.
Freezing
These cookies freeze really well, either baked or as dough balls. If freezing dough balls, roll them in powdered sugar first, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm individual cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain softness and bring back their fresh-baked flavor. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries to make the strawberry puree?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work perfectly. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess water before pureeing to avoid making the dough too wet.
Is cream cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
Cream cheese is key for the authentic cheesecake flavor and texture in this recipe. Substituting it would change the texture and taste significantly, so we recommend sticking with the original ingredient.
How can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
You can try vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, but results may vary. Look for substitutes designed for baking to maintain the right texture and flavor.
Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps control spreading during baking and enhances the cookie’s texture from soft and chewy to tender and slightly crisp on the edges.
Can this recipe be doubled easily?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and be sure to use larger mixing bowls and baking sheets to handle the increased dough comfortably.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a delightful twist to your cookie repertoire, the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its heavenly blend of creamy, fruity, and sugary goodness, this recipe will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, once you bake these, your cookie game will never be the same again. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the sweet magic of strawberry and cheesecake in every bite!
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 combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with a sweet strawberry twist for a delightful treat. Soft, tender, and coated in powdered sugar, these cookies offer a perfect balance of fruity flavor and creamy texture, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
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 smooth and fluffy, ensuring the base for the cookies is well combined and airy.
- Add Flavorings: Add the granulated sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully combined and evenly incorporated for a consistent flavor throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes manageable to handle.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up, which helps maintain the shape of the cookies during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each in powdered sugar to coat them evenly. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked and tender inside.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set and develop their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky after chilling, add additional flour gradually to achieve the correct consistency.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can use strawberry jam or puree made from fresh strawberries.
- Ensure cookies are not overbaked to keep them soft and chewy rather than crunchy.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; thaw at room temperature before serving.
