These strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delightful blend of rich, creamy filling and fruity, tender cookie dough. Fresh strawberries and a cream cheese center make these cookies a perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft texture and luscious flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp strawberry extract
For the Strawberry Cookie Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted sweet cream butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp strawberry extract
- 1 large egg + 1 egg white, room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, capped, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing strawberries)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for 30 seconds until smooth.
- Reduce speed to medium-low and add powdered sugar and strawberry extract. Continue beating until smooth.
- Scoop out 1 ½ teaspoon-sized portions of the filling onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten the dollops into disks and freeze while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cookie Dough
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and strawberry extracts, and mix until combined.
- Add the egg and egg white one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, until just combined.
- Toss the chopped strawberries in 1 tablespoon of flour, and gently fold them into the dough.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a large cookie scoop, divide the dough into 24 balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Remove the frozen cream cheese disks from the freezer and press one into the center of each dough ball. Shape the dough around the filling to enclose it completely.
- Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10-12 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Chilling time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 12-14 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Cheesecake Cookies: Swap the strawberry extract for lemon extract and use lemon zest for a zesty twist.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cookies: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-strawberry combination.
- Berry Mix: Replace the strawberries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
Storage and Reheating
- To Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Place baked cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries, as frozen ones can add too much moisture and make the dough sticky. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with something else?
You can substitute the cream cheese filling with a store-bought strawberry jam or Nutella for a different flavor. - Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can make these cookies gluten-free. - How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature but not too soft. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. - Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape during baking, so it’s recommended not to skip this step. - How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking?
Ensure the cookie dough is properly wrapped around the cream cheese filling to avoid leaks during baking. - Can I use other extracts?
Absolutely! Try using almond or coconut extract for a different flavor profile. - How do I make the cookies more colorful?
You can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough or filling to enhance the strawberry theme. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or halve the recipe depending on your needs.
Conclusion
Strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the freshness of strawberries with the richness of cream cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a balance of sweetness and tanginess that will impress your friends and family. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for any cookie lover!