If you’re craving something soft, fruity, and irresistibly creamy, the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies combine rich cheesecake flavors with a vibrant strawberry jam center, wrapped in tender cookie dough for a delightful bite every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a comforting snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy cookies with a creamy cheesecake center create an amazing contrast every bite.
- Fruity Freshness: The strawberry jam filling adds a bright, natural sweetness that complements the rich dough beautifully.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, making it easy and accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Great for Sharing: These cookies make a charming gift or festive addition to any party platter.
- Flexible Recipe: Easy to customize with other fruit jams or toppings to match your mood or season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect combination of flavor and texture. From the buttery cookies to the creamy cheesecake and sweet jam, these components come together seamlessly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for the cookie dough, ensuring a soft yet structured bite.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that’s essential for the cheesecake flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Contributes to the tender crumb and buttery taste without overpowering other flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough nicely and helps create a delicate crisp edge.
- Egg: Binds all the ingredients and adds moisture for softness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Strawberry Jam: The star filling providing a luscious, fruity burst inside each cookie.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that ensures cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
- Sour Cream (optional): Adds extra moisture and slight tang to balance sweetness.
Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
Feel free to tailor these cookies to your taste or dietary needs with simple swaps and creative touches. This base recipe adapts easily for many delicious twists.
- Raspberry Jam Filling: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry for a sharper, tart flavor contrast.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Version: Replace cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives and egg with flaxseed or applesauce.
- Lemon Zest Addition: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once baked, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for extra indulgence.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Dough
Start by beating the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and mix until fluffy. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, beating well. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, folding gently to form a soft dough. For added moisture and tang, you can mix in sour cream here if desired.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies with Jam Filling
Once chilled, scoop small portions of dough into your hand, flatten slightly, and add a dollop of strawberry jam in the center. Gently fold the dough around the jam, sealing it completely and rolling it into a smooth ball. Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft. Let them cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Optional Finishing Touches
For an elegant presentation, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate once fully cooled. These little extras add a lovely touch without complicating the recipe.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the best creamy texture and flavor, avoid low-fat versions.
- Don’t Overfill: Use a modest amount of jam to prevent leaking during baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smooth mixing and even texture.
- Chill Dough Properly: Chill for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Watch Baking Time: Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft inside.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
Garnishes
Lightly dust these cookies with powdered sugar or match with fresh sliced strawberries for a charming, authentic touch that complements the jam filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a cup of fresh brewed tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack, or enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with small bowls of assorted jams for dipping, or stack them with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for a stunning cookie tower centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and freshness.
Freezing
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy fresh-baked flavor anytime.
Reheating
Warm cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave briefly to revive their softness and slightly melt the jam center for a treat that feels freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade jam instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade strawberry jam works wonderfully and lets you control sweetness and texture for a personal touch.
What’s the best cream cheese to use?
Use full-fat, block cream cheese at room temperature for the richest, creamiest cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend for similar results.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking?
Use a small dollop of jam and ensure the dough completely encloses it, sealing edges firmly before baking.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Definitely! These strawberry cheesecake cookies with jam filling are mild in flavor, soft in texture, and loved by both kids and adults.
Final Thoughts
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling is an absolute joy, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Whether it’s a special treat for yourself or a sweet gift to share with loved ones, this recipe brings together the best of creamy cheesecake and sweet fruit jam wrapped in tender cookie dough. Give it a go—you’re going to adore every bite!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft, fruity, and irresistibly creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling combine rich cheesecake flavors with a vibrant strawberry jam center, wrapped in tender cookie dough for a delightful bite. Perfect as a comforting snack or festive treat, they are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz cream cheese, full-fat, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sour cream
Filling
- Strawberry jam, for filling (about 1 tablespoon per cookie)
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Melted dark or white chocolate, for drizzling
- Fresh sliced strawberries, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Dough: Beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and mix until fluffy. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, beating well. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, folding gently to form a soft dough. If desired, mix in sour cream for extra moisture and tang.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Shape the Cookies with Jam Filling: Once chilled, scoop small portions of dough into your hand, flatten slightly, and add a dollop of strawberry jam in the center. Gently fold the dough around the jam, sealing it completely and rolling it into a smooth ball. Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft. Let them cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional Finishing Touches: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Do not overfill the cookies with jam to prevent leaking during baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even texture.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Watch the baking time carefully to keep cookies soft inside.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
