If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines the luscious creaminess of cheesecake with the fruity brightness of fresh strawberries, you’re in for a delightful surprise with this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the essence of a classic cheesecake dessert but in a soft, chewy cookie form that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging yourself. With every bite, you’ll enjoy that irresistible balance of buttery richness, tangy strawberry flavor, and a delicately powdered sugar coating that feels like a gentle kiss of sweetness. Trust me, once you try these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to sweets for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a short list of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic. Each one plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and color for these unforgettable cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base and tender crumb for the cookies.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star ingredient bringing that signature cheesecake tang and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds the perfect level of sweetness and helps tenderize the dough.
- Strawberry puree (1/4 cup): Infuses fresh, vibrant color and fruity flavor throughout the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives structure and holds all the ingredients together harmoniously.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and brings out the depth in flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Creates a delicate, snowy coating that adds charm and an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by combining the softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat them until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial as it creates the creamy base that makes these cookies irresistibly tender and rich.
Step 2: Add Sugar, Strawberry Puree, and Vanilla
Next, add the granulated sugar along with that luscious strawberry puree and vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until you get an even, slightly pink-hued batter that hints at the delicious fruity flavor to come.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt to form a soft dough. If your dough feels too sticky, just sprinkle in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easy to handle but still tender enough to give you those perfect chewy cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape while helping the cookies hold their shape as they bake.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple prep step makes cleanup a breeze too!
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Then, roll each one generously in powdered sugar to create that signature crackled, snowy look once baked. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden color. The centers will remain soft and slightly chewy, just like that classic cheesecake texture we’re all dreaming of.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Watching these beauties cool is always a test of patience—they smell just that good!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies even further, consider topping them with a bit of whipped cream and a thin slice of fresh strawberry. A light dusting of additional powdered sugar just before serving will add to their elegant appearance and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of your favorite tea, especially fruity or floral varieties like chamomile or hibiscus. For an adult twist, serve alongside strawberry-infused sparkling water or a glass of rosé wine for a sophisticated dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand or stack them with layers of fresh strawberries and small dollops of cream cheese frosting sandwiched between. They also make an adorable homemade gift in decorated tins or cellophane bags tied with a sweet ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh while allowing the flavors to stay vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies both before and after baking. To freeze dough, shape the balls, coat with powdered sugar, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to three months. For baked cookies, store in an airtight container with parchment layers to prevent sticking and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
To refresh frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature and warm them gently in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. This will revive their tender texture and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries to make the puree?
Absolutely! Just thaw frozen strawberries completely and blend them into a puree. Fresh or frozen, the strawberry puree adds that essential fruity note that makes this recipe so special.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I substitute it?
Cream cheese is crucial for the cheesecake flavor and texture. If you try substituting it, the cookies won’t have the same tangy creaminess. For best results, stick to real cream cheese.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps prevent spreading too much during baking and improves the texture. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still be fantastic.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are lightly golden and centers that still look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy and creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe enough if you’re searching for a twist on a classic dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh. These cookies are so easy to make and such a joy to share, whether with family, friends, or just for a quiet moment of indulgence. I hope you find as much happiness baking and eating them as I have. Give them a try soon—you’re going to love the wonderful burst 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
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright, fruity flavor of strawberries, creating a delightful twist on classic cookies. Soft, tender, and beautifully coated in powdered sugar, they are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 there are no lumps for a velvety dough base.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the granulated sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined for an even distribution of flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour to achieve manageability.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shaping the cookies properly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll the dough balls in powdered sugar to coat fully. Place them on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the coated dough balls for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and have the best texture.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberry puree for the best flavor; you can make it by blending fresh strawberries until smooth.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading and to give the cookies their tender texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the dough.
- If you prefer a more pronounced vanilla aroma, increase vanilla extract by 1/2 teaspoon.
