Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
There’s something truly magical about cookies that blend the timeless flavors of cheesecake and the freshness of strawberries. I remember the first time I tried Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies at a friend’s gathering; they were the star of the dessert table, drawing everyone in with their sweet aroma. As I took my first bite, the rich creaminess of the cream cheese combined with hints of strawberry and buttery goodness transported me to a dreamy place. The crispy edges and soft centers were undeniably satisfying, making it hard to eat just one. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, be it a picnic, a family gathering, or even a cozy night in with a movie. They remind me of warm days and sweet memories shared with loved ones, making each bite feel like a hug from the inside. If you’re looking for a dessert that can impress your guests while also giving you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, then Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies should definitely be on your baking list!
Recipe Snapshot
3 hr 30 mins
200 mins
10 mins
Hard
150 kcal
2 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
7 g
Oven, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl
The Appeal of This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Unique Flavor Combination
What sets these cookies apart is the delightful fusion of flavors. The combination of cream cheese and strawberries creates a rich, creamy base while the graham crackers provide a tasty crunch reminiscent of a classic cheesecake crust. This unexpected twist is sure to surprise and please anyone who takes a bite.
Texture Contrast
When you sink your teeth into a Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie, you’re greeted with a wonderful contrast of textures. The edges are slightly crispy, which gives way to a soft and chewy center. This perfect balance keeps you coming back for more and makes each cookie feel special.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies don’t just taste amazing; they are incredibly versatile. From holiday parties to summer barbecues, the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a hit no matter the event. They fit right in with any dessert spread and are sure to spark conversations with their unique flavor profile.
Easy to Make
If you’re worried about baking skills, fear not! The process for making these cookies is simple and straightforward. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and with just a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone raving. You’ll impress your friends and family without fussing for hours in the kitchen!
Great for Sharing
Cookies are inherently shareable, and these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are no exception. Whether you’re packing them for a potluck or dropping off homemade treats to a neighbor, their delightful flavor and beautiful presentation make them perfect for sharing. You might even inspire others to bake!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients
Each ingredient in these cookies plays a vital role in creating the final masterpiece. The blend of flavors and textures comes from choosing quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. The key players in this recipe include all-purpose flour, which gives the cookies structure; butter for richness; cream cheese for that decadent cheesecake flavor; and essential strawberries that brighten up the dish. Together, they create an irresistible cookie experience.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled – This gives structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while being soft inside.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the cookies rise and achieve a nice texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- 3 oz full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature – Provides that creamy cheesecake flavor that makes these cookies special.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies without masking the other flavors.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 1 cup chopped graham crackers – Gives that classic cheesecake crust flavor and adds a delicious crunch.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips – Adds sweetness and a creamy texture that complements the strawberries.
- 1 oz freeze-dried strawberries – Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds delightful texture.
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on cookies – Enhances the flavors with a touch of saltiness.
- For garnish: extra graham cracker pieces, white chocolate chips, and freeze-dried strawberries – Makes the cookies extra pretty and inviting!
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Let’s dive into the fun part—baking these amazing cookies! With easy steps and minimal fuss, you’ll be enjoying warm Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies in no time. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step is essential as it helps evenly distribute the leavening agent, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly. Set this mixture aside.
- Next, grab the bowl of your stand mixer and combine the unsalted butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream them together on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You’re looking for a light and fluffy consistency, so be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary. This will help incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Once your mixture is nice and fluffy, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the pure vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.
- Now it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the mix! Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies. You want to see a few streaks of flour still visible.
- Gently fold in the chopped graham crackers, white chocolate chips, and freeze-dried strawberries. This is where the magic happens as these ingredients will give your cookies that signature flavor and texture!
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop the dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading.
- Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies. The chill time will help the flavors meld and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Take the chilled dough from the refrigerator and arrange the dough balls on a new parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining that 2-inch space.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are slightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake them; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Once out of the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops for an extra flavor boost!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This waiting period allows the cookies to set and develop that perfect texture. If desired, gently press extra chopped graham cracker pieces, white chocolate chips, and strawberry pieces into the tops of the cookies while they’re still warm to make them extra pretty!
Things Worth Knowing
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and incorporates air for a lighter texture.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for flavor development and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baked.
- Check for Doneness: When baking, the cookies may look a bit undercooked in the center. That’s okay! They will continue to bake on the sheet after removal, creating a chewy texture.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins! You can swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or use other freeze-dried fruits for a twist.
Recipe Variations about Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
While the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delight as is, there are plenty of fun twists you can try! Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for a richer taste!
- Nutty Addition: Add in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Different Fruits: Instead of strawberries, try using blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
- Mini Cookies: For bite-sized treats, scoop smaller balls of dough and adjust baking time to 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drizzle: Consider drizzling some white chocolate over the tops of the cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
- Cheesecake Swirl: For a fun twist, create a cheesecake swirl by marbling additional cream cheese into the cookie dough before baking.
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen—just add 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Pairing: These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Best Served With
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are delightful on their own, but there are plenty of ways to enhance your serving experience. Here are some great ideas:
- Milk: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies. Whether it’s almond, oat, or regular cow’s milk, it’s a perfect match.
- Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. The warmth of the drink complements the flavors beautifully.
- Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that feels like a treat.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies, enhancing the fruit flavors.
- Picnics: These cookies are perfect for outdoor gatherings. Pack them in a cute tin for a sweet surprise during a picnic!
- Special Occasions: They make an excellent addition to any dessert table at parties, celebrations, or family gatherings.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store these cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, or freeze them for later enjoyment.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a unique twist on classic flavors, offering a delicious blend that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Their combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements delivers a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed! Your friends and family will surely be impressed, and you might just become known as the cookie expert in your circle. Happy baking!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream the unsalted butter, full-fat cream cheese, and sugars together until smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl with a spatula, as necessary.
- Add the large eggs and pure vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined. Don’t over mix. Stir in the chopped graham crackers, white chocolate chips, and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Scoop the dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons per cookie. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- When ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are slightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t over bake. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. If desired, gently press extra chopped graham cracker pieces, white chocolate chips, and strawberry pieces into the tops of the cookies to make them extra pretty.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.
Notes
- How to Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze (Dough): Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
- To Freeze (Baked Cookies): Let the cookies cool completely, then freeze in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
