Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Cookies are one of the most beloved treats around the world, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings anytime. But when you combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fruity freshness of strawberries, you get a cookie experience that’s nothing short of magical. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies offer the best of both worlds: a soft, creamy center reminiscent of cheesecake, enveloped by a perfectly baked cookie that’s tender yet slightly chewy.

This recipe is special because it captures the essence of a classic strawberry cheesecake in a convenient, handheld cookie form. Whether you’re planning a dessert for a crowd or just want a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of real strawberries, cream cheese, and vanilla in these cookies truly brings a delightful burst of flavor that is both indulgent and refreshing. Plus, their beautiful pink-speckled appearance makes them as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (150 grams) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (80 grams) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional, for extra strawberry flavor)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries carefully to distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough. This will give lovely strawberry bursts in each bite.
To make the cream cheese filling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Optionally, fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries for that extra fruity pop.
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out cookie dough balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand. Place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of the cream cheese filling in the center of half the dough balls.
Top the cream cheese-filled dough balls with the remaining dough balls and gently pinch the edges to seal, forming a sandwich cookie with cream cheese in the middle.
Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to preserve the creamy texture inside.
Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Difficulty: Medium

Tips & Variations

Use freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh to avoid adding extra moisture to the dough, which can affect texture.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
Don’t overmix the cookie dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
Press the edges well when sealing the cream cheese filling to avoid leaking during baking.
For a decorative touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over cooled cookies.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)

Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, blending the creamy, tangy flavor of cheesecake with the sweet, vibrant notes of strawberries. They make an impressive dessert for gatherings or a special treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee. Give this recipe a try and watch as these little cookies become a favorite in your household.

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or even alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. Don’t forget to share your baking success and any creative twists you try in the comments below—happy baking!