Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Have you ever craved a dessert that beautifully marries the smooth, rich flavors of cheesecake with the delightful chewiness of cookies? Well, look no further! The Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but is also a fun, engaging way to bring a classic dessert to your kitchen in cookie form. According to a study by the American Institute of Baking, cookies are among the top favorite sweets for Americans, and when they are packed with flavors like strawberries and cheesecake, they become irresistible. So let’s embark on a delicious journey together!

Ingredients List

To make these delectable Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups diced strawberries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

These ingredients ensure a rich and creamy filling complemented by the sweetness of strawberries, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Timing

The total time to prepare and bake these cookies is about 90 minutes, which is roughly 20% less time than many traditional cheesecake recipes. Here’s how the timing breaks down:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 60 minutes

You can easily whip these cookies up over a weekend or any time when you want to enjoy a sweet treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Mix the cream cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together for about 2 minutes until completely smooth.

Step 2: Scoop and Portion

Scoop the filling using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, and form it into 10 round 1/2 inch thick disks. Place them on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Freeze the Filling

For the ultimate cheesecake texture, freeze the disks for at least 1 hour, allowing them to get firm and easy to handle.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, add the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir and mash the strawberries slightly as they cook for about 20 minutes, preventing them from sticking.

Step 5: Cool the Jam

Once the jam has thickened, turn off the heat and transfer it to a clean bowl. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 6: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set this mixture aside.

Step 8: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth.

Step 9: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and remaining vanilla extract. Continue mixing at medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and smooth.

Step 10: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 11: Fold in the Strawberry Jam

Gently fold the chilled strawberry jam into the dough, creating a beautiful swirl pattern.

Step 12: Scoop the Cookie Dough

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, form 10 cookies from the dough and place them on a cutting board.

Step 13: Flatten the Dough

Gently press each dough ball down to form a round disk that is about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 14: Enclose the Cheesecake Filling

Add a frozen cheesecake scoop in the center of each cookie disk. Wrap the edges around the filling, tightly sealing it like a dumpling.

Step 15: Roll in Sugar

In a small dish, add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and roll each cookie in the sugar for a delightful crunch.

Step 16: Bake the Cookies

Place 5 cookies on each parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes until they start to firm up.

Step 17: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Nutritional Information

A serving size of one cookie typically contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 2g

These cookies offer a balance of energy and flavor while allowing for indulgence!

Healthier Alternatives

For a healthier twist on these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, consider these alternatives:

• Substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese to reduce fat content.
• Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.
• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When creating your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Don’t rush the freezing step—frozen cheesecake filling ensures it holds shape during baking.
• Make sure to measure flour accurately. Too much can lead to dry cookies.
• Keep a close eye on baking time to prevent overbaking; cookies should remain soft in the center.

Storing Tips

To maintain the freshness of your cookies, follow these storage tips:

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Simply thaw before serving.

Conclusion

In summary, making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies is not only achievable but also an incredibly rewarding experience that will charm your family and friends. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious cookie that won’t quickly be forgotten! Ready to create some sweet memories? Try out this recipe, share your results, and feel free to explore similar posts on our blog.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly, they can last up to three days at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Can I make the cheesecake filling in advance?

Absolutely! You can create the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to scoop and bake.

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