A calm Sunday afternoon nestled by the window and a sudden urge for something sweet sent me diving into my pantry. That’s when I stumbled upon the perfect pairing: creamy cheesecake mingling with my homemade strawberry jam. It piqued my creative spirit, leading me to whip up some irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. These delightful treats are not only a quick baking project, but they’re also a showstopper at dinner parties that will have your guests singing your praises. With a tender cookie base wrapped around a luscious cheesecake filling, each bite unveils a delightful burst of juicy strawberry goodness. Curious to see how this delightful fusion of cookie and cheesecake comes together? Let’s bake! Why Are Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies a Must-Try? Irresistible Combination: These cookies blend two beloved desserts into one heavenly bite. Homemade Strawberry Jam adds a touch of freshness, making each cookie burst with flavor. Quick and Easy: No need for complicated techniques; this recipe is simple enough for all skill levels. Impressive Presentation: Serve them warm, and watch your guests raving about the gorgeous layers of cheesecake and jam. Customizable Delight: Feel free to swap the strawberries for your favorite fruit or embellish with flavored extracts like almond. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy tea time or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. Elevate your dessert spread by checking out our delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed or indulge in a simple yet elegant Free Strawberry Cheesecake for more delicious options! Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients Discover the essentials needed to create these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! For the Cheesecake Filling Cold Cream Cheese – Provides richness and fluffiness; keep it cold for better texture while mixing. Sugar – Sweetens both the cheesecake filling and cookie dough; adjust to your taste preference. Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic note; pure vanilla yields the best flavor. For the Strawberry Jam Diced Strawberries – Ensures bright, fresh flavor; choose ripe, seasonal strawberries for maximum sweetness. Sugar – Helps in creating the jam’s sweetness and texture; feel free to adjust based on berry tartness. For the Cookie Dough Flour – The main structure of the cookies; all-purpose flour works best, or use gluten-free flour as a substitute. Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results. Baking Soda – Another leavening agent; always check its freshness for best outcomes. Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor, essential for a well-rounded taste. Butter (Softened) – Brings tenderness and rich flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature for proper creaming. Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; using a room temperature egg is preferable. Sugar (for rolling) – Gives the cookies a sparkly finish; coarse sugar can add extra crunch. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the soft, buttery texture and striking flavors of your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Happy baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Once ready, use a cookie scoop to form small discs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to the freezer for at least 1 hour until solid. Step 2: Make the Strawberry Jam In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced strawberries with sugar. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently for about 45 minutes, smashing the strawberries halfway through to release juices. Keep an eye on the jam to prevent burning, and once it thickens and resembles a warm syrup, remove it from heat and allow it to cool completely. Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, ensuring not to overmix the dough. Step 4: Combine Dough and Jam Gently take the cooled strawberry jam and fold in chunks into the cookie dough, being careful not to break the jam up too much. This will create delicious pockets of flavor in your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. Step 5: Shape the Cookies After chilling, scoop out approximately two tablespoons of the dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a cheesecake disc in the center, fold the dough around it to enclose completely, and shape it into a ball. Roll each cookie ball in sugar for a sparkly finish, ensuring they are well-coated. Step 6: Bake the Cookies Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the coated cookie balls, leaving space in between. Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Gently press each cookie with a cookie cutter while they are warm to achieve that perfect shape, then let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something sweet without the hassle! You can prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing the ingredients and freezing small discs up to 24 hours in advance. Additionally, make the homemade strawberry jam ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to prevent the flavors from fading. For the cookie dough, simply prepare it and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just combine the dough with the frozen cheesecake discs and jam, roll in sugar, and bake for a delightful treat that tastes just as fresh as if made that day! Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies and explore these fun, delightful twists! Fruit Swaps: Substitute diced strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a fresh take on the jam. Each fruit brings its unique flavor while keeping the cookie light and bright! Cheese Variation: For a creamier texture, try using mascarpone in place of cream cheese. It lends a delightful richness that will elevate your cookies to gourmet status. Vegan Option: Swap out cream cheese for coconut cream and use a flax egg for a plant-based version. The coconut enhances the tropical taste while keeping the essence of cheesecake intact. Flavored Extracts: Change things up by incorporating almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla for a zesty twist. This little change will add a pop of flavor that’s sure to surprise! Nutty Addition: Consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture. They’ll give your cookies a delicious crunch, creating a lovely contrast to the creamy filling. Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies or mix in chocolate chips for an indulgent dessert. The chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of strawberries. Hot and Spicy: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness. It’s a fun way to elevate the flavor profile of these beloved cookies! Store-Bought Jam: If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought strawberry jam; just remember, homemade offers the brightest flavor. If you’re curious to explore more jam inspirations, check out these delicious Blueberry Cookies Vegan that might inspire your next baking adventure! Embrace these variations to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies truly your own, and enjoy the magic of baking your way! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Placing a slice of bread inside helps retain moisture. Fridge: If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Wrap them individually to maintain texture and flavor. Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if starting from frozen. Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will revive the delightful softness of your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies These cookies are the perfect treat to elevate your dessert experience, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and texture. Earl Grey Tea: The subtle bergamot flavor complements the rich cheesecake beautifully while providing a soothing companion. Fresh Berries: A medley of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberry jam. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm cookies, enhancing their richness. Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness. Consider a citrus-based salad for a tangy twist that brightens each bite. Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top can elevate these cookies, adding extra creaminess and a touch of elegance. Lemonade: For a refreshing drink, serve with chilled lemonade. The tartness cuts through the sweetness, making for a balanced pairing. Coffee or Latte: Coffee or a frothy latte brings warmth and depth, making them ideal companions during a cozy afternoon snack. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies intensifies the dessert experience, adding a delightful sweet contrast to the fruity notes. Sparkling Water: For a lighter option, bubbly sparkling water provides a refreshing cleanse between bites of these indulgent cookies, enhancing the overall enjoyment. Expert Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Chill the Dough: Ensure your dough and cheesecake discs are adequately chilled before baking. This helps maintain their shape during the baking process. Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality cream cheese and fresh strawberries for the best flavor in your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Store-bought ingredients may affect the final taste. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Adjust Sugar to Taste: If your strawberries are particularly sweet, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in both the cheesecake and the cookie dough for a balanced flavor. Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep watch while baking. You want the edges to be golden, but the centers should remain soft. Freezing for Freshness: Assemble unbaked cookies and freeze them. When you have a craving, bake them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs What kind of strawberries should I use for the jam? Opt for ripe, seasonal strawberries to ensure your homemade jam bursts with flavor. Look for berries that are bright red and firm with no dark spots. If they’re overripe or mushy, they may ruin your jam’s texture and taste. The sweeter your strawberries, the less sugar you’ll need to add during cooking. How should I store Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies? Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their moisture, consider placing a slice of bread inside the container. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, ensuring they are wrapped individually to preserve their flavor and texture. Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough? Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. To do this, shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a zip-top freezer bag for easy storage. When you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies, bake directly from frozen, adding an additional couple of minutes to the baking time. What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky? If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, it’s often beneficial to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape your cookie balls. If it’s still sticky after chilling, you can lightly dust your hands and the work surface with flour while shaping them. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe! For gluten-free cookies, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Additionally, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes if you’re following a dairy-free diet. Keep an eye on the sugar content as well, especially if you’re catering to individuals with specific health conditions. Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of homemade? Yes, while homemade strawberry jam offers the best flavor, high-quality store-bought jam can be a convenient alternative. Just ensure it contains real fruit and minimal additives to maintain the integrity of your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies blend creamy cheesecake with homemade strawberry jam for a delicious treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 12 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cheesecake Filling8 oz Cold Cream Cheese Keep it cold for better texture1/3 cup Sugar Adjust to taste preference1 tsp Vanilla Extract Pure vanilla yields the best flavorFor the Strawberry Jam2 cups Diced Strawberries Use ripe seasonal strawberries1/2 cup Sugar Adjust based on berry tartnessFor the Cookie Dough2 cups Flour All-purpose or gluten-free flour1 tsp Baking Powder Ensure it's fresh1 tsp Baking Soda Check its freshness1/2 tsp Salt Balances the sweetness1 cup Butter Softened, at room temperature1 large Egg Room temperature preferred1/4 cup Sugar For rolling, coarse sugar adds crunch Equipment Mixing bowlElectric mixerSaucepanbaking sheetParchment papercookie scoopRefrigeratoroven Method Prepare the Cheesecake FillingIn a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.Use a cookie scoop to form small discs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour until solid.Make the Strawberry JamIn a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced strawberries with sugar. Cook, stirring frequently for about 45 minutes, smashing halfway to release juices.Once thickened and resembling syrup, remove from heat and allow to cool completely.Prepare the Cookie DoughIn a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.Cream softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.Combine Dough and JamGently fold cooled strawberry jam into the cookie dough, creating pockets of flavor. Chill dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.Shape the CookiesScoop out two tablespoons of dough and flatten it. Place a cheesecake disc in the center, fold the dough around it to enclose completely, and shape into a ball.Roll each ball in sugar for a sparkly finish, ensuring they are well-coated.Bake the CookiesPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange the cookie balls, leaving space between.Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Press each cookie with a cookie cutter while warm, then cool on a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg NotesKeep an eye on baking time, as every oven differs. Store unbaked cookies in the freezer for future baking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
