Introduction to STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES
Hello, foodie friends! I’m sure, just like me, you’re always searching for that perfect recipe – delicious enough to tantalize your taste buds and brighten the faces of your loved ones. Well, here it is: the strawberry cheesecake cookie. These tiny gems contain the richness of cheesecake and the flavor of fresh strawberries within a cookie. Well, for your busy days, when you suddenly plan to organize a get-together, this is your instant sweet recipe. Seriously, apart from the scent wafting through your kitchen, nothing can beat the look on your family’s faces the very first time they taste it!
Why You’ll Love This STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES
What’s not to love about that? Super easy to prepare taking just approx 34 minutes total from start to eating. So, enjoy the flavor blast that combines a creamy cheesecake filling with sweet strawberries now with each bite! So, they are nice to serve on an occasion or for a dessert night with the family. Believe me, it is going to be a huge popular s\ugary item in your household; so be prepared!
Ingredients in STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES
Before we dive into baking these oh-so-delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies, let’s gather our ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Graham cracker crumbs: This is the base for our cookies, giving them a delightful crunch reminiscent of traditional cheesecake.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for structure, it helps bind the cookie dough together.
- Baking powder: A little lift goes a long way! This will make our cookies rise slightly for that just-right texture.
- Salt: A pinch elevates sweetness, balancing out all the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a creamy and rich cookie dough. Always prefer unsalted to control the saltiness.
- Brown sugar: This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making our cookies soft and chewy.
- Large egg: An essential binder that helps the ingredients stick together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie dough; use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling! Softened cream cheese creates that luscious cheesecake layer we all love.
- Sugar: Sweetness is key here, blending beautifully with the cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Vanilla extract (for filling): A touch of vanilla in the cheesecake filling enhances taste even more.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: This fruity topping adds the final sweet touch, giving our cookies that fresh strawberry zing. Feel free to adjust sweetness according to your taste!
For exact measurements, you can check the list at the bottom of the article, where they’re available for printing. Now that we have everything ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and bake some amazing strawberry cheesecake cookies!
How to Make STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture forms a perfect foundation for your cookies. Stir it gently. We want to evenly distribute those ingredients before we add the wet ones.
Step 3: Make Dough
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy. The texture should resemble a fluffy cloud! Now, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well mixed. Gradually combine this wet mixture with the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Prepare Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This velvety filling is what transforms our cookie into a mini cheesecake!
Step 5: Form Cookies
Scoop the cookie dough into equal-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet. Use your thumb to make a deep indent in the center of each ball. Then, fill that lovely indent with about a teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture. Top it off with a dollop of strawberry jam for that fruity goodness.
Step 6: Bake
Now it’s time to bake! Place the cookies in the oven and let them bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for a smoother dough; it mixes better!
- Feel free to customize with different jams or even fresh strawberries on top.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cookie dough.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; letting them cool completely enhances the flavor.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh!
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: Any sturdy baking sheet will do, but a non-stick one is excellent for easy removal.
- Parchment paper: Use this for a quick cleanup—it’s a baker’s best friend!
- Mixing bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls will help with mixing ingredients.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer speeds things up, but a whisk works too!
- Cookie scoop: Optional, but it helps portion your dough evenly for uniform cookies.
Variations
- Chocolate strawberry cheesecake cookies: Add cocoa powder to your dough for a delicious chocolate twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberry filling.
- No-bake version: For a light, no-bake treat, skip the baking and simply layer the cheesecake filling and strawberry jam in a glass for a delightful dessert parfait.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for a safe and tasty treat.
- Fresh strawberries: Instead of jam, use chopped fresh strawberries to top your cookies for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Vegan adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly cookie.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these strawberry cheesecake cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Serve them alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance the sweetness.
- For a beautiful presentation, arrange the cookies on a pastel-colored platter and garnish with fresh strawberries.
- Consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
FAQs about STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES
Can I make STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking. Perfect for last-minute gatherings!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw before indulging!
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry jam?
Definitely! Chopped fresh strawberries add a delightful burst of flavor. Just be sure to enjoy them right after baking, as they won’t hold up as well over time.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges! Your cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned, and the center still looks soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives. This way, everyone can enjoy the sweet goodness of your strawberry cheesecake cookies!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking strawberry cheesecake cookies. The process is simple yet rewarding, resulting in cookies that not only taste incredible but also brighten any day. Each bite takes you on a delicious journey, combining the creamy cheesecake with the sweetness of strawberries. What’s even better is sharing them with family and friends; their delight is the true cherry on top! If you’re juggling a busy schedule or just need a quick treat, these cookies are here to save the day. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find it hard to have just one!
Print
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies with a graham cracker base, cream cheese filling, and a sweet strawberry topping.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mix well, then combine with the dry ingredients to form the dough.
- For the cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Scoop cookie dough into balls and press a deep indent in the center with your thumb or spoon.
- Fill each indent with about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture.
- Top the cheesecake filling with 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam or preserves.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Adjust the sweetness of strawberry jam based on personal preference.
- Let the cookies cool completely to enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
