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Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

4.6 from 58 reviews

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies combine buttery, tender cookie dough infused with freeze-dried strawberry powder and a rich, creamy cheesecake filling in the center. These soft, pink-hued cookies are baked to perfection with a light golden edge and decorated optionally with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries, making them a delightful treat perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened (for cookie dough)
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for cookie dough)
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (15-20g) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed to powder

Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened (for filling)
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted (for filling)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)

Optional Garnishes

  • Additional powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Fresh strawberry slices or small whole strawberries, for decoration

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Combine 8 oz softened full-fat cream cheese, ½ cup sifted powdered sugar, and ½ tsp pure vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours until firm. Optionally, scoop into 1-teaspoon sized balls and freeze for 15-20 minutes for easier handling.
  2. Prepare Strawberry Powder: Crush ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor or by hand; set aside.
  3. Cream Wet Cookie Dough Ingredients: In a stand mixer or large bowl with hand mixer, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Add ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup light brown sugar; beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale. Reduce speed to low, then add 1 large room temperature egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract; beat until just combined.
  4. Combine Dry Cookie Dough Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
  5. Mix Cookie Dough and Add Strawberry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet on low speed, mixing until just combined. Add crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder; mix for 15-30 seconds until evenly distributed with a light pink hue. Scrape down bowl sides.
  6. Chill Cookie Dough: Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour, up to 2 hours, to ensure proper shape and texture.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  8. Assemble and Stuff Cookies: Scoop 2 tablespoons dough per cookie, roll into a ball, flatten into a 2 ½ – 3 inch disc about ¼ inch thick. Place 1 tsp chilled cheesecake filling in center. Fold dough edges over filling to seal tightly, then roll into a smooth ball.
  9. Bake Cookies: Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers set but slightly soft. Avoid overbaking.
  10. Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on baking sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Garnish and Store: Once cooled, optionally dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3-4 days or freeze up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential to maintain cookie shape and texture during baking.
  • Using frozen cheesecake filling balls makes it easier to seal the cookies without leakage.
  • Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and tender in the center.
  • Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense strawberry flavor without adding moisture to the dough.
  • Cookies can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for extended freshness.

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake cookies, cheesecake filled cookies, strawberry cookies, cream cheese cookies, dessert cookies