Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity burst of strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, especially for Valentine’s Day, these cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful.
The soft texture of the cookie paired with the fresh strawberry topping and the light dusting of powdered sugar gives them a unique, indulgent flavor that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Blend of Flavors: These cookies combine the classic cookie texture with the rich, luxurious flavor of cheesecake, creating a unique and delicious treat.
Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies are soft, chewy, and almost cake-like, with the ideal level of sweetness to make each bite delightful.
Vibrant Strawberry Flavor: The strawberry flavor is subtle yet vibrant, making these cookies irresistible with just the right amount of fruitiness.
Versatility: The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add a swirl of strawberry jam, sprinkle white chocolate chips, or even swap strawberries for raspberries or blackberries for a different twist.
Chocolate Drizzle Option: You can drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies to enhance their decadence and make them even more indulgent.
Easy to Make: The recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
Steps To Make
Making these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare the Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in the cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Incorporate the Strawberries:
Once the dough is ready, fold in the fresh strawberries. Be sure to chop them finely so that they distribute evenly throughout the dough, giving every bite a burst of strawberry flavor.
Scoop and Bake:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges.
Let Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finish with Powdered Sugar and Fresh Strawberry:
Once the cookies are cool, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Top each cookie with a small piece of fresh strawberry to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
Variations
While these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are delicious on their own, you can easily switch things up to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. Dark chocolate or white chocolate works best and complements the strawberry flavor perfectly.
- White Chocolate Chips: Stir in white chocolate chips to the dough for an added layer of richness and sweetness. The white chocolate pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- Use Other Berries: If you want to mix things up, you can replace the strawberries with other fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries. Each berry brings its unique flavor, making these cookies even more customizable.
- Add a Lemon Twist: For a citrusy flair, add some lemon zest to the dough. The zesty lemon flavor will complement the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the cheesecake flavor.
How to Serve
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations.
They make a great dessert for a Valentine’s Day party or a spring picnic. Serve them on a bright white plate to make the colors of the strawberries pop, and you can even add a few decorative touches, like sprigs of mint or more fresh berries, for an extra burst of color.
If you want to get creative, serve the cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. You can even turn these cookies into an afternoon treat by pairing them with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar, and mix until fully combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped fresh strawberries until evenly distributed through the cookie dough.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form the dough balls.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, and the center is set.
- Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar and garnish with a small slice of fresh strawberry on top of each cookie.
