Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 cup butter (room temperature); 1 cup light brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped and dried on paper towel to remove moisture); ½ cup graham cracker crumbs

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 69 reviews

If you are searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with creamy indulgence, this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine soft, buttery cookies loaded with juicy, fresh strawberries and dotted with white chocolate chips, all wrapped around a luscious cheesecake filling. Each bite offers a heavenly harmony of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and exciting. This recipe truly brings the best of strawberry cheesecake into cookie form, making it a fabulous dessert to share with friends, family, or simply savor on your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. There is a large glass bowl filled with white flour positioned at the top right corner. Below it, a smaller glass bowl holds white chocolate chips, showing a smooth round texture. To the left side, a glass bowl contains cubed butter with a creamy pale yellow color. In the middle, a white measuring cup holds finely chopped red strawberries, adding a splash of bright red color. Nearby, a white bowl contains light brown sugar with a grainy texture, and another clear bowl has soft yellow butter chunks. At the bottom, a small white bowl holds golden-brown graham cracker crumbs. Two white eggs sit side by side close to the white marbled surface. A tiny white sauce cup contains a reddish-brown liquid, likely vanilla extract, and another little white square bowl holds white salt and baking powder. Scattered are a metal measuring cup filled with powdered sugar and a bright yellow bowl filled with white sugar. The scene is bright with natural light highlighting each ingredient’s color and texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The best part about this recipe is how straightforward and well-thought-out the ingredients list is. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color, ensuring your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies turn out just right every time.

Cream cheese: Cubed for easy mixing, the star of the cheesecake filling that adds a rich, tangy creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese smoothly without any graininess.
Butter: At room temperature for that perfect soft and fluffy cookie base.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies moist.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and provides a slight crunch.
Egg and egg yolk: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Brings out and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and lightness.
Sea salt: Cuts through the sweetness and deepens the layers of flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with a soft crumb.
White chocolate chips: Provide luscious pockets of creamy sweetness scattered throughout.
Fresh strawberries: Chopped and carefully dried, they add juicy bursts of fruity freshness without turning soggy.
Graham cracker crumbs: Introduce a subtle crunch and the classic cheesecake crust note.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by combining the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them together on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until you achieve a smooth and creamy filling. Once ready, transfer this luscious mixture into a smaller bowl and pop it into the refrigerator while you work on the cookie dough. This chilling step helps the cheesecake filling set just right for the next stages.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the same mixing bowl, now ready for action, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat this mix until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 minutes and is key to a soft, tender cookie. Then incorporate the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well to create a perfectly unified base for your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients with Graham Cracker Crumbs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, all-purpose flour, and sea salt to ensure even distribution. Add approximately one-third of this dry mix into your wet ingredients along with the graham cracker crumbs. Mix gently on low speed until all these elements come together harmoniously without overworking the dough.

Step 4: Fold in the Rest of the Flour and Add-Ins

Gradually add the remainder of the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender. Now, delicately fold in the chopped strawberries and white chocolate chunks. Make sure to pat the strawberries dry on a paper towel before adding to prevent excess moisture, which keeps the cookie dough perfectly balanced for baking.

Step 5: Scoop and Flatten the Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball roughly 2 inches apart to leave room for spreading. Then, gently flatten each dough ball into a small, flat circle. This creates the perfect canvas to nestle in the cheesecake filling, giving you that irresistible surprise inside.

Step 6: Add the Cheesecake Filling and Seal

Scoop about 1½ teaspoons of the chilled cheesecake mixture into the center of each flattened dough circle. Carefully fold the edges over the cheesecake, sealing it inside. This might get a little messy and don’t worry if the filling peeks through; that’s part of the charm. Shape each into a tidy ball by rolling gently between your palms.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie balls for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, until they are firm to the touch. This chilling step is crucial—it helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking and ensures the cheesecake inside stays creamy.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once chilled, bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the tops are just set. After baking, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The result is a delectable Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe treasure you won’t want to miss.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a single cookie held by a woman's hand with pale pink nails, showing a soft and slightly rough texture with visible oats. The cookie has white round chocolate chips embedded on the top layer, scattered unevenly, mixed with bright red pieces of dried strawberries that add pops of color. The cookie edges are slightly uneven and golden brown, with some areas lighter around the white chips and strawberry bits. In the blurry background, several more cookies rest on a white marbled surface, along with a single fresh strawberry acting as a soft yet colorful backdrop, giving a fresh and inviting look to the scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this already amazing cookie, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh strawberry slices or a drizzle of melted white chocolate make for elegant garnishes that complement the flavors and add a bit of visual flair. Even a small sprig of mint can add a refreshing pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of fragrant coffee or tea. If you’re serving them at a party, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful dessert experience. For brunch, a fresh berry salad can keep the fruity theme going and balance the richness of the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe the star of the show by stacking them in a rustic basket with a pretty cloth napkin for a charming picnic vibe. Or, arrange them on a pretty cake stand surrounded by fresh strawberries and graham cracker crumbs. For gifting, wrap small batches in parchment paper tied with a ribbon—these cookies are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to receive them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your strawberry cheesecake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep fresh and delicious for up to three days, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat any time during the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect cheesecake center again.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, gently warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the filling and melt the white chocolate slightly, giving that fresh-baked feeling all over again. Avoid overheating to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the cookie dough?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries dried thoroughly on paper towels to avoid excess moisture that can make your cookie dough too wet and affect baking. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much liquid when thawed, so fresh is ideal.

Is there a way to make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives, along with egg replacers like flax eggs. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it’s a great way to enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe if you have dietary restrictions.

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling is crucial because it firms up the dough and the cheesecake filling, which helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven and prevents the filling from leaking out too much during baking.

Can I make mini versions of these cookies?

Absolutely! Just reduce the dough scoop size and the cheesecake filling portion accordingly, and bake for a few minutes less, monitoring closely to avoid over-baking. Mini cookies make perfect bite-sized treats for parties.

How long can I keep the chilled dough before baking?

You can keep the chilled cookie dough balls in the refrigerator tightly covered for up to 24 hours. This can actually enhance the flavors and make the baking process more convenient for busy days.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is like creating a little piece of magic in your kitchen. With its perfect blend of fruity freshness, rich cheesecake, and buttery cookie dough, it’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles and happy sighs around the table. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and fall in love just like I did. Happy baking!