There’s something magical about a cookie that can deliver the velvety richness of cheesecake in a handheld, bite-sized treat. These Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of creamy sweetness, tangy bursts of strawberry, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Imagine the soft, pillowy cookies packed with strawberry flavor and studded with creamy cheesecake morsels—pure comfort in every bite.
These cookies are a year-round delight, but they truly shine during the warmer months when fresh strawberries are in season. They’re perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat to brighten up a rainy day. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment of self-care, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: No need for fancy equipment or advanced baking skills. This recipe is simple and straightforward.
- Cheesecake Flavor: The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that tastes just like cheesecake.
- Strawberry Bliss: Whether you use fresh strawberries or freeze-dried ones, these cookies are bursting with fruity goodness.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, tender, and chewy, with a slight crispness around the edges.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will love these cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries (or ⅓ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crumbled)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
How to Make Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your cookies bake perfectly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. The mixture should look pale and creamy—this step is key for soft, tender cookies.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries and White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries (or crumbled freeze-dried strawberries) and white chocolate chips, if using. The fresh strawberries will add moisture, so handle the dough gently to avoid squishing them.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a pretty touch, press a few extra strawberry pieces or white chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough balls.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll set as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Helpful Tips:
- Use Fresh or Freeze-Dried Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, pat them dry with paper towels to reduce excess moisture. Freeze-dried strawberries are a great alternative for a more intense strawberry flavor without added moisture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the creamiest dough, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
A: Frozen strawberries are not recommended, as they release too much water during baking. Stick with fresh or freeze-dried strawberries for the best results.
Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I omit the white chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! The cookies will still be delicious without them, but the white chocolate adds a lovely creaminess that complements the strawberries.
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Conclusion
These Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something special. With their luscious texture, bursts of fruity flavor, and cheesecake-inspired creaminess, they’re a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or savoring them all to yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring joy with every bite.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your mixing bowl and bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies today!
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Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies – Sweet, Creamy Bites of Bliss
Description
There’s something magical about a cookie that can deliver the velvety richness of cheesecake in a handheld, bite-sized treat. These Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of creamy sweetness, tangy bursts of strawberry, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Imagine the soft, pillowy cookies packed with strawberry flavor and studded with creamy cheesecake morsels—pure comfort in every bite.
These cookies are a year-round delight, but they truly shine during the warmer months when fresh strawberries are in season. They’re perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat to brighten up a rainy day. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment of self-care, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries (or ⅓ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crumbled)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your cookies bake perfectly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. The mixture should look pale and creamy—this step is key for soft, tender cookies.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries and White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries (or crumbled freeze-dried strawberries) and white chocolate chips, if using. The fresh strawberries will add moisture, so handle the dough gently to avoid squishing them.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a pretty touch, press a few extra strawberry pieces or white chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough balls.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll set as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.