I absolutely love this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe because it perfectly combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, fresh burst of strawberry jam all wrapped inside a tender, buttery cookie. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how the cheesecake filling stays soft and luscious, while the cookie remains crisp at the edges and chewy in the center. It’s like having a mini dessert explosion in every bite, and trust me—you’ll find these cookies disappear faster than you can say “more please!”
These cookies are perfect for sharing at a family gathering or for a special weekend treat, especially when you want something a bit more memorable than your usual chocolate chip. What makes this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe stand out is its delightful layering of flavors and textures, plus the homemade strawberry jam that adds that genuine fresh fruit kick. Plus, you don’t have to be a baking pro to pull this off—I’ll walk you through every step so your batch comes out just right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadently Creamy: The cream cheese filling adds a rich, velvety surprise inside every cookie.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Homemade strawberry jam brings a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Perfect Texture Balance: Chewy cookie edges with gooey jam pockets and cheesecake center—mouthwatering combo!
- Impresses Every Time: Even if you’re not an experienced baker, these cookies look and taste like they’re from a bakery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor. Fresh strawberries, quality cream cheese, and softened butter all come together beautifully. When shopping, look for ripe, fragrant strawberries and make sure your cream cheese is cold for best mixing results.
- Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese whips up fluffy and smooth, creating that signature cheesecake filling texture.
- Granulated White Sugar: Used in both the cheesecake filling and dough to balance sweetness without overpowering.
- Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in adding warmth and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh Strawberries: Freshness is key here—it makes the jam naturally sweet and bursting with fruitiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, helping to hold everything together with a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents give the cookie just the right lift and prevent it from being dense.
- Salt: Even in sweet recipes, a pinch of salt is essential to balance flavors and enhance sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Very softened butter blends easily and gives cookies a rich, tender bite.
- Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the cookie dough while promoting a nice rise.
- Sugar for Rolling Dough: Rolling the cookies in sugar creates a pretty crackled exterior with a subtle crunch.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to adjust the flavors or accommodate dietary needs, you can personalize these cookies without losing that wonderful flavor core.
- Berry Mix-Up: I once swapped fresh strawberries with raspberries and blueberries for a mixed berry cheesecake twist, and it was a crowd-pleaser!
- Gluten-Free: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend; just be sure to check the texture since some blends absorb more liquid.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free butter, and flax egg to make these cookies vegan while keeping that creamy vibe.
- Extra Crunch: For a little crunch, try folding in some finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the dough—adds an unexpected texture contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cheesecake Filling
Start by lining a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place your cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth—this usually takes about 2 minutes. This step is crucial to get that light, sweet cheesecake filling your cookies will center around. Then, scoop the filling into 18 small portions on the sheet, flattening each into a disc shape. Pop these discs into the freezer to harden while you move on to the jam.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Jam
In a medium saucepan, combine diced fresh strawberries and sugar over medium heat. You’ll want to cook them gently for about 45 minutes, smashing the berries halfway through with a wooden spoon to release all their juices. Stir constantly towards the end so the jam thickens without burning. You’re aiming for a thick, spoonable jam—approximately a heaping 1/3 cup. Once done, set it aside to chill in the fridge, which makes folding it into the dough simpler later on.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar on high speed until fluffy, using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Add your egg and vanilla, beating until the mixture is pale and very fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Then combine the dry ingredients on low speed until just incorporated—overmixing will toughen the cookies.
Step 4: Layer in the Strawberry Jam
Here’s my favorite part and a little trick: push about 3/4 of your dough to the side of the bowl, flatten the remaining 1/4 at the bottom, and spoon 1/4 of your chilled jam over that layer. Add another 1/4 of dough on top, then more jam, repeating twice so the jam is spread throughout the dough in bursts. Use a rubber spatula to cut the dough into quarters and fold the sections just enough to create jam pockets without fully mixing it in. This technique means each cookie will surprise you with little patches of jam melting through.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough and flatten them slightly. Place one frozen cheesecake disc in the center and carefully cover it with the dough, sealing it completely so no cheesecake peeks out. Shape the dough into a slightly flattened disc, which will help the cookies bake evenly and spread beautifully. Roll each cookie dough ball in sugar for that delightful crackly exterior. Bake 6 cookies at a time for 11-12 minutes. As soon as they come out of the oven, run a large circular cookie cutter around their edges to perfect their shape. Let them cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Freeze the Cheesecake Filling First: This keeps the filling intact while baking, preventing it from oozing out and making a mess.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Mixing until just combined ensures your cookies stay tender, not tough.
- Flatten Your Cookies Before Baking: It helps create that perfect thickness and even baking, giving you the ideal chewy texture.
- Use a Cookie Cutter After Baking: This little trick sharpens their edges, making them look professionally made.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving—it gives the cookies a delicate, snowy look without overpowering flavors. Sometimes, I’ll place a small fresh strawberry slice or a tiny mint leaf on each cookie for extra color and freshness, which is perfect for parties or gift boxes.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair so well with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, serving them alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries really complements the strawberry cheesecake flavors. On a cozy afternoon, I love them with a soothing cup of chamomile tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or showers, I’ve arranged these cookies on tiered serving trays with edible flowers scattered around. Another fun idea is stacking them with parchment paper layers in a pretty box tied with twine—makes a lovely homemade gift. You can also cut little shapes with cookie cutters before baking for festive occasions, just be careful not to disrupt the cheesecake filling too much.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I know I won’t get to them that fast, I keep them in the fridge to maintain freshness, especially in warmer weather. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, I wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge—it keeps the cheesecake filling from becoming gritty and the jam from leaking.
Reheating
To refresh your frozen cookies, I like to warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This melts the cheesecake filling just a tad and revives that soft-centered, fudgy texture. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the cookies a bit soggy or overly soft.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of making my own?
You can substitute store-bought jam, but homemade jam brings a fresher, less sugary taste and better texture with real fruit bits. If you decide to use store-bought, choose one with low added sugar and no high fructose corn syrup for the best flavor.
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What if my cream cheese filling melts during baking?
Freezing the cream cheese discs solid before baking is key—this keeps them stable inside the cookies. Also, gently shaping the dough to fully encase the filling helps prevent leaks. If you notice melt-through, try freezing the discs longer or chilling the assembled cookies in the fridge before baking.
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How do I store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to keep the flavors and texture intact.
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Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cheesecake filling discs can be made and frozen days in advance. You can also assemble the dough and jam layers, refrigerate or freeze the formed cookies before baking, then bake fresh when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe has become one of my treasured go-to desserts because it’s both impressive and so genuinely delicious. I love how it brings together the best of strawberry, cream cheese, and cookie in a way that feels special yet comforting. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—you’ll find it’s easier than it looks, and your family or friends will be asking for the recipe too. Happy baking!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 11 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, featuring a creamy frozen cheesecake center wrapped in luscious cookie dough pockets dotted with sweet homemade strawberry jam. This luscious dessert combines the classic flavors of cheesecake and strawberry jam baked into soft, flavorful cookies perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Jam
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling dough in
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy and the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Scoop the cheesecake filling into eighteen 2-teaspoon portions on the baking sheet and slightly flatten each with the back of a spoon to form thick discs. Freeze until completely frozen.
- Make the Strawberry Jam: Combine the finely diced strawberries and granulated sugar in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook for about 45 minutes, mashing halfway through with a wooden spoon and stirring continuously near the end to prevent sticking. The jam should thicken and reduce to a heaping 1/3 cup (80 ml). Remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the dough.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric hand mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.
- Incorporate the Strawberry Jam: Push three-quarters of the dough to one side of the bowl. Flatten one-quarter of the dough on the bottom of the bowl. Spoon one-quarter of the strawberry jam onto that dough layer, then add another quarter of the dough on top, followed by another quarter of jam. Repeat layering once more to disperse the jam evenly. Use a rubber spatula to cut the dough mixture into quarters and gently fold each section just until the jam is swirled and pockets remain visible. Avoid fully mixing in the jam.
- Assemble the Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into eighteen balls. Slightly flatten each portion and place a frozen cheesecake disc in the center. Carefully enclose the cheesecake filling with the cookie dough, ensuring it is completely covered. Shape each into a slightly flattened disc rather than a ball for optimal baking.
- Roll and Bake: Roll each cookie dough ball in the reserved 1/4 cup granulated sugar and place on the prepared baking sheets. Keep the cheesecake discs frozen until ready to assemble each batch. Bake six cookies at a time for 11-12 minutes at 350℉ (175℃). Immediately after baking, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently define perfect round cookie shapes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these decadent strawberry cheesecake cookies.
Notes
- Keep the cheesecake filling discs frozen until ready to assemble each batch to prevent melting during dough handling.
- Do not fully incorporate the strawberry jam into the dough; leaving pockets of jam provides a lovely burst of flavor in the cookies.
- Rolling the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking adds a pleasant sweetness and a slightly crackly texture to the cookie exterior.
- Slightly flattening the cookies before baking helps them maintain a nice shape and promotes even baking.
- Baking just six cookies at a time allows enough space for shaping and prevents overcrowding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg