As I was experimenting in my kitchen one sunny afternoon, I stumbled upon the perfect union of two beloved desserts: cheesecake and sugar cookies. Introducing my Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, where the creamy goodness of cheesecake meets the delightful chewiness of a sugar cookie, each enriched with luscious homemade strawberry jam. What sets this recipe apart is its quick prep time and irresistible nature, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a sweet escape on your own. Imagine the joy of biting into a cookie that captures the essence of summer, blending buttery tenderness and fresh fruitiness in every mouthful. Are you ready to transform your baking adventures with this incredible fusion treat?
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Melt-in-Your-Mouth texture: The perfect combination of soft sugar cookie and creamy cheesecake filling makes for a dessert experience you won’t forget.
Homemade Goodness: With fresh strawberries and homemade jam, each cookie bursts with authentic flavor, elevating your baking game.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps and minimal preparation time mean you can whip these up in no time for any occasion.
Versatile Treat: Swap out the strawberry jam for your favorite preserves, like raspberry or blueberry, to create a new flavor each time!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for potlucks or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, and you have a match made in heaven!
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients
For the Strawberry Jam
• Fresh Strawberries – Adds vibrant fruit flavor and texture for the jam; substitute with thawed frozen strawberries if needed.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens your jam beautifully; remember it’s also used in the cookie dough.
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Contributes to tenderness and richness; be sure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; you’ll use a total of 1 cup combined with the jam.
• Large Egg – Aids in binding ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; it’s included in both the cookie dough and the cheesecake filling.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie structure; measure accurately to avoid density in your cookies.
• Baking Powder – Provides leavening for a light texture; vital for that perfect rise.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Cheesecake Filling
• Cream Cheese – Provides a creamy, tangy filling; full-fat Greek yogurt can be an alternative for a softer texture.
For Assembly
• Homemade Strawberry Jam – Infuses each cookie with concentrated strawberry flavor; it’s thicker than store-bought for better texture.
These Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are sure to be a delightful addition to any dessert table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Jam
In a medium saucepan, combine diced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar over medium heat. Cook for about 45 minutes, mashing the strawberries halfway through until the mixture thickens to about 1/3 cup. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove it from the heat and let it cool while you move on to the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with half of the remaining sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Divide the filling into 18 equal portions and flatten them into discs. Place these discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them until solid, which should take about 1 hour, for the perfect cheesecake center in your Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.
Step 3: Cook the Dough
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and the remaining sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add in the large egg and remaining vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is pale and voluminous. This mixture will form the tender base of your cookies, so ensure it’s well-blended before proceeding.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix; you want a light and tender dough that perfectly complements the rich filling of the Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.
Step 5: Assemble Cookies
Divide the cookie dough into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a flattened disc, and spread a tablespoon of the homemade strawberry jam in the center of two discs. Place the frozen cheesecake disc on top, then cover with the remaining dough disc, sealing the edges well to form a pocket. Flatten gently into a cookie shape, ensuring each jam and filling is tucked inside.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the assembled cookies on the baking sheets, leaving enough space between each one. Bake for 11-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. The cookies will appear soft in the center; allow them to cool for 10 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy these delicious Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies!
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations and customize your cookie experience to your heart’s content!
- Fruit Substitutes: Swap homemade strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry preserves for a delicious twist in flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft cookie.
- Chocolate Delight: Incorporate semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough to introduce a rich and creamy flavor alongside the fruity notes.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese for a vegan cheesecake filling without sacrificing taste. This swap adds a lovely tropical twist!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to warm up the flavors, creating a unique holiday-inspired version.
- Zesty Lemon: Mix in some lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that will brighten up the overall flavor profile.
- Frosted Finish: Drizzle a simple frosting over the cooled cookies for an elevated presentation and an extra layer of sweetness. I highly recommend pairing it with a dash of vanilla!
- Bite-sized Cookies: Roll smaller dough balls and adjust the baking time for bite-sized treats, perfect for snacking or sharing at parties.
These variations are sure to keep your taste buds excited! For more delightful treats, try making some Carrot Cake Cheesecake or whip up a batch of Homemade Thin Cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the homemade strawberry jam and freeze it up to 3 days in advance; just ensure it cools completely before storing in an airtight container. Additionally, the creamy cheesecake centers can be made ahead of time as well—simply divide the filling into discs and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the cookies by shaping the dough around the frozen cheesecake filling and jam. This preparation will not only save you time on busy weeknights but also ensure your cookies are just as delicious as if they were baked on the same day! Enjoy the convenience of having dessert ready to go!
What to Serve with Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
Indulging in these delightful cookies is a treat, but pairing them with the perfect accompaniments takes your dessert experience to a whole new level.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, chewy cookies, enhancing the overall flavor experience. A scoop of vanilla pairs flawlessly, allowing the strawberry notes to shine.
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Iced Coffee: The refreshing, rich taste of iced coffee creates a lovely balance with the sweetness of the cookies, providing an invigorating caffeine boost. This combination is a delight, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
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Fresh Berries Salad: A medley of mixed berries offers a refreshing, tart contrast to the creamy sweetness of the cheesecake cookies. It’s a light addition that brightens the overall dessert platter while echoing the strawberry flavor.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple dark chocolate drizzle can elevate your cookies into a decadent experience, adding a rich flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the jam. It’s a touch of indulgence that’s hard to resist!
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Lemonade: The zesty, citrusy notes of lemonade provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cookies, making each bite feel lighter and more playful. It’s a classic pairing that adds a fun twist to your dessert table.
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Whipped Cream: A fluffy dollop of whipped cream brings an extra layer of creaminess, enhancing the indulgent experience of these Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
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Sparkling Water: The bubbly texture of sparkling water cleanses the palate beautifully between bites, allowing the flavors to shine. Opt for a hint of fruit flavor to make a delightful beverage choice!
Each of these pairings will help you create a memorable dessert experience that leaves everyone craving just one more bite!
Storage Tips for Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Place a layer of parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking, ensuring they retain their delicious flavor.
Reheating: For best results, reheat cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm. Enjoy the melty goodness of your Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies!
Expert Tips for Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
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Measure Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to prevent dense cookies caused by excess flour.
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Thoroughly Freeze Filling: Freeze the cheesecake filling discs until solid to ensure they maintain their shape when baked, leading to a perfectly encased center.
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Dough Temperature Matters: If preparing dough ahead, allow it to reach room temperature before baking for optimal texture and rise in your Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.
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Storage Solutions: Keep cookies in an airtight container for freshness up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks. Layer parchment paper between cookies when freezing to prevent sticking.
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Flavor Experimentation: Feel free to swap out the homemade strawberry jam for your favorite fruit preserves to create different flavor profiles in your indulgent treats!
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for the jam?
Absolutely! When selecting fresh strawberries, look for those that are vibrant red, firm, and free of dark spots. The best strawberries have a sweet fragrance and should be plump without any signs of overripeness or mushiness. If you’re in a pinch, thawed frozen strawberries can work too, just remember to drain any excess water before using them for your jam.
What’s the best way to store my Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
Very! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they won’t be enjoyed right away, you can freeze them for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I freeze the cookie dough or the assembled cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled cookies before baking. Shape the cookies, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What should I do if my cookies end up dense or tough?
Oh no! If your cookies turn out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the dough or using too much flour. To avoid this, measure your flour with the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag. Also, be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients; mixing just until incorporated ensures a tender cookie.
Are these Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies suitable for people with food allergies?
Yes! However, be mindful of common allergens. The recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the cream cheese and butter. If someone has a gluten intolerance, consider using a gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free alternatives, you can use plant-based cream cheese and butter substitutes as necessary. Always check label ingredients to ensure the safety for those with allergies!
How can I change the flavor of these cookies?
The more the merrier! You can easily swap the homemade strawberry jam for other fruit preserves like raspberry or blueberry for a delightful twist! Additionally, try mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for added flavor and texture alternatives you’ll love!
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Strawberry Jam by combining diced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar over medium heat. Cook for about 45 minutes, mashing the strawberries until thick.
- Make Cheesecake Filling by blending cream cheese with half of the remaining sugar and vanilla extract. Freeze mixed filling into discs.
- Cook the Dough by beating softened butter with remaining sugar until light. Add in egg and vanilla, mixing until pale.
- Combine Dry Ingredients by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt, then add to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Assemble Cookies by shaping the cookie dough and placing homemade jam and cheesecake filling between discs of dough.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11-12 minutes, cool for 10 minutes on the tray.
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