Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves the combination of strawberries and cream cheese. I recently made these for a weekend treat, and they were a hit with my family. The cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with pockets of strawberry jam and white chocolate chips, making each bite feel like a little slice of strawberry cheesecake. They’re perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese and Jam Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and strawberry jam, stirring until smooth.
7. Assemble the Cookies: Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough and slightly flatten it. Add about half a teaspoon of the cream cheese and jam mixture in the center, then cover with a small piece of dough, rolling it gently into a ball.
8. Bake: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 160 kcal

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
• Enjoy with coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Serve on a dessert platter with other cookies for variety.
• Pack them in decorative bags or boxes to gift to friends or family.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
2. Use good-quality strawberry jam for the best flavor.
3. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened to blend smoothly.
4. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
5. For easier filling, pipe the cream cheese and jam mixture onto the dough.

Recipe Variations

• Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies: Substitute the strawberry jam with blueberry jam for a different fruity twist.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey base.
• Nutty Strawberry Cookies: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a reduced-sugar jam and swap some of the sugar for a sugar substitute.
• Lemon Cheesecake Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a hint of citrus.

Serving Suggestions

• As Part of a Cookie Tray: Add these to a tray with chocolate chip, peanut butter, and oatmeal cookies for variety.
• For a Dessert Bar: Serve at a dessert bar with brownies, cupcakes, and fruit for guests to enjoy.
• Holiday Gifting: Wrap in decorative boxes or cellophane bags with ribbons for holiday gifts.
• Potluck Desserts: These are great for potlucks and gatherings as they’re easy to transport.
• Special Occasions: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day with their pink strawberry filling.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Storing: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other flavors of jam?
   Yes, feel free to use raspberry, blueberry, or any fruit jam you prefer.
2. Do I have to chill the dough?
   Chilling the dough is optional but can help the cookies stay thicker while baking.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, low-fat cream cheese works, but the cookies may be slightly less creamy.
4. How do I make the cookies chewier?
   Slightly underbake them by a minute or two and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
5. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
   Yes, baked cookies can be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to a container for up to 3 months.
6. Can I add fresh strawberries?
   It’s best to stick with jam, as fresh strawberries can make the dough too wet.
7. What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?
   You can use dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
8. Is it okay to use salted butter?
   Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
9. Can I add food coloring for a pinker cookie?
   A drop or two of red food coloring can be added for a more vibrant color.
10. What’s the best way to transport these cookies?
    Place in a single layer in a container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies bring together the beloved flavors of cheesecake and strawberries in a delightful cookie form. Soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet strawberry and creamy cheese flavors, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering, giving them as gifts, or enjoying them at home, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this recipe with loved ones, and prepare for these cookies to become a new favorite!

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