Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies 🍓🍪🍰

Introduction

There’s something magical about cookies that carry a hidden surprise inside. Recently, I decided to whip up a batch of Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies, and the result was nothing short of delightful! The soft, buttery cookie encasing a rich cheesecake filling combined with the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberries was an instant hit in my household. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and I loved watching their faces light up with joy when they discovered the creamy center. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam or puree

Instructions

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry jam or puree until smooth. Cover and refrigerate the filling while you prepare the cookie dough.

Prepare the Cookies

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a fruity flavor.
5. Chill the Dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Assemble the Cookies

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Fill the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the cheesecake filling in the center. Top with another tablespoon of flattened dough and pinch the edges to seal the filling inside. Roll the filled dough into a ball.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the filled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve

Enjoy these soft and delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies with a surprise creamy strawberry cheesecake center!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 cookies
• Calories per serving: 150 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm or Room Temperature: Serve the cookies warm from the oven or allow them to cool completely for a more set cheesecake filling.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Presentation: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh strawberries for an elegant touch.

Additional Tips

1. Use Softened Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
3. Mix Well: Ensure the cheesecake filling is smooth to avoid lumps.
4. Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
5. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling based on your preference for sweetness.

Recipe Variations

• Fruit Options: Substitute freeze-dried strawberries with other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or blueberries for different flavors.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of decadence.
• Nutty Twist: Add crushed nuts to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat during a casual family dinner.
• Pair with a fruit salad or yogurt for a delightful dessert option.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

• Fresh strawberries will add moisture, which can alter the cookie’s texture. It’s best to use freeze-dried for consistent results.

1. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

• You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though the flavor and texture may vary.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done?

• The edges should be lightly golden, and the center will look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.

1. What is the best way to crush freeze-dried strawberries?

• Place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush them, or use a food processor for a finer consistency.

1. Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

• Yes, adding chocolate chips would complement the strawberry flavor beautifully!

1. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

• Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to seal in the filling before baking.

1. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

• Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled.

1. Can I bake these cookies in a different size?

• Yes, you can make mini versions; just reduce the baking time accordingly.

1. What if I don’t have strawberry jam?

• You can use other fruit jams or purees, such as raspberry or peach, for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are an indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting texture of a cookie and the rich flavor of cheesecake. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, and the surprise filling makes them even more special. Whether you’re looking for a sweet dessert to impress your guests or a delicious snack to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Give them a try, and watch as they disappear from the platter!

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