Amazing Bakery-Style Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies That Delight
Heavenly Strawberry Cheesecake Treats
Growing up as a Florida girl, my heart dances to the rhythm of Mexico’s vibrant culinary tapestry. In Orlando, I spent countless afternoons beside my mama, pressing tortillas and soaking in the flavorful wisdom shared by my abuela. Each moment in those stubbornly warm kitchens taught me that food is a melody of love, laughter, and rich stories that linger between every delicious bite. Today, I blend those cherished memories into real Mexican recipes, capturing the essence of home, from comforting tamales to extraordinary treats like these strawberry cheesecake cookies.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
- Best Season: Year-round
What Makes This Dish Shine
- Creamy and Flavorful: Infused with the rich essence of cheesecake and the sweet tang of strawberries, every bite brings comfort and joy.
- Easy to Make: These delicious cookies come together swiftly, making them perfect for both baking beginners and seasoned chefs alike.
- Versatile Treats: Ideal for any occasion, from casual afternoon delights to festive gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family.
- Memorable Experience: Each cookie carries a hint of nostalgia, weaving a familiar comfort into every joyful moment shared over a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Smart Shopping Tips
- Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors in your cookies.
- Cream Cheese: For a richer flavor, choose full-fat cream cheese. It helps create the heavenly texture you crave.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These provide a concentrated strawberry flavor without excess moisture; ensure they are crunchy for the best results.
- White Chocolate Chips: If you love sweetness, add white chocolate chips, but feel free to omit them for a fruitier taste.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, forming a luscious filling. Scoop into small dollops (about 1 tsp each) onto a parchment-lined plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes; this will keep your filling intact during baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step aids in creating a soft cookie texture.
- Add the eggs one by one along with the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and the optional white chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a frozen cheesecake filling dollop in the center and wrap the dough around it, ensuring it’s sealed completely.
- Place the stuffed dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Chill for about 15-20 minutes to maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve once cooled and share the joyous experience!
Techniques for Perfect Cookies
- Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier blending. This helps create that desirable light texture.
- Chilling Dough: Do not skip chilling your formed cookies; this step is essential to prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
- Oven Monitoring: Every oven is different; watch closely towards the end of baking for optimum timing.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream cheese alternative. Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a delightful vegan version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swirl in some cocoa powder into the dough or top with dark chocolate chips for a berry-chocolate fusion.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dough, offering a comforting spicy warmth alongside the sweetness.
- Nutty Version: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for a delicious crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
What to Serve With It
Pair these heavenly cookies with a glass of chilled almond milk, a warm cup of coffee, or serve them alongside freshly whipped cream. They also complement a fruit plate beautifully, enhancing those berry flavors!
Preparing Ahead and Freezing Tips
To prep ahead, you can make the dough and filling separately, storing them in the fridge for up to 2 days. For long-term storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough or already baked cookies, ensuring they’re in airtight containers. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying!
Creative Serving Suggestions
For a delightful presentation, plate these cookies on a colorful dish scattered with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra hint of sweetness, transforming your cookies into delightful treats perfect for gatherings.
Little Secrets to Keep in Mind
- Measuring Flour: Scoop flour into your measuring cup with a spoon and level off; avoid packing it down for accurate measurements.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies fluffy.
- Temperature Control: For chewier cookies, remove them from the oven when they are just set; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Using Parchment: This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
Storing and Reheating Your Cookies
To maintain freshness, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For a quick treat, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, ensuring to not overheat, keeping them soft and gooey.
Questions We Frequently Hear
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
While fresh strawberries can be delightful, they contain moisture which might affect the cookie texture. If you prefer fresh, consider reducing other liquid ingredients.
What if I can’t find powdered sugar?
You can blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine to create a makeshift powdered sugar.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake them in batches to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should appear set and slightly golden while the center may look soft and puffy; this indicates they’re ready to come out.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
These cookies can be stored at room temperature but refrigerating them will keep the cream cheese filling fresh longer.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Certainly! Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.
Nutrition Info
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.
A Warm Reflection
These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a connection to home and family. Each bite carries whispers of love and the magic of sharing food with those we cherish, reminding us that every meal is an opportunity to create cherished memories. May your kitchen fill with laughter as you bake these delightful cookies, keeping traditions and flavors alive.
Encouraging Closing Note
Your journey into creating these bakery-style strawberry cheesecake cookies is sure to bring joy to your table. They embody warmth, flavor, and love, making them perfect for any occasion. Cook, share, and understand that each delicious cookie has a story waiting to unfold—don’t forget to pin this recipe for your next delightful baking adventure!
Print
Bakery-Style Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies infused with the rich essence of cheesecake and the sweet tang of strawberries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, forming a filling. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one by one along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries and optional white chocolate chips.
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough, flatten it, add a frozen cheesecake filling dollop, and wrap the dough around it, sealing completely.
- Place the stuffed dough on a lined baking sheet, chill for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 13-15 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. May reheat in the microwave for a quick treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
