Description

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies combine the best of both worlds—soft, chewy cookies with a creamy cheesecake center, topped with a sweet and crunchy strawberry crumble. The fresh strawberries give them a burst of fruity flavor, while the cream cheese filling adds a tangy sweetness reminiscent of a classic cheesecake. Perfect for strawberry lovers and cheesecake fans alike, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

• For the Cookies:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (drain excess juice)
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam (optional for extra strawberry flavor)
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers or golden Oreos
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparation Method

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and, if using, the strawberry jam for extra strawberry flavor. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the strawberries to avoid a soggy dough.
Assemble the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take a tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges around the filling.
Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed vanilla wafers (or golden Oreos), and melted butter until well combined. The mixture should resemble a crumbly topping.
Bake and Top:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set.
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle them generously with the strawberry crunch topping while they are still warm, pressing lightly to help the topping adhere.
Cool and Serve:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these strawberry cheesecake delights with a glass of cold milk or as a sweet treat after dinner!

Tips and Conclusion

Chill the cheesecake filling: Refrigerating the filling for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and prevents it from melting into the cookie dough during baking.
Strawberry options: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries (just be sure to thaw and drain them first) or even strawberry preserves.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Add a drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle melted white chocolate or strawberry glaze over the cookies once they’ve cooled.

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tangy flavors. With a cheesecake-filled center, soft cookie dough, and a delightful strawberry crunch topping, every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Make them for your next celebration or just because—these cookies will always be a hit!