As I scrolled through my kitchen, the scent of summer strawberries filled the air, bringing back fond memories of sun-soaked picnics. It hit me: I was craving something sweet yet comforting, something that combined my two dessert loves—cookies and cheesecake. That’s when I decided to whip up these Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. With a generous filling of creamy cheesecake and luscious homemade strawberry jam, each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. Not only are they a breeze to make, but they also elevate any dessert table, impressing friends and family alike. So, are you ready to delve into the joy of baking these delightful treats that perfectly blend nostalgia with a fresh twist? Let’s get started!
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Mouthwatering Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberry jam takes your taste buds on a delightful journey, reminiscent of summer gatherings.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for any skill level, these cookies offer a straightforward process that doesn’t require complicated techniques.
Perfect for Sharing: They’re an instant crowd-pleaser at potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile. Pair them with a cup of coffee or serve alongside Soft Batch Cookies for an indulgent experience!
Versatile Options: Feel free to get creative! Substitute strawberries with other fruits or add a hint of lemon zest for an extra zing.
Nostalgic Touch: Enjoying these cookies brings back warm memories of homemade baking, making it a wholesome choice for all dessert aficionados.
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients
Indulge in homemade goodness with these delightful cookies!
For the Strawberry Jam
- Finely Diced Fresh Strawberries – Provides natural sweetness and vibrant flavor; can substitute with thawed frozen strawberries (drain excess water).
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup) – Enhances sweetness in the jam; no substitutions necessary.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened) – Creates a rich, creamy center; Greek yogurt can be used as a softer alternative.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup, for filling) – Sweetens the cream cheese mixture; no substitutions.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Adds depth of flavor to the filling; use pure vanilla for best results.
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened) – Provides fat for tenderness and flavor; can use salted butter but reduce added salt.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the cookie base; no substitutions.
- Egg (1 large) – Binds ingredients and contributes to cookie structure; no substitutions.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor in the dough; use pure or imitation.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – Forms the cookie structure; weigh flour for accuracy or use a spoon-and-level method.
- Baking Powder (1/2 tsp) – Provides leavening for light texture; no substitutions.
- Salt (1/4 tsp) – Balances sweetness; can adjust based on dietary needs.
For Assembly
- Homemade Thick Strawberry Jam (1/3 cup) – Adds flavor and moisture to cookies; store-bought jam is less recommended due to thinness.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Homemade Strawberry Jam
Start by finely dicing fresh strawberries and combine them with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the mixture simmers, mash the strawberries halfway through to help it thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a rich, jam-like consistency. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once combined, divide this delicious filling into 18 portions, flattening each one into discs. Place the discs on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, typically about 1 hour.
Step 3: Dough Preparation
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, add in the large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, before gradually incorporating this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Divide your dough into four equal parts. Take one portion, flatten it slightly, and add a spoonful of the homemade strawberry jam in the center, followed by a cheesecake disc. Carefully fold the dough over to encase the filling, sealing all edges. Repeat this process for all portions until you have 18 filled cookie dough balls, ensuring none of the creamy centers are exposed.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the assembled Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies on a lined baking sheet, making sure they have enough space to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the homemade strawberry jam up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese filling can also be made ahead—freeze the flattened discs for up to 1 month. Additionally, the cookie dough can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for easier handling. Simply assemble the cookies with the jam and filling, then bake as directed for delicious, freshly-baked cookies that taste just as great as if you made them in one go!
What to Serve with Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience by crafting the perfect meal that complements these delightful cookies.
-
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup enhances the creamy flavors while balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
-
Fresh Berries: Serve with a medley of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a burst of juicy freshness alongside each bite.
-
Creamy Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that will bring pure joy.
-
Whipped Cream: The light, airy texture of whipped cream provides a lovely counterpart to the dense cheesecake filling; feel free to sprinkle with cocoa for an added flavor twist.
-
Fruit Compote: A drizzle of warm fruit compote, perhaps spiced with a hint of cinnamon, enhances the homemade feel of the cookies while adding a vibrant touch.
-
Lemonade or Herbal Tea: Refreshing drinks like homemade lemonade or a soothing herbal tea offer a delightful way to cleanse the palate and balance the cookie’s sweetness.
Elevate your gatherings or cozy evenings with these pairings for a truly memorable treat that celebrates the magic of home baking!
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these cookies to match your taste!
-
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese for a delightful non-dairy version that maintains creamy richness. Enjoy the same fantastic texture without the dairy!
-
Different Fruits: Swap out strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches to create unique fruit-filled surprises. Each variation brings its own delightful twist to the cookie!
-
Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use flax eggs instead of a regular egg, still offering a luscious filling everyone will love. It’s a fantastic way to adapt the recipe!
-
Nutty Flavor: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a wonderful crunch and additional nutty flavor. Each bite will become an exciting blend of textures—so satisfying!
-
Lemon Zest: Sprinkle in some lemon zest into the dough for a bright, zesty note that wonderfully complements the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s a refreshing twist that’s sure to awaken your taste buds.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Finish the cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent, gourmet touch. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the fruity flavors!
-
Jam Surprise: Experiment with different homemade jams like apricot or raspberry to create delightful surprises in every cookie. Each variation tells a different fruity story!
Whether you’re looking to enhance flavors or accommodate dietary preferences, these variations will ensure every bite of your Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies offers something special. For more delicious cookie inspirations, check out these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies and Vegan Lemon Cookies!
Expert Tips for Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Measure Flour Correctly: Always weigh your flour or use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies that could spoil your soft texture.
Freeze Cheesecake Filling: Ensure your cream cheese filling is completely frozen before baking. This helps maintain the shape and prevents melting out during the baking process.
Room Temperature Dough: Allow the dough to come to room temperature before handling for the best texture. Cold dough can be tough to work with.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies; they should be golden at the edges but soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies instead of the desired softness.
Personalize Your Jam: Feel free to try different jellies or jams. Just ensure they are thick enough to hold their shape within the Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a resealable bag for up to 2 weeks.
Layering: If stacking multiple cookies, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the integrity of the creamy filling.
Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-baked taste, simply microwave a frozen cookie for about 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs
How can I select the best strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for fresh strawberries that are firm, vibrant in color, and have a sweet fragrance. Avoid berries with dark spots or soft patches, as these indicate overripeness. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, thawed frozen strawberries work too; just make sure to drain any excess water for ideal consistency.
How should I store Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, they stay soft and delicious! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them by wrapping each cookie in plastic wrap and placing them in a resealable bag. They will remain good for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze the cheesecake filling in advance?
Very! You can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time. After mixing, portion and flatten it into discs, then freeze them until solid, which usually takes about an hour. You can also store the filled discs in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, just place them in the cookie dough as instructed!
What should I do if my cookies turn out too dense?
If your cookies are dense, it might be due to incorrect flour measurement or overmixing the dough. Always weigh your flour for accuracy, or use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into your measuring cup. Additionally, once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. This helps keep the cookies light and airy.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
While this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, it does include common allergens like dairy and eggs. If you’re baking for someone with specific dietary restrictions or allergies, I recommend swapping cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and using a flax egg as a substitute for the regular egg. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using!
Can I substitute the homemade strawberry jam with store-bought?
You can, but I don’t recommend it! Store-bought jams are often thinner and may not provide the rich texture and flavor that homemade jam offers. If you’re short on time, look for a high-quality, thick jam, or try to make a quick homemade version. Just simmer strawberries with sugar until thickened, which adds that fresh taste we all love!
Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Homemade Strawberry Jam: Start by finely dicing fresh strawberries and combine them with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the mixture simmers, mash the strawberries halfway through to help it thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a rich, jam-like consistency. Set aside to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once combined, divide this delicious filling into 18 portions, flattening each one into discs. Place the discs on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, typically about 1 hour.
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, add in the large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, before gradually incorporating this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Assemble the Cookies: Divide your dough into four equal parts. Take one portion, flatten it slightly, and add a spoonful of the homemade strawberry jam in the center, followed by a cheesecake disc. Carefully fold the dough over to encase the filling, sealing all edges. Repeat this process for all portions until you have 18 filled cookie dough balls, ensuring none of the creamy centers are exposed.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the assembled Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies on a lined baking sheet, making sure they have enough space to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Leave a Reply