There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly soft cookie — especially when that cookie wraps in the creamy tang of cheesecake and the bright, juicy burst of strawberries. That’s exactly what you get with Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies — the dessert lovechild of two American classics.
These cookies take me right back to lazy spring afternoons baking with my aunt in her cozy Midwest kitchen. She always had a way of turning simple ingredients into something irresistible. With this recipe, I’ve captured that same spirit, blending the charm of strawberry shortcake and the richness of cheesecake into a handheld treat that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or whenever you want a little sweetness in your day.
Let’s bake up some joy!
Table of Contents
🍪 What Are Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are soft, chewy cookies that combine the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the fruity freshness of strawberries. The dough is made with cream cheese for a velvety bite, while chopped fresh strawberries add bursts of natural sweetness. Some versions include a surprise cheesecake filling — but even without it, these cookies are rich, bright, and utterly addictive.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
For the Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
Optional (for Cheesecake Filling):
- 4 oz cream cheese, chilled
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
⏱️ Prep and Bake Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (recommended for best texture)
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold the diced strawberries into the dough using a rubber spatula. If strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry slightly with a paper towel before folding in.
5. Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
6. (Optional) Prepare Cheesecake Filling
Mix 4 oz of chilled cream cheese with powdered sugar. Scoop small dollops and freeze them for 10–15 minutes. Wrap cookie dough around each cheesecake dollop for a gooey-filled version.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are set and tops look slightly underdone (they will firm up while cooling).
8. Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🔢 Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Values are approximate and can vary by ingredients used.
🌟 Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilled dough means thicker, softer cookies.
- Room-Temp Ingredients: Let butter and cream cheese soften before mixing to avoid clumps.
- Cheesecake Surprise: For an indulgent twist, fill the cookies with sweetened cream cheese for a molten center.
🍓 Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies chilled or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with:
- A cold glass of milk
- Fresh lemonade
- A scoop of strawberry sorbet on top for a cookie sundae
🧑🍳 Make It Ahead
You can freeze the dough balls (with or without cheesecake filling) for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen with a minute or two of extra time. Perfect for last-minute guests!
🌍 Inspired by American Comfort Food
Just like peanut butter cookies and chocolate chip bars, Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a modern twist on timeless flavors. This recipe takes familiar ingredients and presents them in a new, seasonal way — capturing the essence of American baking: cozy, creative, and made to share.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly pat them dry before adding them to the dough. Excess moisture can make the cookies soggy or affect their structure.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Due to the cream cheese content, refrigeration is recommended.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze cookie dough balls (with or without filling) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be baked from frozen — just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled long enough or the butter was too soft. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps keep the cookies thick and chewy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your other ingredients (like cream cheese) are also certified gluten-free if necessary.
Can I add white chocolate chips?
Definitely! White chocolate pairs beautifully with strawberries. Try adding ½ to ¾ cup to the dough before chilling for a sweet extra touch.
🔗 More Sweet Bakes to Try
- Lemon Cheesecake Crumble Bars
- Chewy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins
- Classic Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a baby shower, a spring picnic, or just because it’s Tuesday, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a cheerful and crowd-pleasing treat. Soft, fruity, and delightfully creamy — they’re everything a cookie should be, and then some.
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Cookies : A Delicious Dessert
- Total Time: About 1 hour (Chill Time: 30 minutes)
Description
There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly soft cookie — especially when that cookie wraps in the creamy tang of cheesecake and the bright, juicy burst of strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
Optional (for Cheesecake Filling):
- 4 oz cream cheese, chilled
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold the diced strawberries into the dough using a rubber spatula. If strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry slightly with a paper towel before folding in.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
Mix 4 oz of chilled cream cheese with powdered sugar. Scoop small dollops and freeze them for 10–15 minutes. Wrap cookie dough around each cheesecake dollop for a gooey-filled version.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are set and tops look slightly underdone (they will firm up while cooling).
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilled dough means thicker, softer cookies.
- Room-Temp Ingredients: Let butter and cream cheese soften before mixing to avoid clumps.
- Cheesecake Surprise: For an indulgent twist, fill the cookies with sweetened cream cheese for a molten center.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake cookies