Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, all in the form of a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies offer the best of both worlds—decadent yet light, fruity yet creamy. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheesecake in a convenient, bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
6. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that complements the strawberries.
• Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
• Dried Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, dried strawberries can be substituted; just chop them into small pieces before folding them into the dough.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra indulgent treat, top the cooled cookies with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe? Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture before adding them to the dough.
2. Can I make these cookies without cream cheese? While cream cheese adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different but still creamy texture.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by half to compensate for the salt in the butter.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture and taste may vary slightly.
5. Why are the cookies so soft? The combination of cream cheese and butter gives these cookies their soft and chewy texture, similar to a cheesecake.
6. How do I know when the cookies are done baking? The edges should be golden brown, but the center will remain soft. Don’t overbake, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
7. Can I add other fruits to these cookies? Yes, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries would pair wonderfully with the cream cheese base.
8. Are these cookies suitable for people with dairy allergies? These cookies contain both butter and cream cheese, so they are not dairy-free. You could try using dairy-free alternatives, though the texture and flavor may differ.
9. How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking in the dough? Make sure to fold in the strawberries gently, and you can toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the dough to help prevent sinking.
10. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch, but be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh, fruity taste of strawberries, all packed into a soft and chewy cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in something sweet, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings. With easy-to-follow instructions, they’re a perfect choice for both beginner bakers and experienced ones alike. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors in every bite!

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