I absolutely love this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe because it brings together two of my favorite treats—cookies and cheesecake—in one delightful bite. The balance of soft, buttery brown sugar cookies with a luscious whipped cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries just feels like a little celebration every time. If you’re someone who loves a homemade dessert that’s elegant yet easy enough for any day, you’re going to adore making and eating these.
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how simple the process was, and how it fills your kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma of baked cookies and fresh vanilla. You’ll find that these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies work perfectly for everything from casual afternoon tea to a fancy dessert at your next gathering. Plus, they’re surprisingly forgiving, which means even if you’re not a baker extraordinaire, these cookies will come out wonderfully every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Combination: The brown sugar cookie base pairs beautifully with tangy cream cheese and strawberry sweetness.
- Simple and Approachable: You don’t need advanced baking skills to nail this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
- Customizable and Fresh: Adding fresh strawberries and jam makes each cookie a delightful texture and flavor experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a treat for family or impressing guests, these cookies always hit the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that rich, soft cookie with a creamy, tangy topping. I recommend using fresh, good-quality butter and cream cheese for the best flavor. Also, don’t skip chilling the dough—it really helps with texture and makes the cookies easier to handle.
- Butter: Salted, at room temperature to mix smoothly with sugars.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and that deep caramel flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps cookies crisp slightly on the outside.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- Egg: Brings moisture and binds ingredients; room temperature helps mixing.
- Double Cream or Heavy Cream: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough and frosting.
- Plain or All Purpose Flour: Provides structure; fluff it before measuring for best results.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Give a slight lift and lighten the cookie texture.
- Sugar for Coating: Granulated sugar to coat cookie balls adds a delicate crunch and sparkle.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and room temperature for smooth, creamy frosting.
- Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream cheese frosting.
- Fresh Strawberries: Chopped for that juicy burst and fresh finish.
- Strawberry Jam: Adds extra strawberry flavor and moisture on top.
- Biscuit or Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a nice, slightly crunchy contrast when sprinkled over the topping.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, and you can easily adjust it to suit your favorites or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to swap the strawberries for another seasonal fruit or try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you need.
- Use Blueberries or Raspberries: I swapped strawberries once for blueberries, and it added a nice tart twist that my family loved.
- Gluten-Free Flour: I tried a gluten-free blend with good success, just be mindful to slightly reduce the flour amount if your blend is light.
- Dairy-Free Version: Using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream works well, and I was pleasantly surprised by the creamy texture.
- Mini Cookies: For parties, I made smaller cookie portions and baked them for less time—perfect bite-sized treats.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Brown Sugar Cookie Dough
Start by mixing your softened butter with both light brown and granulated sugars until the mixture gets thick, creamy, and lovely to look at. I like to use a hand mixer, but a sturdy wooden spoon works fine if that’s what you have. Once combined, add the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smoothly blended. It’s important to get that creaminess before adding the dry ingredients, so take your time here!
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Chill the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Then gently fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients—just until combined. Over-mixing here can make the cookies tough, so fold carefully. After the dough forms, refrigerate it for at least an hour; I’ve found chilling is key for easier handling and better cookie texture.
Step 3: Shape, Coat in Sugar, and Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then divide the chilled dough into roughly 90g portions or use a cookie scoop for even sizes. Roll each ball gently in extra granulated sugar to coat—it adds such a pretty sparkle and slight crunch once baked. Bake the cookies for 15–18 minutes, depending on size, until they’re golden but still soft in the middle. Let them cool completely right on the sheet to prevent breakage.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool, whip together cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and icing sugar until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip here because you’ll be mixing in the cream cheese next. Then beat in the room-temperature cream cheese until the frosting reaches medium peaks—thick enough to hold its shape but still soft and spreadable. This frosting is what really brings that cheesecake vibe to the cookies, so take your time for a smooth finish.
Step 5: Assemble with Strawberry Jam, Fresh Strawberries, and Crumbs
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each cooled cookie, then add a spoonful of strawberry jam on top of the cream. Finally, scatter chopped fresh strawberries and sprinkle biscuit or graham cracker crumbs for crunch and a hint of texture contrast. This last step is where the cookies truly come alive—you’ll love how the sweet, tangy, fresh, and crunchy elements all unite!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Chilling the Dough: I found chilling really prevents spreading and helps maintain that soft center everyone loves.
- Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender instead of dense.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and perfect texture in both dough and frosting.
- Baking Time Awareness: I avoid underbaking because the cookies soften a bit once frosted—better to bake through but keep that soft chew.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these cookies with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs because they add a subtle crunch and a touch of rustic charm. Sometimes, a tiny fresh mint leaf adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the cookies even more special for guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with a simple cup of black coffee or a light herbal tea to balance the sweetness. For a brunch spread, I serve them alongside fresh fruit salad and a creamy yogurt parfait—everyone enjoys the mix of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on a tiered dessert tray with extra fresh strawberry halves and edible flowers. It’s an eye-catching centerpiece that invites your guests to indulge right away. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment paper and tying with a ribbon also makes adorable gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, I always store these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh and to prevent spoilage from the cream cheese. They keep well for up to 3 days, though they’re almost never around that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the plain baked cookies (without frosting) in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When thawed, you can prepare the frosting and assemble fresh—this way the topping stays perfect and fresh tasting.
Reheating
Since the cookies are best served cool with the frosting, I usually don’t reheat them. If you prefer a warm cookie, try warming the plain cookie briefly and then adding the frosting and toppings fresh afterward. This keeps everything tasting just as lovely.
FAQs
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Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a vegan butter, use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg, and whip coconut cream with vegan cream cheese for the frosting. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
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Why should I chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough firms up the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and prevents excessive spreading. It also allows the flour to hydrate fully, giving a better crumb texture.
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Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries for topping because frozen ones can be watery and affect the cookie’s texture. If you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well, then pat dry before using.
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How long do these cookies keep?
Stored properly in the fridge, the frosted cookies keep fresh for up to 3 days. Without frosting, baked cookies can last up to a week in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe has become a favorite in my recipe collection because it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or simply yourself as a sweet indulgence, these cookies are easy to pull together and feel a little special every time. I hope you love making and sharing them just as much as I do—happy baking!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
- Yield: 6 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious strawberry cheesecake cookies featuring soft brown sugar cookies topped with a creamy whipped cream cheese frosting, fresh chopped strawberries, strawberry jam, and a sprinkle of biscuit or graham cracker crumbs. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, these cookies combine rich, buttery textures with fresh fruity flavors for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Cookies
- 125g salted butter, room temperature (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 100g light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
- 50g granulated sugar (3 tbsps + 2 tsps)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp double cream or heavy cream
- 220g plain flour or all-purpose flour (1 cup + 1/4 cup + 2 tbsps)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 30g granulated sugar for coating dough balls (2 tbsps + 1 tsp)
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- 100ml double cream or heavy cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 heaped tbsp icing sugar or powdered sugar
- 100g cream cheese, room temperature (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
Assembly
- Fresh strawberries, chopped
- Strawberry jam
- Biscuit crumbs or graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly using a mixer or spoon until the mixture is thick and creamy, ensuring the sugars and butter are well incorporated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Into the butter-sugar mixture, add the egg, double cream or heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the flour mixture in with a spoon or silicone spatula until just combined to avoid over-mixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 1 hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to shape and producing a better texture in the baked cookies.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) about 10-15 minutes before baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment or baking paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. Divide into 90g portions (approximately 6 balls) or use a cookie scoop for even sizing. Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar set aside for coating, ensuring an even sugary crust.
- Bake: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, depending on cookie size, until lightly golden but still soft in the centers.
- Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove cookies from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet; this prevents breakage and sets their shape for decorating.
- Prepare Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, pour cold double cream, add vanilla extract and icing sugar. Whip with a mixer until soft peaks form—be careful not to overwhip at this stage.
- Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the whipped cream. Continue whipping until fully combined and the mixture holds medium peaks – thick, soft, and stable enough to spread yet light and airy.
- Assemble the Cookies: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cooled cookie. Add a dollop of strawberry jam on top of the frosting for sweetness and tang.
- Top with Fresh Strawberries and Crumbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh strawberries over the jam layer. Finally, dust the assembled cookies with biscuit or graham cracker crumbs for added texture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: These strawberry cheesecake cookies are best served fresh. Store any leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness and frosting texture.
Notes
- If using unsalted butter instead of salted, add 1/4 tsp salt to the dry ingredients to balance flavors.
- Double cream/heavy cream in the cookie dough can be omitted if preferred; it adds richness but is optional.
- Baking times vary by cookie size; this recipe yields 6 cookies at 90g each baked for 18 minutes. Smaller cookies require less baking time.
- Cookies will soften slightly under the frosting; avoid underbaking to ensure they hold together well after assembling.
- Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese topping fresh and prevent spoilage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg