Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you love the classic flavor of strawberry cheesecake but want a dessert that is a little easier to share and doesn’t require plates and forks, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect solution. They combine a buttery, soft cookie base with a creamy cheesecake center and a sweet strawberry topping. Every bite is like a mini slice of cheesecake — but in cookie form! Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are everything you want in a dessert — soft, sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese. They are versatile enough to serve year-round, whether you are using fresh summer strawberries or frozen ones in the middle of winter. They are also a hit with both kids and adults, making them a great choice for family gatherings or bake sales. The sparkling sugar on top gives them an extra festive touch, making them pretty enough to serve at showers, brunches, or holiday cookie trays.

Another reason to love these cookies is that they are completely homemade but do not require complicated techniques. The dough comes together quickly, the cheesecake filling is simple to mix, and the strawberry topping takes just a few minutes on the stove. They look bakery-worthy but can easily be made in your home kitchen, even if you are a beginner baker.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you need for this recipe:

For the Cheesecake Filling

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

For the Strawberry Topping

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped (or frozen, thawed and drained)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

For Garnish

Extra sugar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two or three large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined and fluffy. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the cookie dough so it can firm up slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Cook the Strawberry Topping

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Chilling the topping will make it easier to spoon onto the cookies without running.

Step 5: Shape the Cookie Dough

Roll the cookie dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly using your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a shallow well for the filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Spoon about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling into the center of each cookie, then top with a teaspoon of the cooled strawberry topping. Sprinkle lightly with extra sugar for a sparkling finish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese will mix more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
Chill the Filling and Topping: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the filling and topping for 10–15 minutes can make assembly easier.
Don’t Overbake: The cookies should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Use a Small Cookie Scoop: This helps ensure uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Variations

Blueberry or Raspberry Version: Swap the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a bakery-style finish.
Graham Cracker Crumble: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the cheesecake filling before baking for a true cheesecake cookie experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigeration is recommended. You can also freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can make the cookie dough, cheesecake filling, and strawberry topping a day in advance. Store the dough covered in the refrigerator, the filling in a separate airtight container, and the topping in a jar or small bowl. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies slightly chilled for the best texture — the cheesecake center will be creamy and refreshing. They make a lovely addition to dessert platters, afternoon tea, baby showers, bridal showers, or Valentine’s Day treats. Pair them with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for the perfect indulgence.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 3 g

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a beautiful combination of flavors and textures, transforming a classic dessert into a handheld treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking them for a party, gifting them to friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.