Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

In Short

• Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Yield: About 18 cookies
• Creamy cheesecake flavor combined with sweet strawberry makes these cookies irresistible!
• Key ingredients include cream cheese, crushed graham crackers, and freeze-dried strawberries.
• Chill the dough before baking for the best texture.
• Optional drizzle of white chocolate takes these cookies to the next level.

Make your dessert dreams come true with this easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies recipe! These cookies taste like a slice of strawberry cheesecake in portable, bite-sized form. With a soft, chewy texture and bursts of berry flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Keep reading for an easy step-by-step guide.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to whip up these dreamy cookies. Most of these are pantry staples with a couple of fun additions!

• For the 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
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
• Mix-Ins and Additions:
  • ½ cup crushed graham crackers (about 4 full sheets)
  • ⅓ cup freeze-dried strawberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional for drizzling or mixing in)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by mixing the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer (or a stand mixer) and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This step gives your cookies that cheesecake-like flavor and texture.

Step 2: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla

Add both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture. Beat until fluffy and well combined. Then, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough starts to come together.

Step 4: Fold in the Graham Crackers and Strawberries

Using a spatula, gently fold the crushed graham crackers and freeze-dried strawberries into the dough. These add crunch and fruity sweetness. If you’re a fan of white chocolate, now’s the time to stir in a handful of chips for added richness!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop the dough into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it helps prevent spreading and ensures the cookies bake up thick and chewy.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form balls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly underbaked—that’s what you want! Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7 (Optional): White Chocolate Drizzle

If you’re feeling fancy, melt the remaining white chocolate chips in the microwave (stirring every 20 seconds) and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Wait for the chocolate to set before serving—if you can resist!

Tips and Tricks

• Chill for Consistency: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It makes all the difference in keeping these cookies thick and chewy.
• Substitutions:
  • Can’t find freeze-dried strawberries? Swap them for strawberry jam swirls or even dried cranberries for a twist.
  • Gluten-free? Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—or freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake fresh when needed.

Variations

Want to customize your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies? Here are some fun ideas to try out!

• Berry Medley: Add freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry vibe.
• Strawberry Shortcake: Top the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
• Choco-Berry Bliss: Substitute dark chocolate chips for white chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.

That’s it! Now you’ve got everything you need to bake up a batch of these heavenly Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Try them out and watch them disappear