Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These soft, creamy cookies combine the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the tangy richness of cream cheese for a delightful treat! Perfect for strawberry lovers.

Yield
Makes about 20 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Wash and dice the fresh strawberries into small pieces.
2. Pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as the strawberries may release juice.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Scoop 1 1/2-tablespoon portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will remain soft and slightly underbaked.
4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen Tips

1. Dry the Strawberries: Pat the strawberries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the dough too wet.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature for a smooth dough.
3. Chill Time: Chilling the dough is crucial to maintaining the cookies' shape.
4. Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
5. Freezing Option: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Enjoy these soft, strawberry-filled cheesecake cookies—an irresistible dessert for any occasion!