Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tangy flavor of homemade strawberry jam swirled into a soft, buttery cookie dough. Each cookie features a frozen cream cheese center that melts to create a luscious filling, perfect for a delightful dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 6 oz cold cream cheese
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Jam
- 12 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
Cookie Dough
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup very softened unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for rolling dough)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the cold cream cheese with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Scoop the mixture into 18 small discs and freeze them until solid to use later as the filling.
- Make Strawberry Jam: Combine the finely diced strawberries and 0.25 cup of granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 45 minutes, smashing the mixture halfway through cooking, until the jam thickens and reduces to roughly 1/3 cup. Remove from heat and chill completely to cool and set.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the room temperature egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, beating until pale and light in color. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2.75 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Incorporate Strawberry Jam: Gently layer the cookie dough with the chilled strawberry jam in quarters to create swirls, being careful not to overmix to maintain the beautiful jam effect within the dough.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop 18 equal portions of the dough into balls. Flatten each ball slightly, place a frozen cheesecake disc in the center, and carefully wrap the dough around it to fully encase the filling. Roll each filled dough ball in 0.25 cup granulated sugar and flatten slightly to prepare for baking.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the prepared cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 11 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for 10 minutes to firm up. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to enjoy the creamiest centers.
Notes
- Use chilled homemade strawberry jam for the best consistency and flavor in the cookies.
- Keep the cheesecake filling frozen until ready to assemble the cookies to prevent melting during preparation.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before eating to ensure the creamy centers set properly for a perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesecake cookies, Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, strawberry desserts, Valentine’s Day Cookies
