If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for anything strawberry and creamy, then you are in for a treat with this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries paired with luscious cheesecake frosting, creating a delightful balance of fruity brightness and rich creaminess. Think moist, tender cookies with juicy strawberry bits inside, topped with a dreamy layer of cream cheese frosting accented by crushed cookie crumbs and fresh slices of strawberry. It’s like biting into a handheld strawberry cheesecake, perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to bring smiles at every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet each one plays a special role, from delivering that signature strawberry flavor to giving the cookies their soft texture and creamy finish. You’ll love how simple pantry staples combine with fresh strawberries to elevate these cookies into a show-stopping treat.
- Strawberry cake mix: The base that provides sweet, strawberry-flavored structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay light without becoming cakey.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for softness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and adds richness without heaviness.
- Chopped strawberries: Fresh bursts of real fruit to infuse juiciness and natural sweetness.
- Cream cheese (softened): Essential for that rich, tangy cheesecake frosting that complements the cookies perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds smoothness and helps create that luscious frosting texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky and smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth and adds warmth.
- Sliced strawberries: Beautiful, fresh decorate to top off the cookies with flair and extra strawberry goodness.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking together the eggs and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl until well combined. This mixture adds the necessary moisture and fat that will keep your cookies tender, so whisking it well ensures a smooth and even texture in the final dough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the strawberry cake mix and baking powder. The cake mix brings that wonderful strawberry flavor and subtle sweetness while the baking powder gives the dough lift, helping your cookies rise just enough without losing tenderness.
Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mixing until a thick dough forms. This step is key—mix just enough to bring the dough together, so your cookies stay soft and do not become tough from overmixing.
Step 4: Fold in Fresh Strawberries
Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the dough. This is where fresh fruit elevates the flavor, adding pockets of juicy sweetness that burst in every bite. Handle carefully to keep the strawberries from breaking up too much and turning the dough pink.
Step 5: Portion the Dough
Using an ice cream scoop, drop six dough balls per baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing allows each cookie space to spread out during baking and ensures they bake evenly without merging.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. The smell at this stage is absolutely heavenly, a combination of strawberry sweetness and warm vanilla that fills your kitchen with anticipation.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Allow the cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before frosting. This cooling ensures the cream cheese frosting won’t melt and will remain perfectly luscious on top.
Step 8: Prepare the Cheesecake Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth. This creates the creamy base for your frosting, where tangy cream cheese mingles beautifully with buttery richness.
Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar
Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is silky and creamy. The powdered sugar not only sweetens but also helps achieve that perfect consistency for piping.
Step 10: Frost the Cookies
Pipe the cream cheese frosting evenly onto each cooled cookie. This step turns the cookies from delicious to spectacular, adding a luxurious layer that completes the strawberry cheesecake experience.
Step 11: Add Cookie Crumbs and Strawberry Garnish
For that extra pop of texture and visual appeal, crumble one cookie and sprinkle the crumbs on top of the frosting. Then garnish with fresh sliced strawberries for a stunning finish that echoes the fruity flavors inside.
Step 12: Serve or Store
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container once fully decorated. They hold up beautifully for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet cravings later.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries on top add a gorgeous pop of color and reinforce the strawberry flavor. If you want to get a little fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can take these cookies to the next level in presentation and indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of chamomile tea to balance the sweetness with a soothing beverage. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cookies on a pretty platter with fresh strawberry halves and edible flowers for an elegant dessert display. You can also sandwich two frosted cookies together, creating strawberry cheesecake cookie sandwiches for a fun twist that doubles the cheesecake goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness. Keeping them sealed prevents the cookies from drying out and keeps the frosting nicely creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. For frosted cookies, freeze them on a sheet first to avoid smearing, then wrap tightly once firm.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your cookies warm, heat them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating frosted cookies for too long as the frosting can melt. Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh?
Freeze-dried strawberries can be a good substitute for fresh in the dough if fresh ones aren’t available, but fresh strawberries give a juicier texture and brightness that really elevate the cookie. Just be mindful that freeze-dried pieces are drier and won’t add moisture.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese?
Yes, Neufchâtel cheese can be used as it has a similar texture and flavor but with slightly less fat. Your frosting might be a tiny bit lighter but still deliciously creamy and tangy for this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
What’s the best way to prevent the strawberries from bleeding into the dough?
Gently fold the strawberries in last and avoid smashing them while mixing. Using firm, ripe strawberries instead of overly soft or ripe ones can help minimize juice bleeding and keep the dough from turning pink.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For a gluten-free twist, look for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and confirm other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same, ensuring you still get that delightful strawberry cheesecake flavor.
How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?
Add red and green sprinkles on top of the frosting during holidays or use heart-shaped cookie cutters for Valentine’s Day. You can also incorporate white chocolate chips into the dough for a wintry look or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a charming and delicious way to bring the joy of cheesecake into cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies brighten any moment with fruity freshness and creamy sweetness that your friends and family will adore. Give this recipe a try and prepare to create a new favorite treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 11 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, a delicious treat combining the sweet tang of strawberry cake mix with creamy cheesecake frosting. Perfectly soft and flavorful, they make an irresistible dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup chopped strawberries
Cheesecake Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- 6 sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vegetable oil until fully combined to form the wet base for the cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the strawberry cake mix and baking powder thoroughly to ensure even leavening.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms and all components are well incorporated.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries to distribute them evenly without breaking them down too much.
- Shape Cookies: Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the dough, forming 6 balls per baking sheet and spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in a preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown, indicating they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing continuously until the frosting achieves a creamy and spreadable consistency.
- Frost Cookies: Pipe or spread the cheesecake frosting generously on top of each cooled cookie.
- Add Crumble: Crumble one cookie finely and sprinkle the crumbs over the frosted cookies to add texture and enhance presentation.
- Garnish: Place a sliced strawberry on top of each frosted cookie for a fresh and decorative touch.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cookies immediately for the best flavor and texture, or store them in an airtight container to keep fresh.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Chill the dough if it becomes too sticky for easier handling.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Store cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For extra strawberry flavor, consider adding a drop of strawberry extract to the frosting.
