Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies combine a creamy cheesecake center with homemade strawberry jam swirled into a tender, buttery cookie. These delightful treats feature a luscious, frozen cream cheese filling surrounded by soft cookie dough infused with fresh strawberry jam, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a sweet, fruity twist on classic cookies.
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 bowl, mix cold cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop the mixture into 18 small discs and freeze until solid to ensure they hold shape during baking.
- Make Strawberry Jam: Combine finely diced strawberries and 0.25 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 45 minutes, smashing the berries halfway through, until the mixture thickens and reduces to about 1/3 cup. Chill the jam completely to allow it to set before using.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; beat until the mixture is pale and light. Gradually mix in 2.75 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon salt until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Incorporate Strawberry Jam: Divide the dough into quarters and gently layer with the chilled strawberry jam to create jam swirls without thoroughly mixing it in. This technique results in beautiful swirls of jam throughout the dough.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop the dough into 18 equal balls. Flatten each ball slightly, place a frozen cheesecake disc in the center, then wrap the dough completely around the cheesecake. Roll each assembled cookie in 0.25 cup granulated sugar and flatten slightly for even baking and a sweet crust.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 11 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling ensures the creamy cheesecake centers set perfectly.
Notes
- Use chilled homemade strawberry jam for the best texture and flavor consistency.
- Keep cheesecake filling frozen until ready to assemble to prevent melting and maintain the creamy center.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before eating to enjoy the soft, creamy cheesecake filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (for jam) + 12 minutes (for baking cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesecake cookies, Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, strawberry desserts, Valentine’s Day Cookies
