Why You’ll Love This Recipe
They’re soft, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. You get all the goodness of cheesecake without the effort. They’re visually stunning and perfect for gifting or sharing. They can be made ahead and frozen. They’re adaptable to fresh or freeze-dried strawberries, depending on what you have.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small cookie scoop
Cooling rack
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or piping bag (for filling)
Tips for Success
Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth filling. Don’t overfill the cookies or the filling may leak. Chill the dough before baking for cleaner shape. If using jam, swirl lightly to avoid overmixing. Let cookies cool completely before serving for best texture.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 cup strawberry jam or crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Scoop cookie dough into balls and flatten slightly. Add a small dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center. Fold the dough around the filling and seal. Place on baking sheet and gently press the top. Swirl a bit of strawberry jam or sprinkle freeze-dried strawberries on top. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Additional Tips or Variations
Use freeze-dried strawberries for a more concentrated berry flavor and extra chew. Substitute raspberry or blueberry jam for variation. Add crushed graham crackers into the dough or sprinkle on top for a true cheesecake crust vibe. Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.