Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract; 1 teaspoon red or pink food coloring (optional); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract

1 teaspoon red or pink food coloring (optional)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup cream cheese, softened

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

1 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until completely smooth. Portion the mixture into 1 to 2 teaspoon dollops on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 30 to 60 minutes.

Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat softened butter with packed brown sugar and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and food coloring (if using) to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and uniform in color.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed. Mix only until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. The dough should be thick and not sticky.

Shape and Fill Cookies: Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten into a disk. Place one frozen cheesecake filling dollop in the center. Carefully enclose the filling by folding dough around it and sealing the edges fully. Roll each filled dough ball in granulated sugar until well coated.

Bake Cookies: Arrange filled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them adequately. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet so the filling can set.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen cheesecake filling dollops to prevent the filling from melting out during baking.

For extra strawberry flavor, add a small amount of finely chopped dried strawberries to the dough.

If you prefer, substitute cream cheese filling with a dollop of your favorite fruit jam for a different twist.

To achieve a vibrant pink color, the food coloring is optional but adds a fun visual touch.

FAQs

Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the filling in advance and freezing the dollops makes the assembly easier and helps keep the filling intact during baking.

What can I do if the filling leaks out during baking?

Make sure to seal the dough edges around the filling completely and use frozen filling dollops. Also, avoid overfilling the cookies to prevent leakage.