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Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and a bit sticky.
- Add the strawberry powder: Gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries (which have been crushed or powdered). The strawberry powder gives the cookies a subtle pink color and a burst of strawberry flavor without adding moisture that could alter the texture of the dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Mix the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This forms the delicious “cheesecake” center for your cookies.
- Add fresh strawberries: Stir in the finely chopped or mashed fresh strawberries. You can add more or less based on how fruity you want the filling to be. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a small amount of strawberry puree instead.
- Chill the filling: Cover the cheesecake filling and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm it up and makes it easier to scoop and place into the cookies.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Scoop the cookie dough: Once the dough has chilled, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create a well in the center: Using your finger or the back of a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through to the bottom.
- Fill with cheesecake mixture: Spoon a small dollop of the chilled cheesecake filling into the indentation of each cookie. Don’t overfill, as the filling will spread while baking.
- Seal the edges: Gently pinch the dough around the filling to seal it in, forming the dough into a ball again. This ensures that the cheesecake filling stays inside the cookie while baking.
- Optional: Add extra strawberry topping: For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle some extra freeze-dried strawberries or a spoonful of strawberry jam on top of the filled cookies before baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cheesecake filling will puff up a little but should remain soft and creamy.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the filling to firm up a bit and makes the cookies easier to handle.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookies have cooled, they’re ready to serve! The cookies will have a soft, chewy texture with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and a burst of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
1. Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Freeze-dried strawberries are the key to getting that intense strawberry flavor in the cookie dough without adding excess moisture. You can find freeze-dried strawberries in most grocery stores or online, and they can be easily crushed into powder. If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can substitute with regular fresh or frozen strawberries, but they may affect the texture of the dough.
2. Chill the Dough and Filling
Both the dough and the cheesecake filling benefit from a chill in the fridge. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helps the cheesecake filling stay firm, ensuring it doesn’t run out during baking.
3. Customize the Filling
Feel free to get creative with the cheesecake filling. You can add a little lemon zest or juice for extra brightness, or mix in some white chocolate chips for added sweetness. You could even add a swirl of strawberry jam into the cheesecake mixture for a marbled effect.
4. Storage
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to a month—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
1. Cheesecake Flavor in a Cookie
If you’re a fan of cheesecake, you’ll love how these cookies capture that creamy, tangy filling and deliver it in a fun, handheld form. The cookie base adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the cheesecake filling.
2. Perfectly Sweet and Fruity
The combination of fresh strawberries in the filling and freeze-dried strawberries in the cookie dough offers a delightful fruity sweetness that’s not overpowering. Each bite is a perfect mix of tartness and sweetness that feels like a treat in every sense.
3. Unique and Fun to Make
These cookies are a fun twist on traditional cookies and cheesecake. They’re easy enough for beginners but still feel special enough for a celebration. The assembly process, with the creamy cheesecake filling, is sure to impress anyone you share them with.
4. Versatile for Any Occasion
These cookies are perfect for a wide range of occasions, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. They’re great for summer picnics, holiday parties, or any time you want to surprise guests with something unique and delicious.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: cookies and cheesecake. With their soft, chewy cookie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry flavor, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delicious treat, these cookies offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful, strawberry-infused desserts. Happy baking!
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