I absolutely adore sharing this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Delight Recipe because it brings together everything I love in one bite: creamy cheesecake swirled with luscious strawberry jam, all wrapped in a soft, buttery cookie. Each cookie offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy with little pockets of fresh strawberry flavor dancing alongside the rich cream cheese, creating a snack that feels both indulgent and wonderfully fresh. If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this recipe is exactly what you need in your life.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Delight Recipe
From the moment I first tasted these cookies, I was hooked on their unique flavor profile. You get the richness of the cream cheese filling complementing the natural sweetness of slow-cooked strawberry jam, all hugged by a tender, slightly crisp cookie. It’s like a mini strawberry cheesecake experience in cookie form, which feels like a special treat without being overly complicated.
What I really appreciate about this recipe is how approachable it is. Yes, it takes a bit of time—mostly waiting and baking—but none of the steps are intimidating. I love that you can prepare portions of the cheesecake filling and jam ahead of time, making the process feel more manageable. Plus, the instructions gently guide you through creating those luscious pockets of jam in the dough, which makes all the difference.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing something unique to a holiday dessert tray, or just craving a sweet snack with your afternoon tea. They stand out because of their combination of textures and flavors, and everyone I’ve shared them with has asked for the recipe. I can’t recommend this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Delight Recipe enough if you want to wow your friends and family with something that’s as satisfying as it is charming.
Ingredients You'll Need
I always find that the best recipes come together from simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a key role: the cream cheese adds rich creaminess, fresh strawberries bring vibrant color and natural sweetness, and the combination of flour, butter, and sugar creates a tender cookie base that’s just the right texture.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s cold to achieve the perfect fluffy filling texture.
- Granulated sugar: Multiple times used to sweeten the filling, jam, and dough for balanced sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both cheesecake filling and cookie dough.
- Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe and juicy ones as they’ll create the most vibrant strawberry jam.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough to keep cookies soft yet sturdy enough to hold fillings.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together for lightness and slight lift in the cookies.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Use very softened butter for the creamiest cookie dough texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds tenderness.
- Sugar for rolling: Creates a subtle crunchy coating on the outside of the cookies.
Directions
Step 1: To make the cheesecake filling, line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. Add the cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla to a small bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip these together until fluffy and the sugar fully dissolves, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Scoop the creamy mixture into 18 portions of 2 teaspoons each onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each scoop gently with the back of a spoon to form a thick disc rather than a ball. Place this sheet into the freezer and let the cheesecake discs harden completely.
Step 3: Next, let’s prepare the strawberry jam. Combine the diced strawberries and ¼ cup of sugar in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook gently, stirring occasionally and mashing the mixture halfway through with a wooden spoon, for about 45 minutes. Towards the end, stir carefully as the jam thickens and sticks to the pot. You want a very thick jam, reduced to about a heaping ⅓ cup. Remove it from heat and chill it in the fridge while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
Step 5: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat on high speed until the mixture is fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Add the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until pale and very fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 7: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out dense.
Step 8: Now for the fun part! Push about three-quarters of the cookie dough to the side of your bowl. Flatten one-quarter of the dough along the bottom. Spoon one-quarter of the chilled jam over it, then cover with another quarter of the dough, followed by another quarter of jam on top. Repeat this layering two more times so the jam is evenly spread throughout the dough.
Step 9: Using a rubber spatula, “cut” the dough into quarters and fold each section just enough to mix the jam slightly into the dough, leaving obvious pockets of jam. You don’t want to swirl it completely; those pockets give the cookies their magic touch.
Step 10: Scoop the dough into 18 portions using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop. Flatten each portion slightly, then take a frozen cheesecake disc and press it into the center of one dough portion. Wrap the cookie dough completely around the cheesecake, sealing it well. Shape each cookie into a slightly flattened disc rather than a ball — this helps with even baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 11: Roll each cookie in the reserved ¼ cup of granulated sugar, then place them spaced out on the lined baking sheet. Keep the cheesecake discs in the freezer until just before using to simplify assembling each cookie.
Step 12: Bake the cookies in batches of 6 for 11 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). When you take them out, don’t forget to gently scoot a large circular cookie cutter around each cookie’s edge to give them a perfect round shape while still warm and soft.
Step 13: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving. You’ll want to be patient here to enjoy the full texture and flavor!
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 18 delightful cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring over a few days. The preparation time is roughly 45 minutes if you multitask efficiently, but the strawberry jam alone takes about 45 minutes to cook down perfectly. Don’t forget about freezing the cheesecake filling discs and chilling the jam, which adds up to about an hour but can be done ahead of time. Actual baking time is 11-12 minutes per batch. So overall, I set aside about 2 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish, including cooling — it’s totally worth it!
How to Serve This Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Delight Recipe
I love serving these cookies at room temperature to enjoy their full range of flavors and textures. The cream cheese remains creamy but not overly soft, while the cookie is tender and slightly crisp at the edges. For a fun presentation, arrange them on a pretty platter with a few fresh strawberries scattered around—this highlights the strawberry notes visually and adds a lovely pop of color to your table.
If you’re serving at a party or holiday gathering, these cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a floral tea like chamomile or hibiscus to complement the fruity brightness. For a grown-up twist, I like to suggest pairing them with a slightly chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a light strawberry mojito — the effervescence balances the creamy texture beautifully. Plus, these cookies add a charming, homemade touch to any dessert spread.
For a casual weeknight treat, I often enjoy these straight from a cookie jar with a cold glass of milk or a refreshing lemonade. If you prefer, they’re also tasty chilled from the fridge for a cooler, firmer bite perfect on a warm day. Portion sizes around one to two cookies per person work well since they’re quite rich, but I confess I never stop at just one!
Variations
If you want to tailor this recipe, I have a few ideas that always work well for me. For instance, swapping fresh strawberries with frozen berries or even raspberries offers a delightful twist — just remember to adjust the cooking time of the jam as needed depending on moisture content. You can also experiment with adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a subtle citrusy zing that elevates the flavor.
For those following gluten-free diets, replacing the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free blend works nicely. You might need to tweak the flour quantity slightly for texture, but the overall result remains delicious. Vegan substitutions are possible too: use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter alternative, and an egg replacer like chia or flax egg for binding the dough. While the flavor shifts a bit, it’s still a wonderful treat that everyone will enjoy.
If you’re short on time, you could skip making your own strawberry jam and use a thick strawberry preserves instead, folding it into the dough carefully to maintain those jam pockets. Another fun variation is to bake these as mini cookie sandwiches: after baking, sandwich two cookies with extra cream cheese filling for an elegant presentation. I also love trying different baking methods like baking at slightly lower temperatures for a longer time to get chewier cookies, or even a quick chill before baking for thicker, fudgier results.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
I find the best way to keep leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Delight Recipe fresh is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s warm or humid, popping them in the fridge helps extend their life for about 5 days, but I recommend bringing them back to room temperature before eating so the texture and flavors can shine.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. I like to freeze them after baking and cooling completely by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or ziptop bag. Properly stored, they keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you have leftover cheesecake discs, freeze those separately as well to assemble fresh cookies any time.
Reheating
When reheating, I avoid the microwave as it tends to make them soggy or overly soft. Instead, gently warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are just warm and slightly crisp again. This method helps restore the cookie’s wonderful texture while keeping the cream cheese filling creamy and luscious. Enjoy them warm or let cool slightly depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the jam?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well but tend to release more water, so you may need to cook the jam a bit longer to reach that thick consistency. Make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery jam.
Do I have to freeze the cheesecake filling before baking?
Freezing the cheesecake discs is important because it helps them hold their shape when wrapped in the dough and baking, preventing the filling from melting out during cooking. I highly recommend this step for the best results.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Shaping the dough into slightly flattened discs instead of balls before baking is key, along with chilling the cheesecake discs. Also, using softened—not melted—butter gives you the right dough consistency to minimize excessive spreading.
Can I make these cookies ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake filling and strawberry jam a day or two ahead and keep them chilled. Assemble and bake the cookies on the day of your event for the freshest taste and texture, or bake them in advance and warm gently just before serving.
Is it okay if the jam pockets mix more with the dough?
The little pockets of jam are what make these cookies special, but if they mix too much, the cookies become streaked and lose that delightful contrast. Try folding the jam in gently and only a few times to maintain those distinct pockets.
Conclusion
I genuinely hope you try making the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Delight Recipe because it’s one of those special desserts that effortlessly blends elegance and comfort. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet pick-me-up that feels both fancy and homey. Once you take that first bite, the creamy cheesecake filling with bursts of sweet-tart strawberry jam wrapped in buttery cookie goodness will have you hooked — just like I was! Trust me, these cookies are worth every moment spent creating them.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 56 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 11 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Delight combine creamy cheesecake filling, luscious homemade strawberry jam, and buttery cookie dough into a decadent treat. With a crisp sugared exterior and pockets of sweet strawberry jam within, these cookies are perfect for dessert or a fancy snack. The recipe involves making a cheesecake filling, a thick strawberry jam, and a soft cookie dough layered with both, baked into irresistible cookies that have a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Jam
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
Cookie Dough
- 2 ¾ cups (344 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling dough in
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat until the mixture is fluffy and the sugar has fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Scoop the cheesecake filling into 18 portions of 2 teaspoons each on the lined baking sheet, flattening each scoop slightly with the back of a spoon into a thick disc shape. Freeze until completely firm.
- Make the Strawberry Jam: Place the diced strawberries and ¼ cup granulated sugar into a medium pot over medium heat. Cook for approximately 45 minutes, stirring continuously and mashing halfway through with a wooden spoon to break down the fruit. Towards the end, stir continuously to prevent sticking as the jam thickens. The jam should reduce to a thick consistency, about a heaping ⅓ cup (80 ml). Remove from heat and refrigerate to chill while preparing the dough.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Gradually add the dry flour mixture and mix on low speed just until combined.
- Incorporate the Jam: Push three-quarters of the dough to one side of the bowl. Flatten one-quarter of the dough on the bottom of the bowl, spoon one-quarter of the chilled jam over it, then layer with another quarter of the dough and another quarter of the jam. Repeat this layering one more time. Using a rubber spatula, cut the dough into quarters and gently fold each section just enough to distribute the jam into pockets within the dough without mixing it entirely.
- Assemble the Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into 18 portions, flattening each slightly. Place a frozen cheesecake disc in the center of each portion and carefully fold the dough around it, ensuring the cheesecake is completely enclosed. Shape each piece into a slightly flattened disc, which helps prevent excessive spreading during baking. Roll each cookie dough disc in sugar, keeping the cheesecake discs frozen until ready to assemble.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange 6 cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 11–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Immediately after removing from the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently nudge the cookies into a perfect round shape. Cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once cooled.
Notes
- Keep the cheesecake filling discs frozen until assembling the cookies to maintain their shape and prevent melting during baking.
- Smashing the strawberries halfway through cooking the jam helps break down the fruit for a smoother texture.
- Do not fully mix the jam into the dough; leaving pockets of jam adds bursts of flavor and texture.
- Flattening the cookies slightly before baking helps them bake evenly and prevents excessive spreading.
- Use a cookie cutter right after baking to create perfectly round cookies as they are soft when hot.
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