Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These strawberry cheesecake cookies offer the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake paired with the irresistible softness of a cookie. With a graham cracker-infused base, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a sweet strawberry glaze, these cookies are a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and buttery flavors. They make for an elegant dessert for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients

12 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup crushed graham crackers
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1–2 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Strawberry Glaze:

3 tbsp strawberry jam
2 tbsp water
½ tbsp sugar
1 tsp cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, crushed graham crackers, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- If desired, add lemon juice to the mixture for a tangy flavor.
- Scoop out small portions of the cream cheese mixture and roll them into balls.
- Place the cream cheese balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out portions of the chilled cookie dough and flatten them slightly.
- Place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center of each dough portion and mold the dough around the cream cheese, sealing it completely.
- Place the assembled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the strawberry jam, water, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Finished Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top of each cookie.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 12 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

Strawberry Swirl Cookies: Instead of mixing chopped strawberries directly into the dough, swirl strawberry jam or preserves into the cookie batter for a marbled effect.
White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies: Fold in white chocolate chips into the dough for added sweetness and creaminess.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based heavy cream to create a vegan-friendly version of these cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls (without the cream cheese filling) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add the frozen cream cheese filling and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and cream cheese filling in advance and refrigerate them separately. Assemble and bake the cookies when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out during baking?

Ensure that the cookie dough fully encases the cream cheese filling and that there are no gaps. Chilling the dough before baking also helps maintain its structure.

Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs with something else?

Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.

How can I make the strawberry glaze thicker?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, increase the amount of cornstarch slightly or reduce the amount of water used in the recipe.

Can I use a different fruit for the glaze?

Certainly! You can substitute the strawberry jam with other fruit preserves, such as raspberry or blueberry, to create a different flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes, this recipe does not contain any nuts, making it safe for individuals with nut allergies.

Can I make these cookies without the glaze?

While the glaze adds a sweet finish, you can omit it if you prefer a simpler cookie.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the cookie dough before baking to help maintain its shape and prevent excessive spreading.

Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These strawberry cheesecake cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries. The soft, buttery cookie base and strawberry glaze finish off this treat beautifully. Whether you’re serving them at a special event or simply enjoying them as an everyday indulgence, they’re sure to please everyone who tries them.