There’s something truly magical about baking with your kids. The kitchen fills with laughter, the sweet aroma of goodies wafts through the air, and you get a delicious treat to enjoy together. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in our home: Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Trust me, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, and they’re perfect for any occasion!
Why Make This Recipe
These Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are not only super scrumptious, but they also bring a little taste of summer into your kitchen year-round. The combination of cream cheese and fresh strawberries creates a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up on a busy weekday or to impress guests on the weekend! You can even get the kids involved—they’ll love folding in the strawberries and watching the cookies transform in the oven.
How to Make Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Let’s gather what you need to make these scrumptious cookies:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Now, let’s get our hands a little messy—this is the fun part!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm for baking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined.
- Beat in the egg until it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. You want those sweet little pieces to stand out in your cookies.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They don’t have to be perfect—lovely and messy is the goal here!
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Let the cookies cool for a bit before dusting them with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
How to Serve Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but to make them extra special, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can even place a few on a cute plate to share with friends over coffee. They’re a fantastic addition to any dessert table!
How to Store Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
If you have any cookies left (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper, so they don’t stick together.
Tips to Make Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened for easier mixing.
- Chop your strawberries into small pieces; this helps distribute the flavor throughout the cookies.
- Don’t overbake! These cookies should be soft and chewy. Pull them out when the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- If the batter is too soft, you might consider chilling it for 30 minutes before baking.
Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Try substituting the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. You can also swirl in a bit of lemon zest for an extra kick of flavor!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well. Otherwise, they may add too much moisture to the batter.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes! You can bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. You can even freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!
Baking Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies has become a cherished activity in our home. The giggles, the messy hands, and the delicious cookies that come out of the oven make it all worth it. I hope you and your family enjoy making (and eating!) these delightful cookies as much as we do. Happy baking!