Oh, let me tell you about these delightful little treats called Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! I stumbled upon this recipe a couple of summers ago when I was looking for a way to utilize the fresh strawberries from our local farm. One bite into these heavenly cookies, and my tastebuds sang like a choir!
These cookies are like a perfect mash-up of two of my favorite desserts: strawberry cheesecake and classic cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that rich cream cheese flavor complemented by the sweet and tangy strawberries. Trust me; they’re a hit at any gathering! I’ve taken them to picnics, parties, and even just made a batch to enjoy with my coffee on a cozy afternoon. So, let’s dive into how you can make these scrumptious cookies!
What’s in Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
– All-purpose flour: The base of our cookies, giving them structure. I always opt for unbleached flour for a slightly better flavor.
– Sugar: We’ll use both granulated sugar and brown sugar, which adds a nice depth of flavor and helps keep the cookies soft.
– Butter: Unsalted butter is what I like to use; it gives richness without the added saltiness.
– Cream cheese: The star of the show! A block of full-fat cream cheese will give that luscious cheesecake flavor.
– Egg: This helps bind our cookie dough and gives it that soft texture.
– Vanilla extract: Adding lovely flavor; I always go for pure vanilla extract for the best results.
– Fresh strawberries: Sweet and juicy! Make sure they’re ripe! You can also use frozen strawberries, but make sure they’re thawed and drained.
– Baking soda: This is our leavening agent, ensuring the cookies don’t turn out too flat.
Is Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s be real—these cookies are a sweet treat and not a health food. However, they do have some redeeming qualities!
Strawberries: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, strawberries provide a sweet burst of flavor and some nutritional benefits. They’re low in calories too, making them a tad guilt-free!
Cream cheese: While it does bring that silky richness to the table, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its fat content.
In terms of indulgence, I’d say these cookies are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack. But hey, you deserve to treat yourself now and then!
Ingredients List
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped (about 6-8 medium strawberries)
This recipe serves around 24 cookies!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s nice and fluffy.
3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, or you may crush the berries!
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. They will look slightly underbaked in the center—this is perfect!
8. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Suggestions and Tips
– If you want to take these cookies to the next level, feel free to drizzle some melted white chocolate on top once they’ve cooled!
– You can swap strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries if you’re feeling adventurous.
– These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!
I hope you give these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies a whirl! I can’t wait to hear what you think about them. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a few bites yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!
