Name: Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies | Valentine Stuffed and Bakery
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 oz cream cheese; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon sour cream; ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.55 cup strawberry jam; 1.1 cups unsalted butter; 1.1 cups light brown sugar; 0.55 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3⅔ cups all-purpose flour; 1.1 cups graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 3.3 oz white chocolate

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Thick, decadent, and oh-so-delicious, Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies | Valentine Stuffed and Bakery are truly a treat for the senses. Imagine the warm scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, combined with a hint of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake. The cookies boast a soft, chewy exterior that cradles a blissfully rich filling, creating an indulgent bite that feels like a cozy hug. Every mouthful carries a hint of nostalgia, reminiscent of warm summer days and special moments shared with loved ones.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies | Valentine Stuffed and Bakery
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies | Valentine Stuffed and Bakery

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies | Valentine Stuffed and Bakery

Every time I bake these delightful treats, I’m reminded of the Valentine’s Day picnic I shared with my partner, surrounded by flowers and laughter, each cookie bringing us closer as we indulged in each perfect bite. These cookies are ideal for any occasion, be it a sweet gesture for a loved one or a delightful dessert for family gatherings. Trust me, once you whip up this batch of Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies | Valentine Stuffed and Bakery, you’ll be returning to this recipe again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just under an hour, from prep to bake!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery graham cracker, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberries offers a taste sensation you won’t forget.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies look as festive and cute as they taste — perfect for Valentine’s Day gatherings!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy these cookies as a dessert, a sweet snack, or even as a whimsical breakfast treat with coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap ingredients to make them gluten-free or use dairy-free alternatives if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 oz cream cheese: Make sure it’s fully softened; this ensures a smooth filling. You can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Fine sugar is perfect for the filling to create a lovely sweetness without being grainy.
1 tablespoon sour cream: Full-fat is best for a rich flavor. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a tangy twist.
⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract: Using pure vanilla elevates the filling; artificial flavor just doesn’t match the quality.
0.55 cup strawberry jam: A thick, high-quality preserve guarantees a burst of strawberry flavor. You can even use homemade jam for a personal touch!
1.1 cups unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
1.1 cups light brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar brings moisture and richness to your cookies.
0.55 cup granulated sugar: This standard sugar balances things out and adds sweetness.
2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better with the batter, creating a smoother texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Again, pure is recommended for that extra flavor.
3⅔ cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy in your measurements.
1.1 cups graham cracker crumbs: Finely crushed crumbs provide a delightful crunch and flavor reminiscent of cheesecake crust.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: This adds tenderness to the cookies, making them soft and chewy.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Using fresh baking powder ensures your cookies will rise perfectly.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: This works in conjunction with the baking powder for a great texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Fine sea salt enhances the sweetness without being overpowering.
3.3 oz white chocolate: Optional but adds a lovely visual and flavor touch, finely chopped so it can melt slightly into the cookie surface.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies | Valentine Stuffed and Bakery

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, stir the cream cheese and granulated sugar until completely smooth and thoroughly combined. Add in the sour cream and vanilla extract, blending well until the mixture is uniform and silky. Once mixed, prepare a small tray by lining it with wax paper and drop the cheesecake filling in 2-teaspoon portions. Place the tray in the freezer while preparing the cookie dough, allowing time for the filling to firm up.

Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, start beating the softened unsalted butter with both light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and well-aerated. This process creates a light texture in the cookies, making them wonderfully appetizing. Once lightened, beat in the eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated and has a glossy appearance.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blending the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution and prevents clumping. Gradually combine this mixture with the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Once mixed, cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill, making it easier to handle.

Preheat and Prepare: As the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using white chocolate, finely chop it now to create a lovely topping for your cookies. Preparing ahead of time is key for smooth baking — a sure way to impress anyone!

Assemble the Cookies: Begin by scooping out a large portion of cookie dough using a cookie scoop. Create a well in the center, then spoon in some strawberry jam and place a frozen cheesecake piece on top. Finally, use more dough to encase the filling and gently roll it to form a smooth ball. This gives the cookies a delightful surprise at their core! Press any additional white chocolate into the surface of each dough ball to add that extra flair.

Freeze for Shape: To help the cookies hold their shape while baking, place the assembled cookie dough balls in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. It’s a little trick — and totally worth the wait — that results in perfectly formed cookies with a soft filling.

Bake Until Golden: Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for about 14-15 minutes on the center rack, until the edges are lightly golden and the tops might look a bit puffy. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma during this time!

Cool and Enjoy: After baking, let the cookies cool fully on the baking sheet. This resting time ensures they set perfectly and the texture is just right. Bite into one, and you’ll find a luscious strawberry cheesecake surprise inside, along with that delightful graham cracker crunch on the outside.

Storing & Reheating

Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container to retain moisture and freshness. If kept in the refrigerator, they will last about a week, but make sure to use a container that seals tightly. For longer storage, these cookies freeze remarkably well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and you can keep them for up to three months. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to refresh their soft texture, but prepare for a slight change in firmness, which gives a delightful chewy bite.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure all the ingredients are at the right temperature. Using room temperature eggs and softened butter leads to better mixing and a uniform cookie dough.
When freezing the cheesecake filling, try to space it out so it freezes uniformly and doesn’t become one big solid piece.
If your dough seems too sticky after chilling, a light dusting of flour on your hands will make handling easier.
Don’t skip the chilling step for the assembled cookies; this impacts how well they hold their shape during baking.
Feel free to get creative with flavors! Swap out the strawberry jam for raspberry or peach for a tasty twist.
You can easily whip up the dough ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for a day or two before baking — a great time-saver for busy schedules.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking these cookies, and they are bound to become a cherished part of your recipe collection. You’ll find an appealing balance of flavors and textures, creating a fun little moment in every bite. Play around with the flavors, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the smiles they bring. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results. The graham cracker crumbs may also have gluten-free versions available, perfect for maintaining that signature flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

For those looking for a dairy-free option, vegan cream cheese works wonderfully in this recipe. Additionally, you can use a rich, thick cashew cream or ricotta cheese, but this may alter the flavor slightly, offering a delicious alternate take on the original recipe.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re looking to keep them longer, freezing them is ideal. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and they can last up to three months while maintaining their flavor and texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a fluffy appearance. The tops may still appear soft. The residual heat from the baking sheet will help them set up perfectly as they cool! If they are too golden, they may become overly crunchy, so keep an eye on them.