If you love cheesecake and cookies, get ready to fall in love with these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies! These gourmet, bakery-style cookies have a soft and chewy graham cracker-infused base, a sweet-tangy cheesecake filling, and a layer of strawberry jam inside. Every bite is packed with rich, creamy, and fruity flavors, making them one of the most indulgent cookies you’ll ever bake!
Each cookie is large, soft, and slightly crisp on the edges, with a gooey cheesecake center that’s absolutely irresistible. The white chocolate bits on top caramelize slightly during baking, adding a delicious finishing touch.
These cookies are perfect for bake sales, holidays, birthdays, or just because you want a show-stopping dessert! Follow the step-by-step guide below to make your own batch of these gourmet treats.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
✔ Bakery-Style & Huge! – Each cookie is thick, chewy, and stuffed for that luxurious bakery feel.
✔ Cheesecake-Inspired Filling – The cream cheese center adds the perfect creamy, tangy contrast.
✔ Real Strawberry Flavor – A layer of sweet-tart strawberry jam balances the richness.
✔ Soft & Chewy Texture – The addition of cornstarch and graham cracker crumbs ensures a tender bite.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – You can freeze the dough balls and bake whenever you need a fresh batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
For the Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs (about 4 full sheets, crushed)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling & Topping:
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped (or ½ cup white chocolate chips)
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth.
- Scoop 2-teaspoon-sized dollops onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball.
- Press your thumb into the center to create an indentation.
- Fill the indentation with 1½ teaspoons of strawberry jam.
- Place a frozen cream cheese dollop on top of the jam.
- Take another 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten slightly, and place it over the filling.
- Gently seal the edges, making sure no filling is exposed.
- Roll the dough into a smooth ball and press white chocolate bits on top.
Step 4: Chill & Bake
- Place the assembled cookie dough balls on a wax paper-lined tray and freeze for 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 14-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
✔ Freeze the cheesecake filling – Keeping it cold prevents it from melting too quickly in the oven.
✔ Chill the dough before baking – This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
✔ Use a cookie scoop – Ensures uniform cookies for even baking.
✔ Don’t overbake! – Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so remove them when the edges are just golden.
✔ White chocolate is optional – But it adds a delicious caramelized flavor on top!
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and white chocolate.
- Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies – Swap the strawberry jam for raspberry jam.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cookies – Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Twist – Add ¼ cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans for crunch!
Serving & Storing
How to Serve
- These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or milk for a delightful treat!
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.
Can You Freeze These Cookies?
Yes! Here’s how:
✔ Freeze the dough: Assemble the cookies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once firm, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
✔ Freeze baked cookies: Allow cookies to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To bake from frozen: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for an extra 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my filling leaking out?
✔ Make sure you completely seal the dough around the filling before baking.
✔ Keep the cream cheese filling frozen until just before using.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cookie dough balls and freeze them, then bake whenever you’re ready.
3. What if I don’t have graham crackers?
You can substitute vanilla wafer crumbs or digestive biscuits instead.
4. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
I don’t recommend it, as fresh strawberries release too much moisture, which can affect the texture.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, fruity strawberry jam, and soft, chewy cookie dough. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a sweet craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress!
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