Description
Delight in these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies featuring a creamy cheesecake filling and luscious homemade strawberry jam, all wrapped in a tender, buttery cookie dough. Perfectly balanced with sweet pockets of jam and a soft cheesecake center, these cookies are a luscious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Jam:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling dough in
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, blend on medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy and the sugar has fully dissolved, approximately 2 minutes. Use a spoon to scoop 18 portions of 2 teaspoons each onto the prepared sheet. Gently press each portion into a thick disc shape and freeze until solid.
- Make the Strawberry Jam: Combine the diced strawberries and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 45 minutes, smashing the berries halfway through and stirring continuously towards the end to prevent sticking. The jam should reduce and thicken to about 1/3 cup. Remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the dough.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined.
- Incorporate Strawberry Jam: Push three-quarters of the dough to the side of the bowl. Flatten the remaining quarter of dough on the bottom, dollop a quarter of the jam on it, then cover with another quarter of dough and add jam again. Repeat to distribute jam evenly. Fold the sections gently to create pockets of jam without fully mixing it in.
- Assemble Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into 18 equal parts. Flatten each portion slightly, place a frozen cheesecake disc in the center, and encase it completely with dough. Shape each cookie into a slightly flattened disc. Roll each cookie dough ball in the remaining granulated sugar.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, 6 at a time. Bake for 11-12 minutes. Immediately after removing from the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently shape each cookie for a perfect round edge.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Keep cheesecake discs frozen until ready to assemble to prevent melting during shaping.
- Rolling cookie dough in sugar before baking adds a delicate crunch and sparkle to the exterior.
- Using a cookie cutter after baking ensures uniform, professional-looking cookie shapes.
- The strawberry jam can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to a week.
- The dough does not spread much during baking, so slightly flatten before baking for the best cookie shape.
- Ensure cream cheese is cold when making the filling to facilitate easier scooping and shaping.
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, cheesecake cookies, strawberry jam cookies, baked dessert cookies, sweet treats, cream cheese cookies, homemade strawberry jam