Pin it
I created these Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies one afternoon when I couldn't decide between baking cookies or making cheesecake. The combination of buttery cookie dough studded with freeze dried strawberries wrapped around a creamy cheesecake center creates pure magic. Every time I make them people's eyes light up at that first beautiful bite.
What Makes These Special
These cookies are perfect when you want something a little extra special. That contrast between tangy cream cheese filling and sweet strawberry cookie dough makes them completely irresistible. I love how they look like regular cookies until you bite into them and discover that lovely surprise inside. They've become my go to recipe for celebrations or whenever I want to make someone smile.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
Here's everything you need for these wonderful cookies:
- For the cookie dough:
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- ½ cup each granulated and brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups sifted flour
- Baking soda and powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed freeze dried strawberries
- For that amazing filling:
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
Creating The Magic
Start by making your filling mixing the cream cheese sugar vanilla and strawberry jam until silky smooth. Pop it in the fridge to firm up while you make the dough. Cream your butter and sugars until fluffy then add the egg and vanilla. Mix in your dry ingredients and those lovely crushed strawberries.
After chilling your dough take a tablespoon of it flatten it out and add a dollop of filling. Cover with another piece of dough seal the edges well then roll into a ball. Into the oven they go at 350°F for about 12 to 15 minutes of pure anticipation.
Pin it
Perfect Pairings
These cookies are absolutely heavenly while they're still a bit warm that filling gets all gooey and perfect. Sometimes I'll serve them with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. A light dusting of powdered sugar and some crushed freeze dried strawberries on top makes them look like they came from a fancy bakery.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store your finished cookies in the fridge they'll stay perfect for about 5 days. For longer storage pop them in the freezer where they'll keep for a couple months. Just let them warm up a bit before serving to get that perfect texture back.
Tips For Success
After making countless batches I've learned some important tricks. Always use freeze dried strawberries fresh ones add too much moisture. Chill both your dough and filling well it makes assembly so much easier. And make sure to seal those edges really well to keep all that lovely filling inside while baking.
Common Questions
Friends often ask about substituting fresh strawberries but freeze dried really are best here. The dough can be made ahead and chilled overnight just let it soften slightly before shaping. If you're having trouble with leaking filling make sure you're sealing the edges completely before baking.
Sweet Success
These cookies have brought so much joy to our celebrations. Whether I'm making them for a special occasion or just because they never fail to make people happy. That perfect combination of strawberries and cream cheese wrapped in cookie dough makes them truly unforgettable.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use freeze-dried strawberries?
Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor without adding moisture that could affect the cookie texture. Fresh strawberries would make the dough too wet.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a day ahead and refrigerate. The baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- → Why chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the butter and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
- → How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese filling. Warm briefly before serving for best texture.
- → How do I know they're done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden but the centers still soft. They'll continue setting up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Conclusion
These creative cookies combine strawberry-studded cookie dough with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling for a perfect blend of flavors and textures.