Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are a decadent dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the deliciousness of a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies feature a hidden surprise inside – a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. The tangy, sweet filling is balanced perfectly by the soft and buttery cookie dough, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for a special occasion, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these stuffed cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible treats from scratch!
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the strawberry cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or puree
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped (optional)
Prep Time & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yields: About 18-20 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per cookie
Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Stir in the strawberry jam or puree, and if desired, fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries. Set the filling aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add the sour cream and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the dough from spreading too much during baking and ensures the cookies hold their shape.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball.
Step 5: Fill with Cheesecake Mixture
Spoon about a teaspoon of the strawberry cheesecake filling into the center of each cookie dough ball. Carefully pinch the dough around the filling to seal it inside. Place the filled dough balls back on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
- Deliciously Creamy Filling: The strawberry cheesecake filling is smooth, tangy, and perfectly complements the soft, buttery cookie dough.
- Unique and Fun: These stuffed cookies are a fun twist on traditional cookies and are sure to be a hit at parties or gatherings.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of rich cheesecake and the natural sweetness of strawberries gives these cookies a harmonious balance of flavor.
- Visually Impressive: The contrast between the cookie dough and the vibrant pink strawberry filling makes these cookies visually striking.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
- Chill the Dough: For best results, be sure to chill the dough before shaping the cookies. This will prevent the dough from spreading too much during baking.
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Using full-fat cream cheese will ensure the cheesecake filling is creamy and rich. Light cream cheese may not give the same texture or flavor.
- Adjust Strawberry Flavor: If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a bit more strawberry jam or puree to the filling mixture.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the cookies with the cheesecake mixture, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
The Science Behind Their Unique Texture
The soft and chewy texture of these strawberry cheesecake stuffed cookies is a result of using sour cream in the cookie dough. The sour cream adds moisture and richness, making the cookies incredibly soft. Additionally, the use of both granulated and brown sugar in the dough creates a tender cookie with a slight caramelized flavor. The cheesecake filling adds a creamy and tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie, resulting in a truly indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon snack.
- Perfect for Parties: These cookies are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a special treat.
- Gift Idea: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or jar and give them as a homemade gift for loved ones.
Variations on Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
- Other Fruit Fillings: While strawberry is a classic choice, you can substitute the strawberry jam with other fruit jams or purees like raspberry, blueberry, or even peach for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor. Chocolate and strawberry is always a winning combination.
- Crushed Graham Crackers: To mimic the crust of a cheesecake, sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top of the cookies before baking.
FAQ about Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling? Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the filling to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Shape the dough balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are the perfect dessert to treat yourself and your loved ones to. With a creamy cheesecake filling and the soft, chewy texture of the cookie dough, they offer a flavor-packed experience in every bite. The balance of tangy strawberry filling and sweet cookie dough creates a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, or simply to enjoy a homemade treat, these cookies will undoubtedly be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy the delightful combination of cheesecake and cookies with this simple yet scrumptious recipe!
