Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies Recipe

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies combine the best of two desserts into one indulgent treat. They feature a soft, buttery cookie exterior with a luscious cream cheese and fresh strawberry filling hidden inside. The result is a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy cheesecake center wrapped in a melt-in-your-mouth vanilla cookie.

Perfect for special occasions, holiday baking, or simply treating yourself, these cookies deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. Serve them chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the surprise of the cheesecake filling in every bite!

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling:

6 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup finely diced fresh strawberries

For the Cookie Dough:

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

Additional powdered sugar (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gently fold in the finely diced strawberries until evenly distributed.

Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, portion out 12 small dollops of the cheesecake mixture onto a parchment-lined plate. Freeze for 30-45 minutes until firm. This step ensures the filling doesn’t leak out while baking.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

3. Assemble the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Take about 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten it into a small disc in your palm. Place a frozen cheesecake filling piece in the center. Take another 1½ tablespoons of dough, flatten it, and place it over the filling. Pinch the edges together to completely seal the cheesecake inside, then gently roll into a smooth ball.

Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

4. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly golden. The centers may look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Dust & Serve

Once the cookies have cooled, lightly dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy them warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a firmer cheesecake texture.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Getting the Perfect Cheesecake Center

Freezing the filling is essential to prevent it from melting too quickly while baking.
If the cheesecake mixture is too soft to scoop, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before shaping.

Ensuring Soft & Chewy Cookies

Chilling the dough is key to prevent excessive spreading.
Don’t overbake—the cookies should still be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.

Customizing the Cookies

Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped peaches.
Add white chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers to the dough for extra texture.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place the stuffed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw for 10-15 minutes and bake as usual.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or hot tea for the perfect treat.
Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are soft, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Enjoy!