Introduction
Celebrate the arrival of spring with these sweet and creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Infused with the flavor of strawberries and complemented by creamy cheesecake and white chocolate, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Butter: 227 grams, softened
Sugar: 200 grams
Cream cheese: 113 grams, softened
Egg: 1 large
Vanilla extract: 5 ml
All-purpose flour: 312 grams
Baking soda: 5 grams
Freeze-dried strawberries: 30 grams, crushed
White chocolate chips: 90 grams
Powdered sugar: 30 grams (for dusting, optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 30–32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and baking soda to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough forms.
5. Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
6. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto a baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Dust them with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
Step 2: Cream the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and cream cheese. Beat the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy, releasing a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Add in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until everything is smoothly blended and the mixture is creamy.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the dough starts to come together, creating a soft and slightly sticky consistency.
Step 5: Fold in the Flavorings
Carefully fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, bringing a burst of colors and textures to your mixture.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown, filling your home with an irresistible sweet smell.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. If desired, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Notes
Storage Tips
Store your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Texture Preference
For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake them a bit longer until they are golden brown.
Variations
You can substitute freeze-dried strawberries with other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment by adding nuts or a crumbly graham cracker topping for a more pronounced cheesecake effect.
Cook techniques
Creaming
Creaming is the process of beating together butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This technique incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
Folding
Folding involves gently mixing ingredients together without deflating the air incorporated during the creaming process. This technique is used here to combine the freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips into the dough.
Baking
Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving the desired texture and color of cookies. Make sure your oven is preheated to 175°C (350°F) for even baking.
Cooling
Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack helps them firm up and prevents them from becoming soggy. This step is essential for maintaining the right texture.
FAQ
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?
Fresh strawberries can be used, but they may add moisture to the cookie dough, affecting the texture. If you use fresh strawberries, consider reducing other liquid ingredients slightly.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, sealing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds a unique flavor and creaminess, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a different taste.
What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
You can substitute white chocolate chips with semisweet chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for special dietary needs?
These cookies contain dairy and gluten. For gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure that the white chocolate chips are gluten-free as well. For vegan cookies, use vegan butter and a suitable egg substitute.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any gathering. With their soft texture and the added sweetness of white chocolate, these cookies capture the essence of spring, bringing joy and sweetness to your dessert table. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, they are sure to be a crowd favorite!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
Swap out strawberries for raspberries for a tart twist on the classic. The combination of raspberry flavor with the creamy cheesecake will provide a delightful contrast.
Chocolate Chip Strawberry Cookies
Incorporate chocolate chips along with the strawberry and cheesecake flavors for an indulgent treat. The richness of chocolate enhances the overall sweetness.
Banana Cream Pie Cookies
Use banana flavoring and incorporate crushed graham crackers into the dough for a delicious take on the classic banana cream pie.
Peach Cobbler Cookies
Add diced peaches and a cinnamon sugar topping to create a warm, southern-style cookie that evokes the flavors of peach cobbler.
Lemon Cheesecake Cookies
Infuse these cookies with lemon zest and juice for a refreshing, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese base.
Coconut Lime Cheesecake Cookies
Combine shredded coconut and lime zest for a tropical twist that will take your taste buds on a vacation. The creaminess complements the zesty lime perfectly.
