Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesecake cookies, freeze dried strawberries, graham cracker cookies, strawberry cheesecake cookies
Cheesecake Cookie Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar approximately 25 grams
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice approximately 5 mL
Cookie Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 120 grams
- ½ teaspoon baking soda 2.5 grams
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, approximately 3 ounces
- ½ cup granulated sugar 100 grams
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 39 grams
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 mL
- 1.2 ounce bag freeze-dried strawberry slices divided
- 3 graham crackers for topping
Prepare the cheesecake filling: Line a small sheet pan with parchment paper and place it in the freezer. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Drop spoonfuls (approximately 2 teaspoons each) of the mixture onto the prepared pan. Freeze for 60 minutes.
Prepare cookie dough: While the filling freezes, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Do not preheat the oven yet, as the cookie dough requires a 30-minute chill time.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugars: In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and beat until creamy, about 30 seconds.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and no streaks of flour remain.
Add freeze-dried strawberries: Reserve 12 freeze-dried strawberry slices for topping. Stir the remaining strawberry slices into the cookie dough.
Form the cookie dough: Using a 1 tablespoon measure, scoop 12 dough balls. Press a frozen cheesecake dollop into the center of each dough ball, then top with a reserved strawberry slice. Place a second tablespoon-sized dough ball on top and seal the edges around the filling. Roll into a ball to hide the cream cheese inside.
Chill dough: Place the cookie dough balls on a plate (or keep them on the cookie sheet, if it fits), and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cookies: Arrange 6 dough balls on a large cookie sheet, spacing them evenly. Break graham crackers into pieces and sprinkle on top of each cookie. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool completely on the cookie sheet before removing.
These cookies are best when fresh, as the graham crackers and freeze-dried strawberries begin to soften over time. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 4mg