These strawberry cheesecake cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with a creamy cheesecake center that melts in every bite. I love how the sweetness of strawberries combines perfectly with the tangy cream cheese filling to create a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings the comfort of homemade cookies and the indulgence of cheesecake together. The cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and full of real strawberry flavor. The creamy cheesecake filling inside adds a luscious surprise that makes every bite irresistible. They’re also easy to make ahead, so I can enjoy them fresh whenever I want.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (or ⅓ cup strawberry jam)

For the cheesecake filling:

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional:

¼ cup crushed graham crackers or cookies (for a cheesecake crust flavor)
¼ cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness

Directions

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop small teaspoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries or strawberry jam.
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center. Top with another small portion of dough and seal the edges to form a filled cookie ball.
Arrange the filled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 13–16 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

Yield: About 12 large cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes use strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries for a more intense flavor.
For a twist, I replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.
Adding a few white chocolate chips gives the cookies a richer taste.
If I’m short on time, I skip the filling and bake them as simple strawberry cookies.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days because of the cream cheese filling. When I want to enjoy one warm, I reheat it in a low oven (300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until soft and slightly gooey. The cookies also freeze well—just wrap them individually and thaw them before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I prefer using fresh strawberries because frozen ones release too much water and can make the dough too soft.

Do I have to freeze the cheesecake filling?

Yes, freezing the filling helps it stay firm while baking so it doesn’t melt out of the cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. I bake the cookies the next day for convenience.

How do I keep my cookies soft?

I store them in an airtight container with a small piece of bread or a slice of apple to retain moisture.

Can I make smaller cookies?

Absolutely! I make smaller cookies by using about 1 tablespoon of dough and a smaller cheesecake filling ball, then bake them for a few minutes less.

Conclusion

I love how these strawberry cheesecake cookies turn a simple baking session into something special. The combination of buttery cookie dough, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberries always impresses guests and satisfies my dessert cravings. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion—from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings.