
Strawberry cheesecake cookies are the answer when you want a treat that tastes like a slice of classic cheesecake packed into a soft and chewy cookie. These cookies blend buttery dough with jammy strawberries and a swirled cheesecake center for that perfect mix of tangy rich and fruity flavors in every bite.
I made these for my niece’s birthday party and ended up sharing the recipe with half the guests. They make a memorable statement on any dessert table.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Look for the block style which mixes up smooth and stays rich
- Granulated white sugar: Essential for sweetness in every layer use a fine grain for easy blending
- Vanilla: Use pure extract for that classic warm creamy flavor
- Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe deep red berries for concentrated flavor and natural sweetness
- All purpose flour: King Arthur or Gold Medal work well sift if you want extra tender cookies
- Baking powder and baking soda: The duo gives a balanced lift do not swap one for the other
- Salt: I prefer fine sea salt for even seasoning
- Unsalted butter: Use a high fat European-style butter for depth and richness
- Egg: A room temperature egg incorporates better for smooth fluffy dough
- Extra granulated sugar: For rolling which makes the exterior sparkly and crisp
You only need pantry basics and strawberries which gives you flexibility and ease
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Use cold cream cheese and beat with sugar and vanilla for two minutes until it is super fluffy and the sugar is dissolved. Scoop this mixture into even little discs about two teaspoons each and freeze until solid. Keeping them cold makes stuffing the cookies a snap and stops any leaks while baking.
- Prepare the Strawberry Jam:
- Simmer diced strawberries and sugar over medium heat for about forty five minutes STIR often so it does not burn. When it reduces to a very thick compote and you have less than half a cup left cool it completely. This homemade jam is what gives the cookies those tender fruity pockets.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl thoroughly whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt. Set aside so you can quickly add it to the butter mixture later. Freshly blended dry goods prevent clumps for a perfect crumb.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- Beat very soft butter with sugar on high speed until it appears pale and fluffy. This is where the cookies get their chew. Do not rush this step.
- Combine Eggs and Vanilla:
- Mix in the egg and vanilla. Beat until the mixture is much lighter and fluffy one to two minutes.
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Carefully mix the flour mix in on low speed just until blended—do not overmix. Overworking leads to tough cookies.
- Layer in the Jam:
- Working in sections gently fold dollops of the thick strawberry jam between portions of your dough. Use a spatula to cut through so you keep chunky pockets of jam instead of streaking it throughout.
- Stuff with Cheesecake and Shape:
- Scoop out large balls using a two tablespoon scoop flatten slightly and stuff with a frozen cheesecake disc then close up the dough over it and seal tightly so the filling does not leak. Shape each into a thick disc not a ball so they bake evenly.
- Roll in Sugar and Bake:
- Roll each formed cookie disc in sugar and arrange them on a lined baking sheet. Bake in batches of six at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for eleven to twelve minutes. If you want perfect rounds use a large biscuit cutter to gently swirl around each cookie while hot.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cool on the sheet before moving to a rack so they set up and the cheesecake center firms a bit. Serve when completely cool for the best ooey gooey center.

The cream cheese in every bite reminds me of making traditional cheesecakes with my grandmother for holidays. Vanilla and berries always take me back to her kitchen just the scent puts a smile on my face.
Storage Tips
Strawberry cheesecake cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days thanks to their high moisture content. For longer storage pop them in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep them for even longer freeze the baked cookies and thaw as needed. The texture stays soft and the jammy swirl holds up beautifully. If you like warm cookies just give them a quick zap in the microwave for ten seconds.
Ingredient Substitutions
If fresh strawberries are out of season use frozen berries just thaw and drain them well first. Full fat brick cream cheese is a must for the filling but you can add a dash of lemon zest for extra tang. Swap vanilla for almond extract if you love a little nutty punch. This recipe also works with raspberry or blackberry jam for a different fruit twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a showstopper on their own but you can turn them into a dessert platter with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve them chilled if you want a firmer cheesecake bite or slightly warmed for that molten center. They also pair perfectly with black tea or creamy coffee for an afternoon treat.

A Bit of Cookie History
Stuffed cookies have become a trend as more bakers experiment with pie and cheesecake fillings baked into soft cookies. While cheesecake itself likely dates back to ancient Greece combining it with strawberries is a modern classic that just feels right especially in spring and summer baking. Incorporating fresh jam pays homage to the homemade fruit preserves my family always had tucked away for special occasions.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to completely enclose the frozen cheesecake filling in the cookie dough, pinching edges together so no filling is exposed.
- → Why freeze the cheesecake filling before baking?
Freezing helps the filling maintain its creamy texture inside the cookies and prevents it from melting out during baking.
- → Can I use store-bought strawberry jam?
Homemade jam gives better texture, but high quality, thick strawberry jam works if you’re short on time.
- → What’s the secret to chewy cookies?
Use softened butter, avoid overmixing and bake until just set – pulling the cookies out when edges are lightly golden ensures softness.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Keep cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.