Sensational Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the freshness of strawberries with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a soft, spiced cookie base. Below are the detailed ingredients needed to create these delicious cookies.
INGREDIENTS
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- Strawberries: 1 pound, hulled. Use fresh or frozen strawberries. Fresh strawberries should be chopped, while frozen ones can be used as is. Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor.
- White Granulated Sugar: ½ cup. Sweetens the strawberry filling and helps to thicken it.
- Water: ¼ cup. Helps cook down the strawberries into a thick, jam-like filling.
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream Cheese: 6 ounces, at room temperature. Provides a creamy, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the strawberry.
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup. Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
- Egg Yolk: 1, at room temperature. Adds richness and helps bind the filling.
- For the Cookie Dough:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, cubed and slightly cold. Adds richness and structure to the cookies. Using slightly cold butter helps maintain the dough's texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: ¾ cup, packed. Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: ⅓ cup. Adds additional sweetness and helps achieve the right texture.
- Large Egg: 1. Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
- Large Egg Yolk: 1. Adds additional richness and helps with binding.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1¼ cups. Provides structure to the cookies.
- Cake Flour: 1¼ cups. Adds a lighter, more tender texture.
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon. Helps make the cookies tender and gives them a light texture.
- Baking Powder: 1½ teaspoons. Leavens the cookies, helping them rise.
- Salt: ¾ teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons. Adds warmth and a subtle spice to the cookies, complementing the strawberry and cream cheese flavors.
INSTRUCTIONS
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1. Prepare the strawberries by chopping fresh ones or using frozen ones as is. Cook the strawberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir regularly until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, let it cool, and refrigerate if you’re not using it right away.
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1. Beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Gradually add sugar and keep mixing until it’s creamy. Add the egg yolk and mix until it’s smooth. Put it in a piping bag and chill it.
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 1. Whisk together both types of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until they’re light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and egg yolk one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until they’re just combined.
- To Shape the Cookies:
- 1. Divide the dough into balls and press down the center of each to make a well. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into one half of each well and the strawberry filling into the other half. Refrigerate the dough balls for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- For Baking:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced apart. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive events.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain their freshness, let the cookies return to room temperature before serving again.
- To reheat, you can place the cookies in a microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them straight from the refrigerator for a cool treat.
Helpful Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances their flavor. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- You can use either fresh or freeze-dried strawberries for this recipe. Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, while freeze-dried strawberries ensure the dough remains firm and not too wet.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the dough.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: "Using high-quality butter makes all the difference in creating a rich, flavorful cookie dough."
- Chef Mary Berry: "Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling."
- Chef Paul Hollywood: "Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together and the cookies set."