Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter.; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar.; 1 cup white granulated sugar.; 1 large egg.; 2 tsp vanilla extract.; 1/2 tsp strawberry extract.; 1 tsp red/pink food coloring (optional).; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 tsp baking soda.; 1/2 tsp baking powder.; 1/4 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter).; 1 cup cream cheese (for filling).; 2/3 cup powdered sugar (for filling).; 1 tsp vanilla (for filling).; 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating).

A pink sugary cookie is cut in half, revealing a creamy white filling inside. | recipesbyclare.com

Your New Favorite Cookie Creation

These strawberry cheesecake cookies started as a happy accident in my kitchen when I couldn't decide between making cookies or cheesecake. Now they're the most requested treat at every family gathering combining the best of both worlds in one perfect bite.

What Makes These Extra Special

These aren't just any cookies - imagine biting into a soft strawberry cookie and finding a creamy cheesecake surprise inside. They're like little pieces of joy that never fail to make people smile.

Grab Your Ingredients

Butter: Make sure it's nice and soft.
Brown Sugar: For that extra depth.
White Sugar: Keeps things sweet and light.
Egg: Room temperature works best.
Vanilla Extract: The real stuff makes all the difference.
Strawberry Extract: A little goes a long way.
Food Coloring: For that pretty pink color.
Flour: Regular all-purpose is perfect.
Baking Soda and Powder: For the right texture.
Salt: Just a pinch if needed.

The Cheesy Center

Cream Cheese: Let it get completely soft.
Powdered Sugar: Makes it smooth and sweet.
Vanilla: Brings everything together.

Don't Skip This Step

Rolling these in sugar before baking gives them that perfect sparkly finish and just a bit of crunch on the outside while staying soft inside.

Let's Get Baking

Start With The Filling: Mix up that cream cheese filling first - it needs time to chill.
Make Your Dough: Beat everything until fluffy then add the dry ingredients.
Check It Out: Always test one cookie first saves so much trouble later.
Put Them Together: Wrap that dough around the filling like you're hiding a treasure.
Into The Oven: Watch them carefully they should stay soft.

My Best Tips

Use gel food coloring for the brightest pink and don't rush the cream cheese chilling time. Trust me that filling needs to be frozen solid.

Keep Them Fresh

These need to live in the fridge because of the cream cheese. They'll stay perfect for about 10 days if they last that long.

Mix It Up

Try using real strawberry powder instead of extract or toss in some white chocolate chips. Every variation I've tried has been delicious.

Perfect Pairings

These cookies love a good cup of coffee or tea. For fancy occasions I serve them with champagne it's such a fun combination.

A close-up of a pink cookie coated in sugar, revealing a creamy filling inside. | recipesbyclare.com

Why Everyone Loves These

It's the surprise inside that gets people every time. Plus they're just so pretty with that pink color they make any dessert table look extra special.

Baking Memories

These cookies have become our family's favorite baking project. The kids love helping roll them in sugar and watching for that perfect moment to pull them from the oven.

Package Them Pretty

Stack them in pretty boxes tied with ribbon for gifting. There's something so special about getting a box of homemade cookies.

Getting That Perfect Dough

Humidity can really affect cookie dough. Don't be afraid to add a little extra flour if things get sticky. You want it soft but workable.

Sip and Enjoy

We love these with hot cocoa on cold days or with iced coffee in summer. They're one of those treats that work all year round.

Plan Ahead

You can make all the components ahead of time and just assemble when you're ready to bake. Makes things so much easier during busy times.

Party Perfect

These always steal the show at parties. Something about that pink color and cream cheese filling just draws people in.

Make Them Extra Fancy

A drizzle of white chocolate and some crushed strawberries on top takes these from lovely to absolutely gorgeous.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should I measure ingredients in grams?: Measuring by weight is more reliable for baking as it eliminates variations in how people measure ingredients. This is especially important for ingredients like brown sugar that can be packed differently.
→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?: The key is to use thick cookie dough and thick filling. Make sure to completely chill the cream cheese filling before stuffing the cookies.
→ Can I use real strawberries instead of extract?: Yes, you can substitute the strawberry extract with blended freeze-dried strawberries for a natural flavor alternative.
→ What if my dough is too sticky?: Add flour gradually, 2-3 tablespoons at a time, until the dough is not sticky but still soft and moldable. Environment temperature can affect consistency.
→ How much strawberry extract should I use?: Use strawberry extract sparingly as it's very potent. Start with the recommended amount as too much can create an artificial taste.

Cream Cheese Filled Cookies