Name: Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold; 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 12 oz (340 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar; 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar; 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling dough in

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 25 reviews

There is nothing quite like the delight of freshly baked sweet treats, and this Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe is one that truly stands out. Imagine soft, buttery cookies packed with luscious pockets of strawberry jam and a creamy cheesecake center that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with bright strawberry flavor enhanced by the rich cream cheese filling. If you love straightforward recipes that deliver bakery-style results right from your oven, you’re about to find your new go-to favorite with this Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe. Let’s dive into the delicious journey of making these irresistible cookies that promise smiles with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver pan filled with small red and pink diced strawberries, showing a shiny, slightly wet texture. Around the pan, there is a white bowl full of whole strawberries with green leaves, some strawberry halves scattered on a white marbled surface, an old book open with a few chamomile flowers inside, and a wooden bowl holding more chamomile flowers. The scene is bright and colorful with a fresh, natural feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your cookies. Each element plays a special role to ensure that your Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe comes out tender, flavorful, and packed with those delightful strawberry bursts.

Cream Cheese (6 oz, cold): Provides the creamy, tangy filling that makes these cookies stand apart.
Granulated White Sugar (3 tbsp + 1/4 cup + 1 cup + 1/4 cup): Multiple amounts for sweetness in the cream cheese filling, jam, dough, and coating sugar for that iconic sparkle.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp + 2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to both the filling and the cookie dough.
Fresh Strawberries (12 oz, hulled and finely diced): The star of the show, offering fresh flavor and vibrant color in the jam.
All-Purpose Flour (2 3/4 cups): The sturdy base to create that tender yet structured cookie texture.
Baking Powder (1/2 tsp): Helps your cookies rise just enough for fluffiness.
Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Works with acidic ingredients to give a perfect crumb.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, very softened): Brings richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality to your cookie dough.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together and adds moisture for perfect chewiness.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe

A single round cookie base is shown on brown parchment paper with a white and pink marbled dough, indicating mixed berries or fruit bits inside. The cookie texture looks soft and slightly crumbly. On top, there is a dollop of smooth white cream placed in the center, forming one layer above the dough. The background is a white marbled surface visible at the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by lining a small cookie sheet with parchment paper to keep things clean and simple. In a small bowl, mix the cold cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s fluffy and the sugar is fully dissolved—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Then, spoon out 18 portions, each about 2 teaspoons, onto your sheet and flatten them gently with a spoon to create thick discs. Pop the tray in the freezer and let those discs freeze completely; this step ensures that your cheesecake centers stay intact during baking.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Jam

Next, toss the finely diced fresh strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar into a medium pot over medium heat. Cook for around 45 minutes, and halfway through, smash the berries with a wooden spoon to break them down. Stir continuously near the end to prevent sticking as the mixture thickens. Your goal is a rich, thick jam reduced to about a heaping 1/3 cup in volume. Once done, remove from heat and let it chill in the fridge while you prepare the dough—this cooling step helps in melding flavors and improves the texture for folding.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Heat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt before setting it aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with 1 cup of sugar on high speed until fluffy, around 2 minutes. Add the egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla, then mix at medium speed until pale and airy. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix on low just until incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate the Jam

Push about three-quarters of the dough to the side, flatten the remaining quarter at the bottom of the bowl, and spread 1/4 of the chilled jam over it. Layer another quarter of the dough on top, add another 1/4 of jam, then top with the last quarter of dough and jam. Cut the dough into quarters with a rubber spatula and gently fold each section just enough to create swirls of strawberry jam throughout. Don’t overmix — those jam pockets are key for bursts of flavor!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Cookies

Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out dough into 18 even sections. Flatten each piece slightly and place a frozen cheesecake disc in the center, then carefully close the dough around it, ensuring the cream cheese filling is completely enclosed. Shape into slightly flattened discs, then roll each cookie in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar for a sparkling finish. Arrange them on the baking sheets (about six per sheet), bake for 11–12 minutes, and right out of the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to nudge them into perfect rounds. Let cookies cool on the sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies shine brilliantly on their own, adding a simple dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can elevate their beauty and sweetness. Fresh strawberry slices or a small dollop of whipped cream on the side can also turn these into café-worthy treats perfect for impressing guests or brightening family snack time.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea — the creamy, fruity flavors mesh wonderfully with your favorite warm beverage. If you’re serving them at brunch or a light dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh mixed berries complements the strawberry and cream cheese notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, arrange your Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe on a colorful platter with edible flowers or sprigs of fresh mint for a visual pop. You could also stack them in a rustic jar or cookie tin wrapped with a pretty ribbon, making for a charming homemade gift that practically glows with sweetness and care.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will maintain their soft texture and keep the cream cheese centers fresh and smooth.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies after baking by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer bag or container. This way, they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying to let those luscious strawberry and cheesecake flavors shine through.

Reheating

To bring back the just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in a 300℉ (150℃) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave on low for 15-20 seconds. This revives the creamy center and soft texture, making it feel fresh from the oven all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are ideal because they provide the best texture and flavor for your jam, but if you only have frozen on hand, thaw and drain them well before cooking to prevent excess liquid from diluting the jam.

Is it okay to substitute butter with margarine?

Butter is preferred here since it contributes to the rich flavor and softness of the cookies, but if necessary, margarine can be used with the understanding that the texture and taste might be slightly different.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, ensuring they are firm enough to hold the cookie together. This will require some experimentation with brands to get the texture just right.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for cookies that are just slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. The cream cheese inside won’t brown much; the cookies will firm up as they cool.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe scales well. Just be sure to bake in batches so you don’t overcrowd the oven, and keep the cheesecake discs frozen until ready to assemble.

Final Thoughts

Making these Easy Strawberry Cookies Recipe is a joyful experience from start to finish, and the sweet reward is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies capture that perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover why they’ve become such a beloved recipe in my kitchen. Happy baking!