Delight in soft, creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling—perfectly sweet treats bursting with fruity flavor in every bite! These cookies combine the rich, tangy essence of cheesecake with a luscious strawberry jam center, creating an irresistible harmony of textures and tastes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and brighten any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The creamy cheesecake dough paired with sweet strawberry jam creates an unforgettable flavor blend.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie boasts a tender center with just the right amount of chewiness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an approachable recipe for all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are crowd-pleasers, ideal for parties, holidays, or cozy nights in.
- Customizable: Easily swap jam flavors or add toppings to suit your personal taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling requires just a handful of essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- Cream Cheese: Provides the rich, creamy base that gives the cookies their signature cheesecake flavor.
- Butter: Adds moisture and a tender crumb to the cookie dough.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the strawberry filling.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure for the cookies, ensuring a soft but stable texture.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise gently for a light, fluffy bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Strawberry Jam: The heart of the recipe, bursting with fruity sweetness in the center of each cookie.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together for a smooth, consistent dough.
Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your unique taste preferences or dietary needs. It’s easy to get creative or keep it classic depending on what you have on hand.
- Berry Swap: Use raspberry or blueberry jam instead of strawberry for a different fruity twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for a delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it allergy-friendly.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for extra indulgence.
- Vegan Adjustment: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, plus a flax egg substitute.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming together softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar and beat until combined, then incorporate the egg and vanilla extract. Slowly mix in the flour and baking powder until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle.
Step 3: Shape and Fill Cookies
Take small portions of dough and flatten them in your palm. Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam in the center, then fold the dough around the jam to fully enclose it, forming a ball.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Place the filled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the jam sets nicely inside the cookie.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the dough chilling—it prevents spreading and keeps the jam filling intact.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures everything blends evenly for a smooth dough.
- Seal the Jam Well: Fully encase the jam in dough to avoid leakage during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be just set and lightly golden to maintain softness.
- Choose High-Quality Jam: A good quality strawberry jam boosts the overall flavor significantly.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
Garnishes
For a charming finish, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle with finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries for extra color and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience that complements the creamy cheesecake taste.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside fresh strawberry slices or create a cookie sandwich by layering two cookies with cream cheese frosting in between for a showstopper gathering treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing flavor or moisture.
Reheating
Warm cookies slightly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their soft, gooey cheesecake texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam for these cookies?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic, raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam work beautifully and bring their own unique flavor profiles.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the jam completely inside the dough ball, pinching edges tightly and smoothing any cracks before baking.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls can be frozen for later use—just thaw and bake or reheat accordingly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg to make these cookies vegan and dairy-free.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze to extend their shelf life without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling are such a joyous treat to bake and share, effortlessly combining creamy, fruity, and sweet sensations in every bite. Once you try them, they’ll surely become one of your go-to recipes for festive occasions or a simple indulgent treat. So grab your ingredients and start baking—your kitchen is about to smell irresistibly delicious!