If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the luscious creaminess of cheesecake with the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries, this Frosted Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are soft, slightly crumbly, and topped with a swirl of decadent cheesecake and strawberry flavored frosting, crowned with a perfect fresh strawberry slice. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe brings an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Frosted Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe are wonderfully simple but so essential in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the rich butter and cream cheese that give a velvety softness, to the fresh strawberries adding a burst of freshness and color, each component plays a delicious part.
- Butter (2 sticks, softened): Gives the cookies their tender, buttery base for a perfect crumb.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping with texture and browning.
- Vanilla extract (1 Tablespoon): Adds a warm, comforting aroma that enhances overall flavor.
- Egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s softness.
- Flour (3 cups): The structural backbone, creating the cookie dough’s body.
- Baking powder (1 Tablespoon): Provides a light lift and gentle rise to the cookies.
- Cheesecake flavoring (4 drops): Intensifies that classic cheesecake taste in the dough.
- Butter (4 Tablespoons, softened) for frosting: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces): Essential for that tangy, luscious frosting texture and flavor.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the frosting and ensures it’s silky smooth.
- Rose pink and red food coloring gels: Bring vibrant, eye-catching color to the frosting.
- Cheesecake and strawberry flavorings: Infuse the frosting with authentic, irresistible flavor hits.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pint, washed and sliced): The crowning glory that adds freshness and an inviting look.
How to Make Frosted Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Create a Creamy Dough Base
Start by whisking together the softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, cheesecake flavoring, and egg in a stand mixer. This step is crucial as you’re aiming for a light, fluffy mixture that will make sure your cookies stay tender and full of flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, and mix them well. Add this dry mix gradually to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed with your paddle attachment. The dough will come together into a smooth ball, signaling you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and to promote even baking. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls – this size ensures perfectly portioned cookies that bake evenly and look adorable.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookie balls at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye around the edges for a light golden color – that’s your cue that the cookies are just right, tender inside yet lightly crisp on the outside. Expect some adorable cracks to form about halfway through baking.
Step 5: Give Cookies a Charming Crinkle
Once out of the oven, gently press each cookie with a flat-bottom glass dipped in sugar. This technique flattens the cookies slightly and creates a rustic crinkle texture that’s both cute and perfect for holding frosting later.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Transfer your cookies onto a wire rack to cool thoroughly. This is important before frosting, as warm cookies can cause your frosting to melt and lose its signature swirl.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheesecake Frosting
Blend softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and combined. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until your frosting achieves a smooth, fluffy consistency that spreads easily but holds shape beautifully.
Step 8: Divide and Flavor Your Frosting
Split the frosting evenly into two bowls. Stir cheesecake flavoring into one to double down on that tangy richness. If it gets too loose, a spoonful of powdered sugar will tighten it up perfectly.
Step 9: Make the Strawberry Frosting Pop
In the second bowl, add red food coloring and strawberry flavoring, crafting a vibrant, luscious frosting that tastes like a fresh strawberry kiss. Adjust the consistency with powdered sugar if needed for piping.
Step 10: Prepare Your Piping Bag
Lay plastic wrap lengthwise, placing alternating ribbons of the two frostings down the center. Roll the wrap tightly and snip one end, inserting it into a pastry bag with a large star tip. This clever trick swirls flavors and colors together for a stunning frosting finish.
Step 11: Frost and Top Like a Pro
Pipe an elegant swirl of frosting on each cooled cookie, finishing each mound with a fresh strawberry slice. Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes, allowing it to firm slightly and hold its gorgeous shape before serving.
How to Serve Frosted Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh strawberry slice isn’t just visually appealing; it adds a juicy, fresh contrast to the creamy sweetness of the frosting. Mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation while complementing the flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of milk or a cup of fragrant tea. For a themed gathering, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a chilled glass of rosé to match the strawberry vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these cookies on a pretty cake stand or arranged on a floral platter for a tea party or bridal shower. Wrapping them in clear cellophane tied with pink ribbon makes a lovely gift, or place them in colorful cupcake liners for a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve that fresh frosting texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze the frosting separately and thaw both before assembling for freshest results.
Reheating
Because of the creamy frosting, reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a warm cookie experience, enjoy the cookies plain or lightly warm the dough balls before baking, then frost after cooling.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese in the frosting?
Cream cheese is key for that tangy cheesecake flavor and creamy texture, so it’s best not to substitute it. However, full-fat mascarpone can be used for a slightly different but still rich frosting.
What if I don’t have cheesecake flavoring?
You can omit the cheesecake flavoring and the cookies will still be delicious, but the distinctive tangy note will be milder. Adding a bit of lemon zest can also help mimic that tang.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, you can craft a vegan-friendly version. Adjusting flavorings and ensuring the powdered sugar is vegan are also important steps.
Are these cookies soft or crispy?
These cookies are intentionally soft with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth, complemented by the smooth frosting. The gentle sugar press creates a slightly crisp edge but the overall feeling is tender.
Can I use frozen strawberries for topping?
Fresh strawberries are best for appearance and texture, but if needed, thaw frozen strawberries completely and pat dry before topping. Keep in mind they may release more moisture and soften the frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a real gem that combines classic flavors in an exciting new way, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness and a lot of smiles. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try, because every bite bursts with love, freshness, and creamy cheesecake goodness. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Frosted Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Frosted Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are soft, flavorful treats combining the rich taste of cheesecake with the juicy freshness of strawberries. Perfectly baked and topped with creamy, flavored frosting, these cookies bring a delightful twist to traditional strawberry desserts.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 sticks butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 4 drops cheesecake flavoring
Frosting
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Rose pink food coloring gel
- Red food coloring gel
- Cheesecake flavoring
- Strawberry flavoring
Garnish
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (washed, rinsed, and sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, cheesecake flavoring, and egg. Blend on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder thoroughly. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer, mixing on low speed. Switch the mixer attachment from whisk to paddle and continue blending until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Shape Cookies: Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the lined sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Check oven midway through; the cookies may begin to crack slightly, which is expected.
- Flatten Cookies: Remove a flat-bottom glass and dip the bottom into sugar. Gently press down on each cookie to flatten slightly and create a crinkled surface, enhancing texture and appearance.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely while preparing the frosting.
- Make Frosting Base: In a clean mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until fully combined and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, blending after each addition until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Divide and Flavor Frosting: Split frosting evenly into two bowls. To one bowl, add a couple drops of cheesecake flavoring and mix well. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to maintain consistency.
- Flavor and Color Second Frosting: In the other bowl, add red food coloring gel and strawberry flavoring, stirring to blend thoroughly. If frosting thins, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Prepare Frosting for Piping: Lay out about a 10-inch wide piece of plastic wrap. Place the two differently flavored frostings lengthwise side by side in the center, forming two ribbons. Roll the plastic wrap around the frosting ribbons to form a long tube. Snip one end and insert into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Decorate Cookies: Pipe frosting onto each cooled cookie in a swirl, finishing with a pointed peak. Top each with a fresh strawberry slice. Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your beautifully frosted strawberry cheesecake cookies!
Notes
- Use softened butter to ensure smooth mixing and a tender cookie texture.
- Cheesecake and strawberry flavorings can be adjusted to taste for a stronger or lighter flavor profile.
- Flattening the cookies midway through baking creates a visually appealing crinkled texture.
- Allow frosting to set to prevent smudging when serving or storing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
