Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fruity burst of strawberry jam, you’ve found it in these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling. These cookies are soft, tender, and perfectly sweet, making every bite a delightful experience that melts in your mouth. With a luscious cream cheese base and a vibrant jam center, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds—simple ingredients transformed into an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: These cookies balance a soft, creamy cheesecake-like dough with a gooey jam filling for an unforgettable mouthfeel.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable Flavor: Use your favorite berry jam or even try different fillings to make these cookies uniquely yours.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether a holiday treat or an everyday indulgence, these cookies impress every time.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The jam-filled center peeks out beautifully, adding a splash of color and sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling recipe plays a key role, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that irresistible creaminess. Let’s walk through the essentials you’ll gather before baking this marvel.
- Cream Cheese: Adds soft richness and a tangy depth that defines the cheesecake flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and helps achieve a tender crumb in the cookie dough.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough, balancing the tang of the cream cheese.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies ensuring they hold their shape while staying soft.
- Baking Powder: Adds a gentle lift for a light, airy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Strawberry Jam: The star filling—provides a luscious fruit burst in every bite.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to bring all the ingredients together smoothly.
Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
One of the joys of this cookie recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether adapting to dietary needs or experimenting with flavors, you can customize it in just minutes.
- Jam Options: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or apricot for different fruity notes.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten worries.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra decadence.
- Low Sugar: Substitute some sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to reduce sweetness slightly.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios for added crunch and flavor contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in the sugar and egg, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with baking powder, then slowly add this to the wet mixture to form a soft, cohesive dough.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop approximately tablespoon-sized portions of dough, flatten them in your palm, and spoon a small dollop of strawberry jam in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the jam and roll into a cookie ball, ensuring the jam is sealed inside.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, these cookies are ready to delight your taste buds with a burst of creamy cheesecake flavor and sweet strawberry jam filling in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth, even mixing.
- Don’t Overfill With Jam: Use a small spoonful of jam to prevent leaking during baking.
- Chill the Dough: If dough feels too soft, refrigerate for 20 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Use for baking to keep cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Watch Baking Time: Slight underbaking gives a softer texture, so keep an eye on them near the end.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
Garnishes
Lightly dust your cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or top with a small fresh strawberry slice and mint leaf to enhance the presentation and add freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfectly balanced snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries and small bowls of extra jam for dipping, making them the star of any party table or afternoon tea spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness to about a week without losing softness.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies in a sealable bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm your frozen or refrigerated cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their soft, creamy texture and revive the jam filling’s lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam besides strawberry?
Absolutely! Raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam works wonderfully, giving these cookies a fresh twist while maintaining their delicious appeal.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives, you can create a dairy-free version while still enjoying the creamy and soft texture.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
Use a small amount of jam and make sure to completely seal the cookie dough around it to keep the filling nicely contained inside while baking.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.
What makes these cookies different from traditional thumbprint cookies?
These cookies incorporate cream cheese directly into the dough, providing a richer, creamier texture that sets them apart from classic thumbprint cookies which have a firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling that makes them a standout treat for any sweet tooth. They’re wonderfully easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these soft, creamy, fruity delights with friends and family. Trust me, once you taste that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Jam Filling are soft, tender cookies combining rich cream cheese dough with a luscious strawberry jam center. These easy-to-make cookies offer a perfect balance of creamy texture and fruity sweetness, ideal for any occasion or as a delightful everyday treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Total Time: 27 to 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 to 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 oz (113g) softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp baking powder
Filling
- Strawberry jam, about 2 tablespoons (or preferred berry jam)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in the granulated sugar and egg, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with baking powder, then slowly add this to the wet mixture to form a soft, cohesive dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop approximately tablespoon-sized portions of dough, flatten them in your palm, and spoon a small dollop of strawberry jam in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the jam and roll into a cookie ball, ensuring the jam is sealed inside.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, these cookies are ready to delight your taste buds with a burst of creamy cheesecake flavor and sweet strawberry jam filling in every bite.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth, even mixing.
- Use a small spoonful of jam to prevent leaking during baking.
- If dough feels too soft, refrigerate for 20 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for baking to keep cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Slight underbaking gives a softer texture, so watch the baking time carefully near the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Strawberry cheesecake cookies, jam-filled cookies, cream cheese cookies, soft cookies, easy dessert, gluten-free cookies, berry jam filling