Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Irresistible!

If you’re a cookie lover, prepare to fall head over heels for Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies! These cookies are everything you could ever want—soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh strawberry goodness. The addition of cream cheese takes them to the next level, making them extra tender while providing a subtle richness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Soft and Chewy Texture – The combination of cream cheese and butter results in irresistibly soft cookies.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor – Diced strawberries add a juicy, natural sweetness to every bite.
• Perfectly Balanced – The sweetness of the white chocolate chips (if using) complements the slight tang from the cream cheese.
• Easy to Make – Simple steps and basic pantry ingredients make this a no-fuss recipe.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or just an afternoon snack!

Now, let’s dive into how to make the best Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – The key ingredient for extra soft and tender cookies.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Provides the perfect amount of sweetness.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, finely diced – The star ingredient!
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps absorb excess moisture from the strawberries.
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional) – Adds extra sweetness and creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

• Wash and dice the strawberries into small, even pieces.
• Toss them with cornstarch to prevent excess moisture from making the cookies soggy.
• Set aside while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
• Gently fold in the strawberries and white chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

• Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or coffee!

Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies

• Use Fresh Strawberries – Frozen strawberries contain too much moisture and can make the cookies soggy.
• Dice the Strawberries Small – Larger chunks may release excess moisture, affecting the cookie texture.
• Chill the Dough – This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
• Do Not Overmix – Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
• Store Properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Refrigeration: Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop portions onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
• Baking from Frozen: Bake frozen cookie dough directly from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs About Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are recommended because frozen ones contain too much water, which can make the dough overly wet.

2. Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Yes! Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading and ensures the cookies hold their shape.

3. Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese is key for the soft texture, but you can try using Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a similar result.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend for a gluten-free version.

5. How do I prevent my cookies from becoming soggy?

Make sure to toss the strawberries in cornstarch before adding them to the dough, and avoid overloading with too many strawberries.

6. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try adding chopped almonds, pecans, or dark chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try These Cookies

If you love soft, chewy cookies with fresh fruit flavors, these Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies are an absolute must-try. They’re easy to make, bursting with sweet and tangy goodness, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a picnic, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies will not disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the ultimate homemade strawberry cookie experience!

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