Ingredients for Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking! For these Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll need a few simple staples that pack a punch of flavor.
- Vanilla cake mix (or sugar cookie mix): This forms the base of your cookies, providing sweetness and a soft texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture, making your cookies delightfully soft.
- Large egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding a bit of fluffiness.
- Cream cheese (cubed): This adds that signature cheesecake flavor, making your cookies creamy and decadent.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, giving your cookies a warm, inviting aroma.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetens the cheesecake cream, making it smooth and luscious.
- Fresh strawberries: Sliced strawberries bring a burst of freshness and a pop of color to your cookies.
- Strawberry jam: A touch of warmed jam adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness to the strawberries.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds a beautiful touch and a hint of sweetness.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step ensures your cookies won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, your future self will thank you for this!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, melted butter, egg, cubed cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick dough forms. It should be a bit sticky but manageable. This dough is the heart of your Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, so give it some love!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Now, scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. I like to use a cookie scoop for even portions. Flatten each scoop slightly into rounds. This helps them bake evenly and gives that classic cookie shape. Your kitchen should start smelling heavenly already!
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges. Once they’re done, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here; they’ll be worth the wait!
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Cream
While the cookies cool, let’s whip up the cheesecake cream. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This creamy goodness is what makes these cookies truly special. Chill it while the cookies finish cooling.
Step 6: Prepare the Strawberries
Next, toss your sliced strawberries with the warmed strawberry jam. This simple step makes them glossy and extra delicious. The sweetness of the jam complements the fresh strawberries perfectly, adding a burst of flavor to your Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies!
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Spread a generous layer of cheesecake cream onto each cooled cookie. Top them with the jam-coated strawberries, and drizzle a little extra jam on top for good measure. It’s like a mini dessert masterpiece on each cookie!
Step 8: Dust and Serve
Finally, dust your beautiful creations with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a lovely touch and a hint of sweetness. Now, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy these delightful Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies together!