Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 56 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, room temperature (226 g); 1½ cups brown sugar (290 g); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 graham crackers (2 cups of crumbs) (192 g); 2 cups all purpose flour (275 g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup salted butter (113 g); 2½ cups powdered sugar (225 g); 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (17 g); 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ can strawberry pie filling (approximately ½ cup)

If you love the tangy, creamy flavors of cheesecake and the sweet burst of fresh strawberries, then you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Think soft graham cracker cookies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and a dollop of strawberry pie filling — a dreamy dessert mashup that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

The image shows six round cookies laid out on a white marbled surface, each cookie having three main layers. The first layer is a golden-brown cookie base with a slightly rough texture. On top of that is a smooth, creamy white frosting that is spread evenly in a circle. The third layer is a bright red strawberry topping with whole strawberries covered in a shiny, jelly-like glaze. Small pieces of crumbly light brown crushed topping are sprinkled over the strawberry layer. There are also three fresh strawberries on the surface near the cookies. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the very first bite, these cookies won me over with their soft texture and the perfect balance of flavors. Baking them feels like crafting little pieces of dessert heaven that you’ll want to share (or maybe keep all to yourself!).

Unique Flavor Combo: Combines the classic cheesecake tang with sweet strawberry and warm graham cracker notes in cookie form.
Soft & Fluffy Texture: The cookies stay tender and chewy, making every bite irresistible.
Easy to Make: Simple steps using everyday ingredients for a gourmet-style cookie you can bake at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, gifts, or just a special treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dig in, here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients and why I chose them. A few helpful tips for shopping: opt for room temperature butter and cream cheese to get that perfectly smooth frosting, and grab a can of your favorite strawberry pie filling to top it all off with sweet, juicy goodness.

Flat lay of two brown eggs with clean shells, a small mound of golden graham cracker crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of salted butter softened to room temperature, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of golden cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red strawberry pie filling, a small pile of pale off-white all-purpose flour, a few whole graham crackers stacked neatly, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture, making the cookie base tender and soft.
Brown sugar: Contributes to the cookie’s chewiness and a deep caramel-like sweetness.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together for a perfect cookie dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
Graham crackers: Crushed into crumbs, creating that unmistakable classic cheesecake crust flavor inside the cookie.
All purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, giving structure without heaviness.
Baking soda: Provides just the right amount of lift and spread.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the overall flavor.
Cinnamon (optional): Adds a hint of warm spice that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, giving it a creamy tang that complements the cookie base.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadable consistency.
Cornstarch: Keeps the frosting fluffy and stable for piping.
Strawberry pie filling: The juicy, sweet topping that finishes off these cookies with a fresh burst.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is how easily you can put your own spin on it. Whether you want to tweak the flavors, make them allergy-friendly, or dress them up for a special occasion, these cookies are a fantastic base for creativity.

Variation: Want a hint of citrus brightness? I love adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest into the cream cheese frosting. It adds a delightful zing that complements the sweetness of the strawberry topping beautifully.
Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend and be sure to use gluten-free graham crackers. The texture is just as tender and perfectly delicious.
Seasonal twist: During the fall, I sometimes swap out the strawberry pie filling for apple pie filling and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top. It’s a cozy spin that my family adores.
Make it mini: If you want bite-size treats, use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes. These mini cookies are perfect for parties or as sweet little snack bites.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

The image shows three round cookies placed on white parchment paper on a metal baking tray. Each cookie has three layers: the bottom layer is a cracked light brown cookie; on top of the cookie is a smooth, thick layer of white cream; and the top layer is glossy red strawberry topping with whole strawberries covered in shiny red jelly. A silver spoon with red jelly is held above the closest cookie by a woman's hand, ready to add more jelly. In the foreground, a red and white striped cloth is partially visible, and the background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Start by combining the room temperature salted butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat them together for at least 3 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture lighten in color and become fluffy — that’s how you know the sugar is starting to dissolve. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for a tender, soft cookie with a rich, buttery flavor.

Step 2: Adding the Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing for about 1 minute until the egg is fully incorporated and the batter looks light and fluffy. This makes the dough smooth and helps the cookies rise nicely during baking.

Step 3: Preparing the Graham Cracker Crumbs

While your butter and sugar mixture is coming together, use a blender or food processor to pulse the graham crackers until they turn into a fine, even powder. This is key for that signature graham cracker cookie base that gives these cookies their wonderful depth of flavor and subtle crunch.

Step 4: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Add the graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix everything on low speed for about 1 minute, just until the dough comes together. Overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so stop when you see the dough forming but still soft.

Step 5: Shaping the Cookies

Using a large 3 to 4 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Slightly flatten each cookie to about 2 inches in diameter—this helps them bake evenly and get those beautiful crackled edges we love.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ (175 ℃) and bake the cookies for 11 minutes. Watch for the edges to start cracking—a telltale sign they’re just done. The centers will still be soft and tender. Once baked, remove the cookies and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting. Patience here makes the frosting step much easier and more beautiful.

Step 7: Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese and salted butter on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until smooth and fluffy. This creamy base is what makes these cookies feel indulgent and luscious.

Step 8: Adding the Sweet Touches

Now, add the powdered sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until smooth and free of any sugar pockets. The cornstarch is a subtle secret that helps the frosting hold its shape without being too stiff.

Step 9: Frosting Your Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer the frosting into a piping bag. Starting from the outside edge of each cookie, pipe the frosting in a spiral motion toward the center. This creates a pretty, classic look and ensures each bite has some creamy goodness.

Step 10: Finishing with Strawberry Pie Filling

The final flourish is a spoonful of strawberry pie filling placed right at the center of each frosted cookie. For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of graham cracker crumbs on top if you like. Serve these beauties immediately or refrigerate – just remember to add the strawberry topping right before serving to keep those cookies from getting soggy.

Top Tip

Mastering the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is all about attention to detail. These tips will help you get that perfect balance between the soft graham cracker cookie base, creamy frosting, and luscious strawberry topping.

Weigh Your Ingredients: I’ve found that weighing ingredients, especially the brown sugar and flour, guarantees consistent cookie texture every time. It really makes the difference!
Don’t Frost Warm Cookies: Waiting until the cookies are completely cool before frosting keeps your cream cheese frosting stable and prevents it from melting right off.
Pipe Your Frosting: Using a piping bag to frost your cookies creates a beautiful spiral effect and helps control the amount of frosting on each cookie.
Add Strawberry Filling Just Before Serving: Adding that strawberry pie filling at the last minute prevents sogginess, keeping your cookies fresh and delicious.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Two photos show the process of mixing soft ingredients in a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth nearby. The first photo shows two blocks of pale yellow and white soft ingredients sitting side by side in the empty bowl. The second photo shows these ingredients whipped into a smooth, creamy light beige mixture with visible swirls and airiness. A pastel blue electric mixer with metal beaters is partially inside the bowl, blending the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the look and flavor of your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, try adding a few extra garnishes. A light dusting of crushed graham cracker crumbs on top adds delightful crunch and contrasts beautifully with the smooth frosting. Fresh strawberry slices or a small mint leaf can add a pop of color and freshness, perfect for impressing guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a few simple side dishes. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream complements the rich cream cheese frosting. For a drink pairing, try a chilled glass of milk, a fruity iced tea, or even a light sparkling rosé for a grown-up treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full creaminess and flavor of the frosting.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the raw dough, baked cookies, and frosting separately for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw each component completely before assembling the cookies, then add the strawberry pie filling right before serving.

Reheating

Reheating baked cookies isn’t necessary, but if you want to warm them slightly, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 ℉ (150 ℃) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving since it can make the frosting melt and the texture gummy. Always frost and add strawberry topping after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?

While fresh strawberries add a lovely fresh element, strawberry pie filling has a thicker consistency and sweetness that hold up better as a topping on these cookies without making them soggy too quickly.

How do I make sure the cookies stay soft and chewy?

Creaming the butter and brown sugar well and avoiding overbaking are key. Bake the cookies just until edges start cracking (about 11 minutes at 350 ℉). Cooling completely before frosting also helps maintain softness.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and butter, so substitutions would significantly change the texture and flavor. However, using dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives might work—just expect some variation in taste and consistency.

What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese frosting?

Use a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip. Start frosting from the outer edge, moving in a slow spiral towards the center. This technique helps keep your frosting neat and uniform.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are such a delightful treat that bring together all the best parts of a classic cheesecake in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress. I hope these tips and tricks help you bake and serve these delicious cookies with confidence, making every bite a little moment of joy. Happy baking!