The Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies That Went Viral

This recipe takes the best parts of cheesecake and cookies, blending them into one indulgent treat. Soft strawberry-flavored cookies get stuffed with a creamy cheesecake filling, giving every bite a mix of fruity sweetness and tangy richness. A handful of crushed cookies or freeze-dried strawberries adds extra texture and flavor, making them a fun twist on the classic cookie.

Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or simple weeknight desserts, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. They’re pretty enough to serve at parties yet easy enough for a casual baking session. With their soft texture and creamy centers, these cookies bring cheesecake vibes without the need for a fork or plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry cheesecake cookie recipe highlights fruity flavor with a creamy surprise inside.

Cheesecake center: Tangy filling adds a creamy bite.

Soft texture: Cookies stay chewy with a tender crumb.

Strawberry flavor: Freeze-dried strawberries or extract boost fruity taste.

Easy method: No complicated steps required.

Party-perfect: Pretty, colorful, and unique.

Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins.

Here are my secrets: I always fold a few crushed graham crackers into the dough for a cheesecake crust feel. A drizzle of white chocolate over the cooled cookies takes them over the top, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness perfectly.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
  
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 1 egg
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional)
  

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
  
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
  

Optional Toppings:

• Melted white chocolate drizzle
  
• Crushed graham crackers
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop small teaspoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir until a soft dough forms. Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries if using.

3. Fill the Cookies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center, then fold the dough around it to seal completely. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.

4. Bake the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place filled cookies on the sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.

5. Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Strawberry: Add chopped fresh strawberries to the dough.
  
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips for contrast.
  
• Smaller Bites: Make mini versions with teaspoon-sized dough.
  
• Crusty Flavor: Roll dough balls in crushed graham crackers before baking.
  

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Serve them as part of a dessert platter with brownies and bars, or pack them into lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. They also make a thoughtful gift when boxed with tissue paper and ribbon for birthdays or holidays.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry cheesecake cookies bring together two favorite desserts in an easy, handheld treat. With a creamy center and soft strawberry dough, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and fun. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies always deliver fruity sweetness and cheesecake goodness in every bite.