If you are on the hunt for a truly indulgent treat that expertly balances creamy richness, luscious fruitiness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, look no further than the Cheesecake Cookies with Strawberry Jam and White Chocolate Recipe. These cookies bring together the tangy smoothness of cheesecake filling, the sweet burst of strawberry jam, and the decadent touch of white chocolate, all wrapped in a buttery, graham-cracker-studded dough. Each bite feels like a little celebration, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring during a cozy afternoon at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each component plays a starring role to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and visual appeal in these cookies. These pantry staples combine classic cookie foundations with creamy cheesecake magic and fruity sweetness to make every bite memorable.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Delivers the luscious, tangy base for the cheesecake filling, ensuring moistness and flavor.
- Granulated sugar (2 ½ tablespoons for filling + ½ cup for dough): Provides balanced sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
- Sour cream (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang and creaminess to the filling, enhancing its richness.
- Vanilla extract (â…› teaspoon for filling + 1 teaspoon for dough): Enhances the overall flavor complexity with warm, floral notes.
- Strawberry jam (½ cup): Offers a bright, fruity contrast that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The cornerstone of tender, rich cookie dough with a mild, creamy flavor.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, firmly packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the dough.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature preferred): Bind ingredients and contribute to the cookie’s structure and softness.
- All-purpose flour (3 â…“ cups): The main structural element creating that satisfying cookie chew.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup): Adds a subtle crunch and a toasty, sweet note reminiscent of classic cheesecake crust.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps the cookies stay tender by softening the flour’s protein.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Provides a gentle lift for the dough’s ideal texture.
- Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Works with the acidic ingredients to create a balanced rise.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Perfectly enhances and balances the sweetness.
- White chocolate bar (3 oz, optional): Adds melty sweetness and an elegant touch to the cookie tops.
How to Make Cheesecake Cookies with Strawberry Jam and White Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
The secret to these cookies’ creamy center starts here. Combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a medium bowl and stir until smooth and irresistibly creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla extract to the mix for an extra layer of flavor and consistency. Scoop the filling into small dollops on wax paper, then freeze them to firm up while you work on the dough. This chilling step ensures the cheesecake filling maintains its shape during assembly and baking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Next up is the cookie dough, which sets the stage for the filling’s grand entrance. Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create that classic rich cookie base. Beat in eggs and vanilla for moisture and flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients—flour, graham cracker crumbs, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—then slowly mix them into the wet ingredients until fully combined. Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps the dough firm up so shaping the cookies becomes easier and the final texture improves.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Ready for the fun part? Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and chop your white chocolate into small pieces if you’re using it. Shape 2-tablespoon portions of dough into balls, then make a deep crater in the center using your thumb. Spoon a generous dollop of strawberry jam into each crater, nestle a frozen cream cheese dollop on top, then cover with another 2-tablespoon dough portion, sealing the edges carefully. Roll gently into smooth balls and press white chocolate pieces onto the surface to add a beautiful finishing touch. Pop the assembled cookies in the freezer for 10-15 minutes so they’ll hold shape while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the chilled cookies spaced out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 14 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye out for golden edges as your cue to pull them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet so they firm up just right and the flavors meld together. The result? Soft, buttery cookies filled with creamy cheesecake and bursting with strawberry jam and sweet white chocolate moments.
How to Serve Cheesecake Cookies with Strawberry Jam and White Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are showstoppers on their own but consider dusting a bit of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant finish. A fresh strawberry on the side can also brighten the plate and highlight the berry flavor within.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of rich coffee to complement their creamy and sweet layers. A light salad of mixed berries can also provide a refreshing, tart contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange them in a pretty cookie jar or stack neatly on a cake stand. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra strawberry jam for an irresistible cookie sandwich twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft for up to three days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and protect their delicate cream cheese filling.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the fully assembled but unbaked cookies on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste anytime you crave.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave or for a few minutes in a low oven to revive their soft texture and melt the white chocolate slightly. This little touch brings them back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another fruit jam?
Absolutely! Raspberry or apricot jam also works wonderfully, adding their own unique fruity twist while maintaining the balance of creamy filling and sweet dough.
Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?
While graham cracker crumbs add a signature warm crunch reminiscent of cheesecake crust, you could substitute with digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafer cookies for a slightly different but still delicious effect.
Is the white chocolate optional?
Yes, it’s optional but highly recommended. The white chocolate provides an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal, but the cookies are delightful even without it.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare and freeze the cream cheese dollops up to a week before making the cookies, making the assembly process quicker and smoother.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for edges that are just starting to turn golden while the centers remain soft. Overbaking can dry them out, so removing them at that perfect moment helps keep the cookies tender and moist.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Cheesecake Cookies with Strawberry Jam and White Chocolate Recipe that brings joy in every bite—creamy, fruity, sweet, and buttery all at once. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients, try your hand at this recipe, and watch the smiles appear around your table. Whether enjoyed with tea, coffee, or all on their own, these cookies are a delightful celebration of flavors worth savoring.
Print
Cheesecake Cookies with Strawberry Jam and White Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 13 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cheesecake Cookies with Strawberry Jam and White Chocolate, featuring a soft cream cheese filling layered with sweet strawberry jam and encased in a rich, buttery cookie dough. Finished with crunchy white chocolate chunks, these cookies combine creamy, fruity, and sweet textures for a perfect indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- â…› teaspoon vanilla extract
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 â…“ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup strawberry jam (or strawberry sauce)
- 3 oz white chocolate bar (optional, finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly until fully incorporated. Drop the filling mixture in 2-teaspoon portions onto a wax paper-lined small baking sheet and freeze to firm up while preparing the dough.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: Using an electric mixer, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 room-temperature eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk 3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture on medium-low speed, scraping the bowl to mix evenly. Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Assemble Cookies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Finely chop 3 oz white chocolate if using. Remove chilled dough and scoop 2-tablespoon portions, rolling each into a ball. Press a large crater in the center using your thumb. Spoon 1 ½ teaspoons strawberry jam into the crater. Remove a frozen cream cheese filling dollop and place into the jam. Cover with another 2-tablespoon dough portion, sealing and rolling to a smooth ball. Press chopped white chocolate into the surface. Place assembled cookies on a wax paper-lined sheet and freeze 10-15 minutes before baking. Repeat with remaining dough and fillings.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange frozen cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart. Bake on the center rack in the 375°F (190°C) oven for 14-15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely on the baking sheet to prevent breaking and to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs ensure better mixing and dough texture.
- Freezing the cream cheese filling and assembled cookies helps the cookies retain shape and prevents leakage during baking.
- Graham cracker crumbs add a subtle crunch and complementary flavor to the dough.
- White chocolate is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and decorative touch on top of the cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For easier handling, chill the dough longer if it’s too soft while assembling.
