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Ultimate Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies with Graham Cracker Crumble

Close-up of three delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies featuring a bright red jam center on a white plate.

Bake these soft and chewy strawberry cheesecake cookies that capture the flavor of a classic dessert. They feature a buttery cookie base, a creamy cheesecake swirl, and a sweet strawberry jam topping finished with graham cracker crumbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Cheesecake Swirl:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Strawberry Topping:
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberry Jam Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup of strawberry jam with 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker crumbs. Set aside.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps achieve soft and chewy cookies.
  6. Assemble the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten each ball slightly.
  7. Create the Wells: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a deep well in the center of each cookie dough ball.
  8. Fill the Cookies: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the well of each cookie. Top the cheesecake filling with about 1/2 teaspoon of the strawberry jam mixture.
  9. Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
  10. Cool and Finish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs over the tops of the warm cookies.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened, not melted.
  • Chilling the dough is key to preventing these rich cookies from spreading too much while baking.
  • If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, use a homemade strawberry jam.
  • These cookies are excellent for Valentine’s Day gatherings or summer dessert spreads.

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