Introduction

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts and crave something indulgent yet easy to prepare, then Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are the ultimate treat for you. These soft, chewy cookies are filled with a luscious cheesecake center, made even more delightful with the sweet tartness of strawberries. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee, these cookies offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crunch of the cookie dough and the creamy cheesecake filling is a match made in dessert heaven.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup strawberry jam or puree

Directions

1. Mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and strawberry jam/puree until silky. Cover and place in the fridge while you work on the cookie dough.
2. Cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and airy.
3. Blend in the egg and vanilla until the mixture is smooth.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually integrate dry mixture into the wet to form a smooth dough.
5. Mix in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
6. Cover dough and cool it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop out 1 tbsp of dough, flatten, then add ½ tsp of cheesecake filling in the center.
9. Press another tbsp of dough over the filling and seal the edges to form a ball.
10. Arrange dough balls onto the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
11. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack.
12. Revel in the delightful cookies with their creamy strawberry center.

History

The combination of cheesecake and cookies is not a new concept, but it has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to the growing love for hybrid desserts. Cheesecake itself has a rich history, dating back to ancient Greece, where it was first made for athletes. The dessert evolved over centuries and became a staple in various culinary traditions, especially in the United States. The addition of strawberries, however, is more modern, given the fruit’s widespread availability and popularity.

Benefits

While these cookies are indulgent, they can offer some surprising benefits when enjoyed in moderation:

• Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, supporting immune health and promoting digestion.
• Cream cheese provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance.
• Freeze-dried strawberries contain concentrated nutrients, which can provide a burst of flavor without excess water content.

Nutrition

These Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies can be a little rich in calories, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per cookie (based on typical ingredients and serving size):

• Calories: ~200-250 per cookie
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Sugar: 18-22 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 28-35 grams

While this is a dessert that’s a bit higher in sugar and fat, the presence of strawberries and the use of freeze-dried fruit provide some added nutritional value.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are the perfect blend of two beloved desserts: cookies and cheesecake. These cookies are a showstopper, bringing a perfect mix of creamy, tart, and sweet flavors in each bite. They are ideal for special occasions, gifts, or just as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy cookie edges with the smooth and tangy strawberry cheesecake center. They’re sure to impress anyone who tries them.