What are the best cookies for cheesecake?

When it comes to making strawberry cheesecake cookies, the best cookie base combines the structure of a classic sugar cookie with the softness of a drop cookie. A buttery dough made with both brown and white sugar creates a soft, chewy texture that pairs beautifully with a tangy cheesecake filling. For crust-inspired flavor, adding crushed graham crackers to the dough gives a nostalgic nod to traditional cheesecake bases.

What goes with strawberry cheesecake?

Strawberry cheesecake—and by extension, strawberry cheesecake cookies—pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of dark chocolate. For beverages, try serving these cookies with cold milk, black tea, or a crisp glass of rosé. If you’re building a dessert board, complement them with shortbread, lemon bars, or mini tarts to balance the sweet and tart flavors.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried cookies?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh strawberries in strawberry cheesecake cookies. Just chop them small and blot them dry with paper towels before adding to the dough. Fresh berries add juicy bursts of flavor but also introduce extra moisture, so chilling the dough before baking is important to prevent spreading. Freeze-dried strawberries, on the other hand, give more intense flavor and a chewy texture without the added liquid.

Should you refrigerate cheesecake cookies?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, strawberry cheesecake cookies should be refrigerated. Keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze either the cookie dough or the fully baked cookies. For best results, let them come to room temperature before serving or warm slightly in the microwave to bring back their soft, gooey center.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies – Easy To Make and Gluten-Free

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum); 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chopped fresh or freeze-dried strawberries; 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 3 tbsp powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)

Description

These gluten free strawberry cheesecake cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor, all while staying perfectly safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped fresh or freeze-dried strawberries

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

3 tbsp powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, cream butter and both sugars until fluffy.

2. Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until combined.

5. Fold in chopped strawberries. Chill dough for 30 minutes.

6. In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Chill 30 minutes.

7. Scoop cookie dough, flatten, add cream cheese filling, and seal into balls.

8. Place on parchment-lined tray. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.

9. Let cool on tray before moving to rack.

Notes

Use a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking flour with xanthan gum for best results.

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, especially with fresh strawberries.

Store in the fridge due to the cream cheese filling. Best enjoyed within 5 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 185
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 0.7g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: gluten free strawberry cheesecake cookies, gluten-free dessert, gluten-free baking