Indulge in these heavenly Cream Cheese Filled Cookies, where each bite offers a burst of creamy sweetness complemented by the delicate freshness of finely diced strawberries. This recipe combines the rich texture of a buttery cookie dough with a luscious cream cheese center, making each cookie not just a treat but an experience. Designed for those who love a surprise filling, these cookies are perfect for anyone looking to add a special touch to their baking repertoire.
Why You'll Love This:
The unique appeal of these cookies lies in their soft, creamy filling encased in a crisp, golden exterior, with hints of strawberry providing a fruity contrast that enhances the overall flavor. The process of making these cookies is almost as delightful as eating them, from preparing the indulgent cream cheese filling to forming the perfect dough balls. This recipe is a fantastic way to impress at any gathering, or simply to treat yourself to a little bit of baked luxury.
Perfect Occasion:
These Cream Cheese Filled Cookies are ideal for special occasions such as bridal showers, birthday parties, or holiday events. They are also perfect for baking sessions with kids, turning a simple afternoon into a delightful culinary adventure. Serve them at your next tea party or package them beautifully for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. If you're serving them at a festive event, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze or decorate with edible glitter for a more glamorous look. For a summer twist, top each cookie with a small slice of fresh strawberry or a mint leaf for color contrast and freshness.
Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Cookie Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- 2 eggs
- 3 ⅔ cups gluten-free 1 to 1 flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup finely diced strawberries
- Optional: pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the cream cheese filling. In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Scoop out teaspoon-sized balls of the mixture, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze.
- For the cookie dough, in a clean stand mixer, cream together cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the eggs, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and optional salt, mixing until a thick dough forms. Fold in the diced strawberries carefully.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, take the dough and form large balls. Press an indent into each and place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center. Seal the dough around the cream cheese, ensuring it is completely enclosed.
- Space the dough balls at least 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set in the center.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these luxurious Cream Cheese Filled Cookies with their delightful strawberry accents and surprise creamy centers, perfect for any occasion that calls for a special treat!
