The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. I still remember those summer afternoons when my grandmother and I would make little shortcakes topped with strawberries from her garden. The scent of fresh berries and sweet vanilla would fill the kitchen it felt like happiness baked into every bite.
Over the years, I’ve played with her traditional shortcake recipe, and that’s how these Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Cookies were born. They combine the buttery crumb of shortcake with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the bright, juicy burst of strawberries.
These cookies are soft, sweet, and slightly tangy like a mini strawberry cheesecake you can hold in your hand! They’re perfect for spring gatherings, Valentine’s Day, or just when you want a little something special with your coffee.
If you love strawberry cheesecake, these cookies will melt your heart. Let’s bake them together they’re easy, fun, and absolutely irresistible! 🍓
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional:
- Crushed graham crackers for sprinkling
- White chocolate drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop small teaspoons of the filling onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30–45 minutes. This helps keep the centers creamy without leaking.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
In a small bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes until juicy. Drain off excess liquid to avoid soggy cookies.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a frozen cheesecake filling ball in the center, then cover with another tablespoon of dough and seal the edges. Top each cookie with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture and sprinkle crushed graham crackers if desired.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
For extra flair, drizzle with melted white chocolate once cooled.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Cookies are perfect served slightly chilled just like cheesecake! Pair them with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a festive touch, add a mint leaf or extra strawberry slice on top. They also make a stunning addition to dessert platters for birthdays, picnics, or bridal showers.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Cookies
These Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Cookies combine buttery shortcake dough with creamy cheesecake filling and juicy strawberries. Soft, rich, and slightly tangy, they taste like mini handheld strawberry cheesecakes perfect for spring gatherings, tea time, or a sweet homemade gift.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
Crushed graham crackers
White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto parchment paper and freeze for 30–45 minutes.Prepare the Strawberries:
Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid.Make the Cookie Dough:
Beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Add vanilla, then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Chill for 30 minutes.Assemble the Cookies:
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten, add frozen cheesecake filling, then top with another tablespoon of dough and seal. Top with strawberries and graham crumbs.Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden at edges. Cool 10 minutes, then drizzle with white chocolate.
Notes
For best results, use fresh strawberries (not frozen).
Freeze the cheesecake filling — it keeps the centers creamy.
Store cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
These cookies taste amazing slightly chilled, just like real cheesecake!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Greek Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about combining creamy cheesecake with buttery shortcake and sweet strawberries. These Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Cookies bring joy, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia like a summer day in Crete baked into every bite.
They’re simple to make, fun to assemble, and absolutely divine to eat. I hope you bake them with love, share them with friends, and make new memories in your kitchen just like I did with my grandmother years ago.
100-Word Short Version
These Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Cookies blend buttery shortcake, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries into one irresistible treat! Soft, golden, and filled with flavor, they’re perfect for special occasions or a cozy afternoon snack. The dough wraps around a frozen cheesecake center, topped with sweet strawberries and a sprinkle of graham crumbs. Bake until golden, cool slightly, and drizzle with white chocolate for extra flair. Each bite tastes like summer sunshine rich, fruity, and deliciously comforting.