Strawberry Cheesecake Crumbl Cookies

There is something undeniably magical about biting into a cookie that tastes just like your favorite dessert. Imagine a soft, buttery cookie base, crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, and then finished with a swirl of fresh strawberry topping. These Strawberry Cheesecake Crumbl Cookies are the perfect marriage of rich cheesecake and the sweetness of ripe strawberries, all wrapped up in one indulgent handheld treat. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of the love for those oversized bakery-style cookies that feel like an occasion all by themselves. I remember the first time I walked into a Crumbl store, the smell of sugar and butter in the air, and trays of cookies stacked like treasures waiting to be discovered. Recreating that experience at home became a joyful challenge. The inspiration for this particular flavor came from my grandmother’s strawberry cheesecake, which was a family favorite. These cookies are my playful twist on that nostalgic dessert.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cheesecake has been around for centuries, with roots tracing back to ancient Greece where it was considered an energy food for athletes. Strawberries, meanwhile, have always been a symbol of romance and luxury, dating back to Roman times. Combining the two into one delightful cookie is not just indulgent, it’s a nod to history. The oversized cookie trend popularized by Crumbl has taken these classic flavors and given them a modern, irresistible spin.

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Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Crumbl Cookies

There are so many reasons these cookies will win you over. Let me walk you through them:

Versatile: These cookies work for birthdays, bake sales, or even as an elegant dessert for dinner parties.

Budget-Friendly: A homemade batch costs far less than buying them at a bakery, with ingredients you likely already have.

Quick and Easy: With simple steps and no complicated techniques, you’ll have them ready in no time.

Customizable: You can switch up the toppings, from blueberry sauce to caramel drizzle, making it your own signature treat.

Crowd-Pleasing: Their size and presentation make them a showstopper that gets everyone excited.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough or frosting ahead of time and assemble later.

Great for Leftovers: Store them in the fridge and enjoy them for days. They taste just as good chilled!

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make sure these cookies taste like they came straight out of a gourmet bakery, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use room temperature cream cheese for the frosting to get a silky, lump-free texture.
2. Don’t overbake the cookies, they should be soft and slightly chewy in the center.
3. Chill the cookies before frosting so the cream cheese topping holds beautifully.
4. For the best strawberry flavor, use fresh or high-quality preserves for the topping.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into baking, make sure your kitchen is stocked with these essentials:

Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.

Electric Mixer: Helps achieve a fluffy cookie dough and smooth frosting.

Baking Sheets: To bake the cookies evenly.

Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Cookie Scoop: Ensures perfectly sized cookies every time.

Offset Spatula: Great for spreading the cream cheese frosting smoothly.

Ingredients in Strawberry Cheesecake Crumbl Cookies

Every ingredient plays a role in making these cookies taste heavenly. Here’s the lineup:

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) provides richness and helps create a tender cookie base.
2. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup adds sweetness and structure to the cookies.
3. Brown Sugar: ½ cup (packed) brings a hint of caramel flavor and extra chewiness.
4. Eggs: 2 large act as a binder and give moisture.
5. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons enhances flavor and adds warmth.
6. All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups forms the body of the cookies.
7. Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise and stay light.
8. Salt: ½ teaspoon balances the sweetness.
9. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (softened) creates the creamy frosting.
10. Powdered Sugar: 2 cups sweetens and thickens the frosting.
11. Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
12. Strawberry Topping or Preserves: 1 cup adds the fruity, juicy crown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need a little flexibility. Here are some easy swaps:

Butter: Use margarine or plant-based butter for dairy-free.

Cream Cheese: Substitute with a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Strawberry Topping: Try raspberry jam, blueberry preserves, or even lemon curd.

Heavy Cream: Milk or half-and-half can work in a pinch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Strawberries: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color not only make the cookies beautiful but also bring that fresh, tangy flavor to balance the richness.

Cream Cheese: The frosting is what makes these cookies taste like cheesecake. Its tangy creaminess is the perfect complement to the buttery cookie base.

Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Crumbl Cookies

Baking these cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Here’s how you’ll bring them to life:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Scoop cookie dough onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each scoop.
4. Assemble the Dish: Gently flatten each scoop to create a thick cookie disc.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let cool completely.
6. Finishing Touches: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Spread frosting over cooled cookies and top with strawberry preserves.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Chill slightly before serving for the best cheesecake-like experience.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes these cookies shine is the balance of textures. The cookie itself is soft and buttery, the frosting creamy and tangy, and the strawberry topping juicy and sweet. Each bite gives you a little crunch at the edges, a pillow-like center, and that luxurious creaminess on top.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few extra tips can take your cookies to the next level:

• Always chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
• Use high-quality vanilla extract, it makes a big difference.
• If you want extra strawberry flavor, swirl some preserves into the frosting.

What to Avoid

Sometimes mistakes happen, but here’s how to prevent them:

• Don’t overmix the dough, it can make cookies tough.
• Avoid using cold butter or cream cheese, they won’t mix properly.
• Don’t stack frosted cookies, the topping will smudge.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 large cookies
Calories per serving: 420

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 34 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can chill the dough for up to 2 days before baking. The baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months, then frost when ready to serve.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Crumbl Cookies

Serve them chilled for the full cheesecake effect or slightly warm if you love melty frosting. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even alongside fresh fruit for a colorful dessert platter.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have extras, here are fun ways to reinvent them:

• Crumble the cookies into a parfait with yogurt and fresh strawberries.
• Use cookie pieces as a topping for vanilla ice cream.
• Blend into a milkshake for a decadent twist.

Additional Tips

For the most elegant finish, pipe the frosting onto the cookies rather than spreading. Also, if you want a glossy strawberry topping, warm the preserves slightly before spooning them on.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters! Arrange the cookies on a white platter to let the strawberry color pop. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of charm.

Variations to Try

• Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with lemon curd topping.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies with blueberry preserves.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies with cocoa in the dough and chocolate ganache topping.
• Raspberry Almond Cheesecake Cookies with raspberry preserves and sliced almonds.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

Yes, just cook them down into a sauce or use thawed and drained strawberries to avoid excess liquid.

2. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before baking to help them hold their shape.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

4. Can I make the cookies smaller?

Absolutely, just adjust the baking time by a few minutes.

5. Do I have to refrigerate the cookies?

Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, they should be stored in the fridge.

6. Can I freeze the frosted cookies?

It’s best to freeze them unfrosted, then frost after thawing.

7. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

They’re best within 3–4 days but can last up to a week refrigerated.

8. Can I use whipped cream instead of frosting?

It won’t hold as well, but whipped cream can work for a lighter option.

9. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking.

10. What if I don’t have a mixer?

You can mix by hand, just be sure to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Crumbl Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the joy of a bakery-style cookie with the elegance of a cheesecake. Every bite is creamy, fruity, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or just because, let me tell you, they’re worth every bite. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie.

Watch How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Crumbl Cookies