If you adore cookies with a surprise twist, you are going to fall head over heels for the Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats combine the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry cake mix with a luscious, creamy cheesecake center that melts in your mouth. The soft, crackled exterior dusted in powdered sugar adds an irresistible charm. They are perfect for sharing with family, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet cookie experience that’s easy to make and utterly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and soft texture in your Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from the creamy filling to the flavorful cookie dough and the light dusting that finishes it off with a beautiful look.
- Cream cheese (6 ounces, softened): This creates the rich, creamy filling with just the right tang.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): One portion sweetens the filling, and the other makes the cookies beautifully snowy on the outside.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake mixture.
- Strawberry cake mix (1 15-ounce package): The star ingredient lending a fruity, moist base full of vibrant strawberry flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup, scooped and leveled): Helps give structure to the cookie dough for perfect texture.
- Salted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough together and contribute to a soft, cakey bite.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium-low speed until everything is smooth and well blended. This filling will be the creamy surprise in each cookie, providing a lovely contrast to the fruity dough. Scoop small mounds, about 2-3 teaspoons each, onto parchment-lined sheets and set them in the freezer for 15 minutes so they firm up and hold their shape during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
While the filling chills, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and eggs together with your hand mixer on medium-low speed. Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and moist. Then place the dough in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes; this helps the dough firm up slightly and makes it easier to shape.
Step 3: Stuff and Shape the Cookies
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the chilled dough. Press a small crater into the center of each dough ball and place a frozen cream cheese mound inside. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling fully, rolling it gently to seal it so the cheesecake doesn’t leak while baking. Finish by rolling each cookie generously in powdered sugar; this gives them a lovely crackled look once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the stuffed cookies at least 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading. Bake them for 9 to 11 minutes, until the tops show those perfect cracks, feel dry to the touch, and the bottoms begin to turn a light golden brown. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting time is key so they set perfectly without breaking or losing their shape.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe, consider dusting extra powdered sugar just before serving or adding a light drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch. Fresh strawberry slices on the side not only complement the flavor but add a beautiful visual pop of color that will wow guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a more refreshing contrast, serve them alongside a cup of chilled iced tea or a glass of cold milk to balance their sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies tied together with a pretty ribbon as delightful party favors or gifts. Arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for an impressive display at a brunch or gathering. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra cream cheese filling to turn them into irresistible sandwich cookies that vanish fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container or a large resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator, making sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing. This helps keep the cream cheese filling fresh, and your cookies stay soft for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a couple of hours before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive your leftover or thawed cookies, warm them briefly in a low oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their softness and brings the cream cheese filling back to that perfect creamy consistency without melting the powdered sugar coating too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While strawberry is the star flavor here, you can experiment with other cake mixes like vanilla or funfetti. Just know that the taste and color will change, but the recipe works the same way for various flavors.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
No problem! You can use two spoons to portion the dough or measure out about 2 tablespoons by hand. It’s all about consistency in size for even baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
Substituting cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives is possible, but results may vary slightly in texture and flavor. Choose plant-based cream cheese and a vegan butter substitute that melts well for best results.
Why do I need to chill the dough and filling?
Chilling helps the cream cheese filling hold its shape during baking and makes the dough easier to handle and shape without sticking. This ensures clean, well-formed cookies with that perfect cheesecake center.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Beyond that, the cream cheese filling might start to lose freshness, so enjoying them sooner is best!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with a cookie that’s bursting with flavor and love in every bite, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a rich cheesecake treat wrapped in a soft, fruity cookie without any fuss. Once you make them, I bet these cookies will become a beloved staple in your baking rotation just like they did in mine!
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Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful, these Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies combine a moist strawberry cake cookie exterior with a creamy, tangy cheesecake center. Coated in powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cookie Dough
- 1 (15-ounce) package strawberry cake mix
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (scooped & leveled, 35g)
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer on medium-low speed to blend softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Using two spoons, dollop 2-3 teaspoon-sized mounds of this mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Freeze these mounds for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, all-purpose flour, eggs, and melted butter. Mix on medium-low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing. Refrigerate the dough for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Assemble Cookies: Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion dough into balls. Create a small crater in the center of each dough ball and place a frozen cheesecake filling mound inside. Carefully bring the dough edges around the filling and roll briefly in your hands to seal, preventing leakage during baking. Roll each sealed cookie ball generously in powdered sugar for a sweet coating.
- Bake Cookies: Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes until the tops crackle and appear dry, and bottoms start to brown gently.
- Cool and Store: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store any leftovers in a large plastic bag in the refrigerator with air squeezed out to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Freezing the cheesecake filling ensures it stays intact inside the cookie while baking.
- Refrigerating the dough slightly makes it easier to handle and shape around the filling.
- Make sure to seal the dough around the filling well to prevent leakage during baking.
- Cookies should be spaced apart on the baking sheet to prevent sticking as they spread.
- Store cookies in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
