Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 56 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, room temperature (226 g); 1½ cups brown sugar (290 g); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 graham crackers (2 cups of crumbs) (192 g); 2 cups all purpose flour (275 g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup salted butter (113 g); 2½ cups powdered sugar (225 g); 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (17 g); 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ can strawberry pie filling

If you’re craving a dessert that’s equal parts rich, fruity, and utterly irresistible, this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is the answer. Imagine a soft graham cracker cookie base topped with creamy, dreamy cheesecake frosting and a burst of sweet strawberry pie filling—pure cookie perfection!

The image shows six round cookies laid out on a white marbled surface, each cookie having three main layers. The first layer is a golden-brown cookie base with a slightly rough texture. On top of that is a smooth, creamy white frosting that is spread evenly in a circle. The third layer is a bright red strawberry topping with whole strawberries covered in a shiny, jelly-like glaze. Small pieces of crumbly light brown crushed topping are sprinkled over the strawberry layer. There are also three fresh strawberries on the surface near the cookies. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I just adore making these strawberry cheesecake cookies when I want to wow guests or treat myself to something special. They capture the magic of those Crumbl-style desserts we all crave, right from your own kitchen.

Perfect Flavor Combo: The graham cracker, cream cheese, and strawberry trio is a foolproof winner every time.
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, it’s a fun baking project for all skill levels.
Great for Sharing: Yields about 15 generous cookies, ideal for parties or gifting to friends.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough and frosting in advance, then add strawberries just before serving.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, gather everything fresh and at room temperature where indicated—it really makes a difference. A good quality cream cheese ensures that frosting is silky smooth, while freshly crushed graham crackers give the cookies that authentic, nostalgic flavor.

Flat lay of two brown eggs with clean shells, a small mound of golden graham cracker crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of salted butter softened to room temperature, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of golden cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red strawberry pie filling, a small pile of pale off-white all-purpose flour, a few whole graham crackers stacked neatly, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted Butter: I use salted because it balances sweetness perfectly and deepens the flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that complements the graham crackers.
Egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash intensifies all the flavors beautifully.
Graham Crackers: Crushed into crumbs, they’re the star base that sets these cookies apart.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without weighing the cookies down.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft bite.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the overall taste.
Cinnamon (Optional): A pinch adds warmth and depth but feel free to skip it if you prefer.
Cream Cheese: For that classic cheesecake tang in the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a smooth, silky finish.
Cornstarch: Keeps the frosting stable and piping-friendly.
Strawberry Pie Filling: The juicy, fruity topper that makes each bite unforgettable.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to play with flavors, add some seasonal flair, or adjust for dietary needs, these cookies invite creativity while still delivering that irresistible Crumbl-style experience.

Variation: For a refreshing twist, try adding a few chopped fresh strawberries into the cream cheese frosting before piping. It adds a burst of real berry flavor and a pretty pink hue—plus, it makes these cookies feel extra special for spring or summer gatherings!
Seasonal Flavors: Swap out the strawberry pie filling for blueberry or cherry pie filling to give this dessert a delightful seasonal spin that everyone will enjoy.
Dietary Adjustments: If you want to make these gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free graham crackers. The texture stays just as amazing.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting before adding the strawberry pie filling for a crunchy contrast that’s simply divine.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

The image shows three round cookies placed on white parchment paper on a metal baking tray. Each cookie has three layers: the bottom layer is a cracked light brown cookie; on top of the cookie is a smooth, thick layer of white cream; and the top layer is glossy red strawberry topping with whole strawberries covered in shiny red jelly. A silver spoon with red jelly is held above the closest cookie by a woman's hand, ready to add more jelly. In the foreground, a red and white striped cloth is partially visible, and the background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

Start by combining 1 cup of room temperature salted butter with 1½ cups of brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on high speed, cream them together for at least 3 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture lightens in color and the sugar begins to dissolve—this is key for that perfect, tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix again for about 1 minute on medium speed until the egg is fully incorporated and the batter becomes fluffy. This makes the dough beautifully smooth and ready to hold all those flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumbs

Take 12 graham crackers (which should equal about 2 cups or 192 grams) and pulse them in a blender until they turn into a fine powder. These crumbs add that characteristic golden, slightly sweet crunch to the cookie base, making each bite a dream.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into the Dough

Combine the graham cracker powder, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional) into your cookie dough. Mix everything on low speed for about 1 minute until it just comes together. Don’t overmix here—we want the cookies tender and soft.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Use a large cookie scoop to portion out 3 to 4 tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each mound to about 2 inches in diameter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11 minutes, watching for edges to crack slightly. The smell escaping the oven at this stage is absolute bliss!

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Once baked, leave the cookies on the sheet to cool completely—about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because warm cookies will soften the frosting and cause it to melt or slide off. Patience here means beautifully decorated cookies every time.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat 4 oz room temperature cream cheese with ½ cup salted butter until fluffy, about 1 minute on medium-high speed. Then add 2½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy with no sugar lumps.

Step 8: Frost and Finish with Strawberry Pie Filling

Transfer the cream cheese frosting into a piping bag. Pipe a beautiful spiral on each cooled cookie, starting from the outer edge and working your way to the center. To finish, spoon just the right amount of strawberry pie filling on top of each frosted cookie. For extra texture and appeal, sprinkle some leftover graham cracker crumbs if you like. Now, the hard part: waiting to dig in!

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours, ensuring your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe turns out perfectly every time. Paying attention to a few key details really elevates these already irresistible cookies!

Measure Ingredients Precisely: Using a kitchen scale for ingredients like flour and graham cracker crumbs guarantees consistency and prevents cookies from turning out too dry or too dense.
Don’t Skip the Creaming: Creaming the butter and brown sugar for at least 3 minutes dissolves the sugar well and creates that tender, chewy cookie texture I love.
Frost When Completely Cool: Make sure the cookies are 100% cooled before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting and keep those swirls looking beautiful.
Add Strawberry Pie Filling Last: To prevent soggy cookies, wait to add the strawberry topping right before serving. This keeps the cookie base crisp and fresh.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Two photos show the process of mixing soft ingredients in a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth nearby. The first photo shows two blocks of pale yellow and white soft ingredients sitting side by side in the empty bowl. The second photo shows these ingredients whipped into a smooth, creamy light beige mixture with visible swirls and airiness. A pastel blue electric mixer with metal beaters is partially inside the bowl, blending the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, sprinkle a few crushed graham cracker crumbs on top of the strawberry pie filling for added texture and visual appeal. Fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar also make lovely garnishes that complement the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies themselves are a showstopper, but if you want to create a full dessert spread, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a fresh fruit salad, or even a light lemon sorbet to balance their rich creaminess. A hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk pairs perfectly for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your frosted cookies without the strawberry pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them, bring the cookies to room temperature so the flavors and textures shine through perfectly.

Freezing

You can freeze raw cookie dough, baked cookies, and cream cheese frosting separately for up to 3 months. Thaw each component in the fridge before assembling. Holding off on adding the strawberry pie filling until serving time ensures your cookies don’t get soggy.

Reheating

Since these are cold-served frosted cookies, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer to warm the cookie base, you can gently microwave an unfrosted cookie for 10–15 seconds before frosting and topping. Just be careful not to melt the cream cheese frosting!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Fresh strawberries can be used, but for that signature sweet and saucy topping, strawberry pie filling works best. If using fresh strawberries, consider macerating them with a bit of sugar to mimic the pie filling texture and flavor.

Why is cornstarch added to the frosting?

Cornstarch helps stabilize the cream cheese frosting, giving it a smooth, firm texture that holds well on the cookies without being overly sweet or runny.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on butter and cream cheese for that classic cheesecake flavor. You could try dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, but the texture and taste might be different from the original.

How big should the cookies be?

Using a large 3-4 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion your dough and flattening them to about 2 inches in diameter ensures the perfect size for baking and frosting, giving you 15 generously sized cookies from the recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies have a way of making every day feel a little more special. Combining a nostalgic graham cracker base with luscious cream cheese frosting and that burst of sweet strawberry pie filling, they’re the kind of treat that wins hearts at any gathering or simply whenever you crave a comforting dessert. I hope you enjoy baking—and sharing—these delicious cookies as much as I do!