Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup strawberry jam; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crumble topping); 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed (for crumble topping)

Indulging in a delicious treat is always a wonderful way to brighten your day, and what better choice than Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies? These delectable cookies blend the classic sweetness of strawberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are soft and buttery; each bite offers a delightful mixture of flavors and textures that can turn a regular afternoon into a special event.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet addition to your dessert table or a cozy snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, this recipe strikes the right balance of sweet and creamy. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll love how the strawberry jam swirls into the cream cheese filling, showcasing a charming marbled effect that emphasizes not just flavor but also presentation. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies that are bound to become your new favorite cookie recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies

Flavor Fusion: Experience the harmonious blend of sweet strawberries and creamy cheese.
Easy to Make: Follow simple steps for a delightful treat that even beginner bakers can conquer.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a gathering or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are versatile.
Texture Delight: Soft cookies topped with a crumbly layer offer an appealing bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into baking these tempting cookies, it’s important to make sure your kitchen is ready for action. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfect cookie bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It will not only prevent the cookies from sticking but also make for easy cleanup afterward. Prepare your mixing bowls and measuring cups for a smooth workflow.

For best results, make sure that your butter and cream cheese are softened before starting the recipe. This will help achieve that light and fluffy consistency in your cookie dough and filling. Having a hand mixer or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar easier, but you can also use a whisk and some elbow grease. Lastly, a spatula will be handy for mixing, and you’ll need a spoon to scoop and shape your cookie dough. Don’t forget to have fun and unleash your creativity!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup strawberry jam
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crumble topping)
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed (for crumble topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin your baking adventure by preheating the oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grab a cookie sheet and line it with parchment paper to ensure those delightful cookies won’t stick. This step is crucial, as it not only simplifies the baking process but also allows for easy lifting of the cookies once they’re baked to perfection.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, place your softened butter along with the granulated sugar. By using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream these two ingredients together until the mixture turns light and fluffy, roughly 2 to 3 minutes should do the trick. Next, crack in one large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Combine these wet ingredients thoroughly to ensure a well-blended batter.

In a separate bowl, whisk your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate this flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture. Stir well until a soft and pliable dough forms. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies instead of delectably tender ones.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a smaller bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This step is essential as it mimics the delightful texture of cheesecake within the cookie itself. To incorporate the strawberries, add a spoonful of strawberry jam to the cream cheese mixture and gently swirl it in. The marbled effect not only looks gorgeous but adds a pop of sweet flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

To form the cookies, take a tablespoon-sized portion of the cookie dough and flatten it into a small round on your prepared baking sheet. The key is to create enough space to hold the filling without overflowing. Using a teaspoon, place a small dollop of the cream cheese filling with a touch of the strawberry jam on the center of each dough round.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Now it’s time to whip up the crumble topping! In a new bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Toss in the cold cubed butter. Using either a fork or your fingertips, mix until the blend resembles a crumbly consistency. This step is vital as it adds that perfect crunch on top of your soft cookies.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

It’s finally time to bake! Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and allow the cookies to bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges have turned a light golden brown and your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Protein: You can include mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts for an added texture burst.
Vegetables: For a unique twist, experiment by adding shredded zucchini or grated carrots.
Spices: Include a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth and spice to the cookies.

Cooking Notes

Ensure you use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth blending.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Feel free to interchange the strawberry jam with other berry jams for different flavor profiles.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Pair with coffee or tea in the afternoon for an enjoyable snack.

Tips

Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
Chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
Experiment with different toppings such as a drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180 per cookie
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 140mg

FAQs

What is the best way to store these cookies?

To keep your Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use different types of jam?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry jam, depending on your preference.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough is a bit too sticky to handle, you can cool it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies.

Conclusion

And there you have it, a delightful recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies that brings together the best of both worlds—sweet, fruity, and creamy goodness. This recipe is not only simple to make, but it is also bound to leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Don’t hesitate to try out your variations and personalize them to your own taste! Share your experiences in the comments and let us know how your cookie adventure turns out. Happy baking!