If you’re a fan of strawberry shortcake, then you’re going to love these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies! With juicy strawberries, a creamy lemon cream cheese filling, and a soft, chewy cookie base, they make the perfect sweet treat for spring and summer. These cookies are a fun twist on the classic dessert, offering the same irresistible flavors but in a portable, bite-sized form.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
The key to these cookies is the balance between the fresh strawberries and the tangy lemon cream cheese filling. The strawberry filling has a sweet, tart contrast, while the cream cheese filling adds a rich, indulgent texture that complements the freshness of the strawberries.
In addition to these fresh ingredients, we use both granulated sugar and brown sugar for a balance of crispness and chewiness in the cookie. The butter adds a rich flavor, while a touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness. This recipe truly has it all!
Ingredients You’ll Need: For Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
For the Filling:
- Cream Cheese – The smooth and creamy base of the filling.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – To sweeten the filling while keeping it smooth.
- Lemon Zest – Adds a burst of citrusy freshness to balance the sweetness.
For the Cookies:
- Strawberries – The star of the show! Fresh and juicy strawberries that give the cookies their fruity burst of flavor.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – For sweetness and the perfect texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the cookie dough.
- Baking Powder – Helps achieve a slightly cakier texture.
- Butter – Room temperature butter ensures the dough has the right consistency.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract – A dash of vanilla for added flavor.
- Sparkling Sugar – For a delightful shimmer on top (optional).
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Scoop the mixture into 12 small balls (about 1 1/2 teaspoons each) and place on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, about 30 minutes.
- Macerate the Strawberries:
- In a small bowl, combine chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to draw out the juices.
- Drain the excess liquid to avoid soggy dough.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy and pale.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
- Gradually fold in the flour mixture and gently fold in the macerated strawberries.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out the dough and flatten into circles.
- Place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center of each dough circle.
- Top with another round of dough and pinch the edges together to seal.
- Roll the dough ball gently between your palms.
- If using, sprinkle the cookies with sparkling sugar.
- Freeze until solid, about 30 minutes.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake until set and just golden around the edges, about 18 minutes.
- Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool slightly before serving. The result? Soft, chewy cookies with a tangy cream cheese filling and a burst of sweet strawberries in every bite.
Tips for Success:
- Prevent Sticky Dough: If the dough is sticking to your hands, dampen them with a bit of water. This will help you shape the dough without making a mess.
- Freezing the Dough: Make sure the cookies are fully frozen before baking to prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Storing the Cookies: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are perfect for picnics, summer parties, or just an afternoon treat. With their combination of fresh strawberries, a zesty lemon filling, and soft, chewy texture, they’re sure to be a hit wherever you serve them.
