Valentine Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Easy and Delicious Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in sweet treats, and what could be better than soft, chewy strawberry cookies? These Valentine's Strawberry cheesecake Cookies are made with a strawberry cake mix, making them incredibly easy to prepare while still packing a punch of fruity flavor. Whether baking for a loved one or making a batch to share with friends, these cookies are a delightful and festive treat for the occasion!

What You Will Love About These Cookies:

• Cheesecake Flavor in Every Bite: These cookies bring cheesecake's rich, creamy taste into cookie form. Adding cream cheese makes each bite feel indulgent and smooth, with just enough tanginess.
• Fruity Strawberry Goodness: The strawberry cake mix gives these cookies a delightful fruity flavor and fresh or frozen strawberries add even more vibrant flavor.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the cake mix and cream cheese, these cookies are soft, chewy, and melt in your mouth—the perfect balance of density and softness.
• White Chocolate Bliss: Adding white chocolate chips creates a sweet contrast to the tangy strawberry and cheesecake flavors, making the cookies even more irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With the help of strawberry cake mix, these cookies come together quickly without compromising flavor. They’re perfect when you want something homemade but lack time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're baking for Valentine's Day, a special celebration, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. The bright pink hue and fruity flavor make them ideal for springtime and summer gatherings.

Ingredients You Will Need:

• Strawberry Cake Mix: The base of these cookies provides a vibrant color and fruity flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy.
• Cream Cheese (softened): The key ingredient that gives these cookies their cheesecake-like flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create the perfect chewy texture.
• Strawberry Extract: For a smooth, warm background flavor.
• White Chocolate Chips (optional): Add a creamy contrast to the tangy cheesecake flavor.
• Strawberries (diced, optional): Fresh strawberries can be mixed into the dough for an extra burst of fruity flavor, but make sure to chop them finely to avoid fogginess. Or you can use freeze-dried Strawberries.

How to make the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This will help incorporate the cheesecake flavor into the cookies.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the strawberry cake mix to the wet ingredients until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
5. If you’re using them, fold in the white chocolate chips and diced strawberries for an added layer of flavor and texture.
6. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure the cookies are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Drizzle icing over the top of the cookies and let dry completely before serving.

Pro Tips:

1. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chilling it for 15-30 minutes before baking will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
2. Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft and chewy. Be sure to take them out when the edges are golden, but the centers are still slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.
3. Use Fresh Strawberries for Best Flavor: Fresh strawberries give the cookies a bright, fruity flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
4. Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container. You can even layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storage:

To keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a unique and delicious way to enjoy the classic combination of strawberries and cheesecake. With the help of strawberry cake mix, they come together quickly and easily, making them the perfect treat whenever you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, whether baking for a special occasion or just because these cookies are sure to impress!