These Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat! With a creamy cheesecake flavor and a burst of sweet raspberry, they are perfect for any dessert lover.
Honestly, what could be better than cookies that taste like cheesecake? I love serving them with a cup of tea. They always bring smiles! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is your fat for the cookies, giving them a rich flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can use coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce. Just remember, butter makes for a creamier texture!
Cream Cheese: Essential for that cheesecake taste! Full-fat cream cheese is best, but low-fat can work too. For a dairy-free version, use a nut-based cream cheese or tofu blend.
Freeze-Dried Raspberries: These add a lovely tartness and crunch. If you can’t find them, fresh raspberries work well but may add extra moisture. Just chop them into small pieces and handle gently.
White Chocolate Chips: They provide sweetness and creaminess. Dark chocolate or even semi-sweet chocolate chips can be great substitutes, especially if you prefer a deeper flavor mix.
Graham Crackers: These are optional but add to the cheesecake element. You can use crushed cookies or omit them all together if you want a simpler cookie.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Be Soft and Chewy?
To make sure your cookies stay soft and chewy, focus on a few key steps in your technique:
- Don’t over-mix the dough! Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them tender.
- Watch your bake time! Take them out when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps to maintain softness.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious and soft Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies that everyone will love!
Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried raspberries, crushed (or fresh raspberries chopped)
Optional:
- 1/4 cup finely crushed graham crackers for topping or mix-in (to enhance cheesecake flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 11-14 minutes for baking. Once you add in the cooling time, you can expect to have these cookies ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes total! Perfect for a quick treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help with easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat these together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to create a deliciously smooth cookie.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well blended. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookie dough.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are well combined and helps to avoid clumps in the dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined, ensuring you don’t over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in Add-ins:
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed freeze-dried raspberries (or chopped fresh raspberries). If you choose to include crushed graham crackers for topping or mixing, fold them in too!
7. Scoop the Cookie Dough:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out rounded portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Lightly press the tops of each cookie to flatten slightly. If you want, you can sprinkle a few extra white chocolate chips and bits of raspberries on top for extra sweetness and a pretty look.
9. Bake Them:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 11-14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just lightly golden but the centers still look soft. This is key for that chewy texture!
10. Cooling Time:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set just right!
11. Enjoy Your Treat!
Now for the best part—enjoy these soft, creamy, raspberry-studded cheesecake-flavored cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re a delightful treat!
This recipe yields delicious cookies with a creamy cheesecake base, sweet white chocolate, and bursts of raspberry flavor. The freeze-dried raspberries add vibrant color and natural tartness, perfectly balanced with sweet white chocolate chips. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Raspberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes, fresh raspberries work well! Just chop them into small pieces, but be cautious as they can add extra moisture to the dough. You may want to decrease the amount slightly to avoid making the cookies too wet.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, you can place a slice of white bread in the container, which helps to maintain moisture.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake as directed—no need to thaw!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Both provide a similar creamy texture; just be sure to keep the amount the same for the best results!
