If you love the irresistible combo of cheesecake and strawberries, you’re going to flip for this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Think soft graham cracker cookies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and a burst of fresh strawberry pie filling — a perfect homemade treat that feels just like your favorite Crumbl cookie!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t get enough of how these cookies combine crumbly graham cracker goodness with fluffy cream cheese frosting and a sweet strawberry surprise. They’re just as fun to make as they are to eat!
- Crumbl-Inspired Delight: Capture that bakery-style magic right in your own kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy cookies topped with smooth frosting and juicy strawberry topping.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and add the strawberry topping just before serving for freshness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
For this recipe, I like to use salted butter to balance the sweetness and fresh strawberries if you can find good quality pie filling. Using graham cracker crumbs gives the cookies that signature texture and flavor, and the cream cheese frosting is just the right tangy complement.

- Salted Butter: Adds richness and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Brown Sugar: For deep, molasses flavor and moist cookies.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Graham Crackers: Ground into crumbs, they give the base cookie that classic cheesecake crust vibe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookies so they hold their shape.
- Baking Soda: Leavens the cookies for just the right rise and softness.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon (Optional): Adds a subtle warm spice note that complements the strawberry beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Softened for the frosting, it brings that creamy, tangy cheesecake flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for pipeability and smooth texture.
- Cornstarch: Ensures the frosting stays firm and doesn’t get too runny.
- Strawberry Pie Filling: The star topping that adds juicy fruitiness and sweetness.
Make It Your Way
The joy of the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like things a little tangier, sweeter, or with a twist of texture, there are plenty of ways to customize these irresistible treats.
- Fresh Strawberry Upgrade: For an extra burst of freshness, try swapping out the canned strawberry pie filling for finely chopped fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar and lemon zest. I love how this variation brightens up the flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the creamy frosting!
- Cinnamon Kick: If you enjoy a warm spice note, don't skip the optional ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in the cookie dough. It adds a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with the strawberry and cream cheese flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
- Mini Cookie Bites: For a party or snack tray, try making smaller cookies—about 1-inch diameter—and reduce the bake time slightly. These bite-sized versions are perfect for sharing and dainty indulgence.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar
I 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, I beat them together for at least 3 minutes. The goal here is to “cream” the butter and sugar—this means the mixture becomes lighter in color and fluffy. It also helps dissolve the sugar to create a tender cookie texture. You’ll notice the aroma sweeten the kitchen, which is always a good sign!
Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, I add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mixing on medium speed for about 1 minute ensures the egg blends fully and the batter becomes airy and fluffy. This step adds moisture and helps bind the cookie dough together while enhancing flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Graham Cracker Crumbs
While the wet ingredients come together, I pulse 12 graham crackers in a blender until they turn into a fine powder—about 2 cups or 192 grams. These crumbs form the delicious base flavor for the cookie dough, giving it that iconic graham cracker taste and a slightly crisp texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients into the Dough
Now, I add the graham cracker crumbs, 2 cups (275 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and the optional ½ teaspoon cinnamon directly into the cookie batter. Mixing on low speed for about 1 minute brings all the dry ingredients together without overworking the dough. You want a cohesive mixture that still feels soft and manageable.
Step 5: Scoop, Shape, and Bake
I use a large cookie scoop—about 3 to 4 tablespoons—to portion the dough onto lined baking sheets. After scooping, I gently press down each ball to about 2 inches wide. This helps the cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect Crumbl-style crackled edge. Then, I bake them at 350 ℉ for exactly 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges begin to crack but the centers stay soft. Let them cool completely on the pan for about 30 minutes before frosting.
Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, I prepare the frosting by beating together 4 oz of room temperature cream cheese and ½ cup salted butter. Using medium-high speed, I mix for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth, signaling it’s ready for the next step. Then, I add in 2½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. I mix thoroughly until the frosting looks silky with no sugar lumps.
Step 7: Frost and Top with Strawberry Pie Filling
After the cookies have completely cooled, I transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Starting from the outer edge, I pipe spirals inward to the center of each cookie, creating a lovely textured swirl. On top of each frosted cookie, I spoon about a tablespoon of strawberry pie filling for that juicy, fruity finish. For an optional final touch, I sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs to echo the cookie base. Then, it’s time to enjoy!
Top Tip
These tips are game changers for perfecting your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe every single time. From ingredient handling to finishing touches, a few insider tricks make all the difference!
- Weigh Your Ingredients: I always weigh my ingredients instead of using cups. It helps me nail the texture and flavor consistently, especially when dealing with graham cracker crumbs and flour.
- Don’t Frost Warm Cookies: I learned the hard way that frosting cookies before they’re completely cool makes the frosting melt and slide off. Patience here pays off with beautiful, stable frosting.
- Use a Cookie Scoop and Smash: Using a firm 3-4 tablespoon scoop and then gently smashing the dough to about 2 inches ensures nicely sized, evenly baked cookies that look like the Crumbl-style originals.
- Add Strawberry Topping Last: To avoid soggy cookies, add the strawberry pie filling just before serving. This little trick keeps your cookies fresh and prevents them from getting too moist overnight.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
For extra flair and flavor, sprinkle a few crushed graham cracker crumbs over the strawberry pie filling on top. You can also freshen things up with a small fresh strawberry slice or a tiny mint leaf to add a pop of color and contrast.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are fabulous on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of cold milk takes the indulgence up a notch. For brunch or parties, fresh fruit platters or light herbal teas complement them beautifully without competing with the rich flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy, bring them to room temperature to get the best flavor and soft, creamy texture from the frosting.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save extras, you can freeze the raw cookie dough, baked cookies, and even the cream cheese frosting separately for up to 3 months. Just thaw frosting in the fridge and gently warm your baked cookies to deliver fresh-baked delight anytime.
Reheating
To revive frozen baked cookies, warm them in a 300 ℉ oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their soft texture without drying them out. Always frost with cream cheese frosting after cookies are fully cooled and reheated if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can, but full-fat cream cheese gives the richest, creamiest frosting that holds up best on these cookies. Low-fat versions may result in a thinner frosting that doesn't pipe as well.
Cornstarch helps stabilize the frosting by preventing it from being too runny, giving it a smooth, firm texture that holds its shape beautifully when piped.
Absolutely! Cinnamon is optional and just adds a subtle warm note. The cookies taste fantastic even without it.
The best way is to add the strawberry pie filling right before serving. This keeps the cookies crisp and fresh instead of letting the moisture soak in overnight.
Final Thoughts
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies is such a joyful baking experience—combining that nostalgic graham cracker base with velvety cream cheese frosting and that burst of strawberry sweetness feels like a little celebration in every bite. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to create your own Crumbl-style magic at home. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 56 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies feature a graham cracker cookie base topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberry pie filling, creating a delightful Crumbl-style dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 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)
For the frosting:
- 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
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine butter and brown sugar. Mix on high speed for at least 3 minutes with an electric mixer to "cream" them together and begin dissolving the sugar.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix for 1 minute, until the egg is fully mixed in and the batter is fluffy.
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crumbs: In a blender, pulse the graham crackers until they become a fine powder.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the graham cracker powder, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) to the cookie dough and mix on low speed until everything is incorporated, about 1 minute.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Scoop the cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets using a large 3-4 tablespoon cookie scoop. Smash the cookies slightly so they measure about 2 inches in diameter.
- Bake Cookies: Bake at 350 ℉ for 11 minutes, or until they start to crack around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine butter and cream cheese. Mix at medium/high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients: Add powdered sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix well until there are no sugar pockets left and the frosting is smooth.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies are completely cool, transfer the cream cheese frosting to a piping bag. Pipe onto each cookie starting on the outside, spiraling toward the center.
- Add Strawberry Topping: Place strawberry pie filling on top of each frosted cookie and optionally sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- TIP: Measure (weigh) your ingredients for consistent results instead of relying on cup measurements.
- If making ahead, add strawberry pie filling just before serving to prevent sogginess caused by moisture.
- Store cookies refrigerated for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Raw cookie dough, baked cookies, and frosting can all be frozen separately for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 469 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg




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