Recipe: Strawberry Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Sweet Memories in Every Bite

Every spring when the strawberries start showing up in full, juicy force at the farmer’s market, I know exactly what I’m making first: Strawberry Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. These aren’t just any cookies—they’re soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, topped with the dreamiest swirl of tangy-sweet pink cream cheese frosting and finished with a fresh strawberry crown.

They’re the kind of treat that makes people smile the moment they see them. They look like little bakery masterpieces, but they’re incredibly easy to make at home—and that’s why they’ve become one of my go-to recipes for baby showers, spring brunches, and, honestly, just because I want something pretty and sweet.

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Why These Strawberry Cookies Are So Special

Sure, there are a million cookie recipes out there. But this one? This one hits different. It’s like sugar cookie meets strawberry shortcake meets cheesecake—all wrapped into one dainty, irresistible bite.

Here’s what makes them stand out:

• Soft, pillowy cookies with just the right chew
• Cream cheese frosting that’s rich but not too sweet
• Fresh strawberries that make the cookies pop with flavor and beauty
• A natural pink hue that’s both nostalgic and Instagram-worthy
• Kid-approved and fancy enough for a tea party

When I bring these to a gathering, they’re always the first to disappear. And every single time, someone says, “Wait—you made these?!” That’s how you know they’re special.

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Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each part matters. Don’t worry—I’ve got tips for substitutions too, just in case you’re missing something.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for that ultra-soft texture)

Optional add-in: A few tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder or chopped dried strawberries if you want a subtle berry flavor in the base.

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For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tbsp strawberry jam (use seedless for smooth texture)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 drops of pink food coloring (optional, but gives it that gorgeous pink hue)

Topping:

• Fresh strawberries, halved or whole
• Sprinkles (optional but so fun—go for pinks, whites, or edible glitter)

Pro Tip: Want extra strawberry flavor? Add 1–2 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the frosting as well. It brings that punch of real berry flavor and gives a beautiful blush color naturally.

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Substitutions & Variations

You can definitely tweak this recipe to suit what you have:

• No strawberry jam? Try raspberry or even cherry preserves for a twist.
• Dairy-free? Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese—just chill the frosting a little longer so it firms up.
• Gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour with a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

This recipe is pretty forgiving. As long as your butter and cream cheese are softened and your flour is measured correctly, you’re golden.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make the Cookies

These cookies come together quickly, and the dough doesn’t need to be chilled—bonus points!

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is key for that soft, tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour. If it’s too dry, a splash of milk or cream helps bring it together.

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Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Place them 2 inches apart on the sheet and gently press them down just slightly—you still want them puffy.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll set as they cool.

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Cookie Tip: For perfect rounds, gently swirl a wide glass or cookie cutter around the edges of the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.

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Let’s Make That Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting is so good, you might find yourself licking the beaters (guilty 🙋‍♀️). It’s rich and creamy, but not overly sweet—thanks to the tang of the cream cheese and the real fruit flavor from the jam.

Step 1: Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy—about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Flavor

Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla, salt, and strawberry jam. Add food coloring if using. Beat until everything is well combined and silky.

If the frosting is too thin, chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. Too thick? Add a teaspoon of milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Frosting Tips:

• Use a piping bag with a large star tip to get those bakery-style swirls.
• If you don’t have piping tools, just spoon and swirl with a knife—it still looks adorable.
• Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before frosting, or the frosting will melt.

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Time to Decorate! Make It Pretty (and Delicious)

Now that your cookies are cooled and your strawberry cream cheese frosting is whipped and ready, it’s time for the best part: decorating!

You can go as simple or as extra as you like here. I usually pipe a pretty swirl on top using a star tip, but a rustic swoosh with a butter knife works just as well—honestly, the flavor is what really counts.

Decorating Steps:

1. Frost each cookie with a generous swirl of strawberry cream cheese frosting. Use a piping bag for that perfect look or spread it on with the back of a spoon for a more casual feel.
2. Top with a fresh strawberry—you can go for a halved berry, a whole small one, or even a sliced fan shape if you’re feeling fancy.
3. Add sprinkles if you want a little sparkle and fun! Pink, red, white, or heart-shaped ones are great for Valentine’s Day vibes.

These cookies look like they came straight out of a boutique bakery window—and the best part is, you made them at home, no mixer required (unless you want to use one, of course).

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Storage Tips + Make-Ahead Options

You can absolutely make these in advance, whether you’re prepping for a party or just trying to get ahead of your week.

Cookie Storage:

• Unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Frosted cookies should be stored in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting. They’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days.
• Let chilled cookies sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze the baked cookies unfrosted in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
• You can also freeze the frosting separately in a container. Let it thaw in the fridge and re-whip before using.
• Avoid freezing with fresh strawberry topping—it gets mushy after thawing.

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Flavor Variations You’ll Want to Try Next

These cookies are a solid base for other fruity flavors too. If you love experimenting like I do, here are some tasty twists:

🍊 Citrus Dream:

Swap strawberry jam for orange marmalade or lemon curd. Top with a twist of candied peel!

🍫 Chocolate Strawberry:

Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the frosted cookie. Chef’s kiss.

🫐 Berry Medley:

Use blueberry or raspberry jam in the frosting and mix freeze-dried berries into the dough for a color pop.

🌱 Herbal Note:

Add a tiny bit of chopped mint or basil to the frosting for a sophisticated flavor twist—perfect for garden parties!

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Perfect For Any Occasion

These strawberry cookies are basically edible celebration. Here’s where they shine:

• Baby showers – The soft pink is totally on theme.
• Valentine’s Day – Obviously. Sweet, pink, romantic? Check.
• Mother’s Day brunch – Moms love homemade baked goods.
• Spring and summer parties – Especially when strawberries are in season.
• Gifting – Stack a few in a cute box, tie with a ribbon, and you’ve got a heartfelt, homemade treat.

Even better? These cookies aren’t just about the looks. They’re soft, balanced, and not too sweet—something both kids and grownups will love.

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Printable Recipe Card: Strawberry Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tbsp strawberry jam (seedless)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Pink food coloring (optional)

Toppings:

• Fresh strawberries
• Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
3. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
4. Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, cornstarch). Gradually add to wet mixture.
5. Scoop dough into balls, place on baking sheet, and gently flatten.
6. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool completely.
7. Make frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, jam, vanilla, salt, and food coloring (if using).
8. Frost cooled cookies and top with fresh strawberries and sprinkles.

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Final Thoughts + Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

There’s something magical about combining strawberries and cream cheese—especially when it’s wrapped up in a cookie that feels like a soft little cloud. These cookies are the kind of recipe you bookmark, print out, and share with your sister, your neighbor, your coworker… and probably bake again next weekend.

They’re a little fancy, a little nostalgic, and 100% delicious.

If you’re someone who loves easy homemade dessert recipes that also look stunning, these Strawberry Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are about to become your new favorite.

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Follow for More on Pinterest!

Want more beautiful, bakery-style recipes like this one?
Follow us on Pinterest for more sweet treats, easy bakes, and seasonal favorites:
👉 https://www.pinterest.com/memorecipes1/

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Bake, Share, and Tag Us!

If you make these strawberry cookies, I’d love to see how they turned out! 💕
Snap a photo, tag us, or leave a comment with your twist on the recipe. Did you use sprinkles? Add lemon zest? Make them for a party?

These cookies are meant to be shared—and I hope they bring you as much joy as they’ve brought to my kitchen.

🍓 Happy baking!

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