Strawberry Cream Cheese Meltaway Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love cookies that literally melt in your mouth with every bite, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Cream Cheese Meltaway Cookies Recipe. These delicate, buttery cookies are perfectly tender thanks to the dreamy combination of cornstarch and cream cheese in the dough. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and a swirl of bright, fruity strawberry jam, they offer the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy afternoon, or just because, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic in your collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze because this recipe relies on simple, classic components, each adding a unique texture and flavor to your Strawberry Cream Cheese Meltaway Cookies Recipe. Every item contributes to the cookie’s softness, sweetness, or that irresistible strawberry touch.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies structure without making them tough.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that wonderfully soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and the base fat for a tender crumb; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Powdered sugar (for cookies): Gives sweetness and a smooth texture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
• Cream cheese (for frosting): Adds tanginess and creaminess, making the frosting irresistible.
• Unsalted butter (for frosting): Creates a lush, smooth frosting texture.
• Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• Strawberry jam: The star ingredient that bursts with fruity flavor and adds a stunning swirl on top.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl and set it aside. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—that’s key to getting that tender texture later. Switch to low speed and gradually add the dry ingredients, beating until everything is just incorporated. The dough will look crumbly at first, so gently knead it by hand until it forms a cohesive ball. Wrap it with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough to about 0.2 inches thick on a lightly floured surface. Using a cookie cutter (I love a 2.4-inch size), cut out your shapes. Make sure to place the cookies about 1.5 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow for gentle spreading. Bake them for 9 to 10 minutes until the bottoms are just barely browned—this subtle browning ensures the perfect meltaway texture. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Decorate

While your cookies cool, whip together the frosting by beating cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Spread a generous layer of frosting on each cooled cookie—this frosting makes all the difference! Finally, load your strawberry jam into a piping bag (or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off) and drop a few small dollops over the frosting. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the jam into the frosting, creating those pretty, inviting pink patterns.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of pizzazz, sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries or edible flower petals over the jam swirl. If you’re feeling decadent, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a snowy, elegant finish that pairs beautifully with the pink hues.

Side Dishes

These meltaway cookies are a star on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea especially Earl Grey or Jasmine tea, a rich cappuccino, or even a tall glass of cold milk. For a more festive occasion, serve alongside fresh strawberries or a simple fruit salad to echo those fruity notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cookies on a tiered platter for a charming dessert table that invites everyone to dig in. For a gift, stack a few between parchment paper in a decorative tin or box with a cute ribbon. If you want to impress at brunch or teatime, serve them on a pretty plate with a small jar of extra strawberry jam for dipping or spreading.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Meltaway Cookies Recipe cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep the frosting extra fresh, refrigerate them and enjoy within a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for that perfect meltaway softness.

Freezing

To freeze, place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag with layers separated by parchment paper. This recipe freezes well and can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and decorating for best results.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best soft and fresh, avoid microwaving which can make them soggy. Instead, let them come to room temperature naturally or warm briefly in a low oven at 250 degrees F for 3–5 minutes. This gentle warming brings back that melt-in-your-mouth magic.

FAQs

Can I substitute cream cheese in the frosting?

The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly. While you could try mascarpone or a blend of butter and cream cheese, pure butter frosting won’t offer the same meltaway texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

Cornstarch is key in creating that soft, tender cookie crumb. If you don’t have it, you could try substituting with an equal amount of cake flour, which has a lower protein content, but the texture will differ slightly.

Can I use homemade strawberry jam?

Absolutely! Homemade strawberry jam adds a personal touch and fresh flavor to the cookies. Just make sure your jam isn’t too runny to avoid making the frosting soggy.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting helps the cookies keep their shape. Also, avoid using overly soft butter and try not to over-roll the dough. Baking on parchment paper spaced well apart will give you neat cookies every time.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Definitely! Their elegant appearance and irresistible flavor make them an excellent gift. Just store them carefully in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh and pretty.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like sharing these Strawberry Cream Cheese Meltaway Cookies Recipe with friends and family—their tender crumb, dreamy frosting, and genuine strawberry sweetness make each bite pure joy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into cookie making, this recipe is a delightful treat that’s simple to make and impossible not to love. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed at how these cookies melt right off your fork and into your heart!

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