Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite sweet treat: Strawberry Marshmallow Cheesecake Cookies! If you’re like me and have a soft spot for all things sweet and strawberry-flavored, then you’re in for a delightful journey. These cookies have a beautiful blush hue and a texture that’s both chewy and creamy, thanks to the cream cheese and those irresistible mini marshmallows nestled within. Every bite is like a tiny party in your mouth – and they look so charming, they’re practically meant for sharing.
I have wonderful memories of making these cookies with my kids during the summer. We’d sprinkle them with a little extra sugar and giggle as we rolled the dough into balls, not wanting to wait for them to cool down before sampling the warm, gooey goodness straight from the oven. It’s a recipe that bridges flavors and fun, and the best part? They make a perfect treat for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day with their lovely pink color. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special!
What’s in Strawberry Marshmallow Cheesecake Cookies?
Unsalted Butter: The base of any delicious cookie! The butter adds that rich, creamy flavor we all adore. I recommend letting your butter sit at room temperature until it’s soft but not melted.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness, sweetened! This sugar helps the cookies spread and gives them that perfect texture.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar brings in a slight caramel taste which is heavenly and gives the cookies moisture. Don’t skip this one!
Eggs: They act as a binding agent, ensuring the cookies hold together while providing extra richness.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for flavor! It enhances the sweetness and rounds out all the other tastes beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies! Flour gives structure, so don’t forget to measure it properly.
Cornstarch: A secret weapon! It keeps the cookies soft and chewy by giving them a tender crumb.
Baking Soda: This is our leavening agent. It helps the cookies rise and gives them a lovely texture.
Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial; it balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Strawberry Gelatin Mix: This is what brings the strawberry flavor front and center, and adds that fun pop of color!
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! It adds that creamy texture reminiscent of cheesecake and makes these cookies absolutely delightful.
Mini Marshmallows: Sweet and pillowy, they melt slightly when baked, creating little pockets of joy in every bite!
Extra Granulated Sugar: For rolling! This gives the cookies a sparkly finish and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Is Strawberry Marshmallow Cheesecake Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health! While these cookies are certainly a treat, they do have some redeeming qualities worth noting.
Cream Cheese: With its smooth texture, it contains calcium and can even have a modest amount of protein, making these cookies more indulgent than just your regular sweet.
Strawberry Gelatin: We get a hint of fruity flavor here, and who can say no to a little flavor boost?
That said, keep in mind that cookies are still cookies. They are meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet! So maybe save these sweet morsels for a special occasion (or a cozy treat while binge-watching your favorite series – who’s judging?).
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin mix
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– Extra granulated sugar for rolling
These ingredients will make about 24 delectable cookies, perfect for sharing (or hiding away for yourself, no judgment here!).
How to Make Strawberry Marshmallow Cheesecake Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key—don’t rush it!
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and strawberry gelatin mix.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing; we need soft cookies, not hockey pucks!
6. Gently fold in the softened cream cheese and mini marshmallows until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet, giving them room to spread.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. You’re looking for that perfect balance of chewy and soft!
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Tips for Strawberry Marshmallow Cookies
– Trying to impress? These cookies make a fantastic gift! Package them up with a cute bow for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
– Experiment with different flavored gelatin mixes! Raspberry? Blueberry? The cookie world is your oyster!
– To keep them extra soft, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
You just can’t go wrong with these Strawberry Marshmallow Cheesecake Cookies! I hope you give them a try; they might just become your new favorite indulgence. I’d love to hear how they turned out, so feel free to share your cookie adventures! Happy baking!
