Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheesecake Filling

01 - 115 grams cream cheese, softened
02 - 25 grams granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 120 grams strawberry jam or puree

→ Cookie Dough

05 - 113 grams unsalted butter, softened
06 - 100 grams granulated sugar
07 - 110 grams brown sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 190 grams all-purpose flour
11 - 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
12 - 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
13 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
14 - 45 grams freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry jam together with an electric mixer until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm.
02 - Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture and mix until fully combined and smooth.
04 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid toughness.
05 - Gently fold crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the dough with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
07 - Scoop 15 mL (1 tablespoon) of chilled dough and flatten it in your palm. Place 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of chilled cheesecake filling in the center, top with another tablespoon of dough, and seal edges. Roll into a smooth ball and place on the baking sheet, spacing 5 cm apart.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove promptly to preserve soft centers.
09 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Chilling the dough and filling is essential to prevent spreading and facilitate assembly.
02 - Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
03 - Properly sealing dough around the filling prevents leakage during baking.