Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together and is well combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want for these creamy cheesecake-inspired cookies.
4. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball of dough slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a nice round shape for the cookies.
5. Coat the Cookies: Gently roll each cookie in the strawberry crunch crumbs, making sure the tops are evenly coated with the delicious, crunchy topping. You can either buy pre-made strawberry crunch crumbs or make your own by crushing freeze-dried strawberries and mixing them with graham cracker crumbs or a store-bought crunch topping.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The center should remain soft, providing a delightful contrast to the crunchy exterior.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set properly and maintain their shape.
8. Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled, they’re ready to be served! These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a sweet, fun treat. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply on their own as a delicious dessert.
   

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