Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts. Combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries, these cookies offer a unique and indulgent treat. The soft and chewy texture, enhanced by the tangy cream cheese and fresh strawberries, makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.

3. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and smooth.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.

5. Fold in Strawberries and Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips, if using. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the integrity of the strawberries.

6. Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Sodium: 80 mg

• Cholesterol: 30 mg