Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are a delightful blend of soft and chewy cookie dough, a tangy cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberry flavor. They’re perfect for a summer treat or any time you crave a decadent dessert.  

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened  
  • 1 cup granulated sugar  
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour  
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt  
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
• For the Filling:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup strawberry jam

Instructions:

1. Make the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.  
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.  
   • Fold in the white chocolate chips.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
   • Stir in the strawberry jam until well combined.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls.
   • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
   • Make an indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb.
   • Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.  
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor, use homemade strawberry jam.
• You can add a pinch of pink food coloring to the cream cheese filling for a more vibrant color.
• For a more intense strawberry flavor, fold in some chopped fresh strawberries to the cookie dough.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy these delicious and irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies!