Stuffed Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cookies

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

→ For the Cheesecake Filling

11 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 1/4 cup strawberry jam or puree

# Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry jam until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
02 - Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
04 - Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it, add 1/2 teaspoon of filling, then top with another tablespoon of flattened dough. Pinch edges to seal and roll into a ball.
06 - Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

# Notes:

01 - The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to a day ahead
02 - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
03 - Cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months