I start by softening the butter and cream cheese so they blend easily. Then I measure out the flour, sugar, and baking powder, and chop the freeze-dried strawberries into small pieces. Prepping everything first saves time and prevents mistakes.
Using a mixer, I beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is key for soft cookies with a light texture. It usually takes about 2–3 minutes to get the perfect consistency.
Next, I mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The dough should be smooth and slightly fluffy. This ensures the flavors blend evenly throughout the cookies.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Then I gradually add this to the wet mixture. Mixing just until combined prevents overworking the dough and keeps the cookies tender.
Finally, I gently fold in chopped freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips. I make sure they’re evenly distributed but don’t overmix, or the cookies can get dense.
I use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft.
I let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling prevents them from breaking and helps the cheesecake flavor settle in.