Though many people enjoy cheesecake, it can be very time-consuming to make yourself. For a change of pace, you can try these scrumptious cherry cheesecake cookies. 

These amazing cherry cheesecake cookies are simply just that; cheesecake in cookie form. You get an amazing bite of sweetness along with a bite of tartness from the cherries. That makes these the perfect cookies for special occasions or simply a delightful indulgence any time of day. 

You can make these delightful cookies for yourself with the recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe!

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 packages (8-ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cans (20-ounces each) cherry pie filling

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl with an electric mixer beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar until smooth and creamy, for about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until incorporated. Reduce speed to low, add the flour mixture, and mix until just combined. Refrigerate dough until firm; at least 30 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat liners. Place graham cracker crumbs in a shallow dish. 

Roll the dough into 1 ½ inch balls, then roll the balls in graham cracker crumbs. Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Using a tablespoon measure, make an indentation in the center of each ball. Place 3 cherries in the dimple.

Bake until golden brown around the edges: 12 to 14 minutes. Cool for five minutes on the sheet and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.