CHEESECAKE COOKIES

Recipe Notes: The combination of cream cheese and lemon in these cookies makes these one of my all time favorites. Hope you enjoy!

Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Quantity:

Source: Mom's recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 c. butter
• 4 oz. cream cheese (light varieties will work, if desired)
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. grated lemon rind
• 1 Tbs. lemon juice
• 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 c. graham cracker crumbs, finely crushed
• Filling:
  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • 2 Tbs. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 Tbs. half and half, or milk, or sour cream

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar until blended. Add egg, lemon rind, and lemon juice. Mix well.
• Combine flour and baking powder. Add to first mixture and blend well. Cover. Chill for at least 1 hour.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in graham cracker crumbs. Arrange on ungreased baking sheets.
• Make cheese filling by beating together all five filling ingredients.
• With finger, make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill with level 1/2 tsp. of filling.
• Bake for about 20 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store airtight.