Apple Cheesecake Cookies

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. 2

   To prepare the apples, peel and grate them. Then place them on a paper towel and over a sink, squeeze the liquid out of them to remove some of the moisture. Set aside.

3. 3

   In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar for 3-5 minutes, until fluffy.

5. 5

   Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat well.

6. 6

   Fold in the dry mixture.

7. 7

   In a small bowl, combine the apples, lemon juice and cinnamon until combined. Then fold it into the dough with a spatula. Don’t over mix.

8. 8

   Using a cookie scoop, place dough onto prepared pan, at least 2 inches apart.

9. 9

   Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.

10. 10

    Remove from oven and slightly pat them with the back of a spatula if they’re puffy. Let baked cookies set on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.

11. 11

    For the cheesecake frosting: Beat the cream cheese and the butter together until smooth. Add in powdered sugar and mix until perfectly creamy.

12. 12

    Once cookies are cool, pipe or spread frosting onto cookie. Sprinkle cinnamon on top if desired.

13. 13

    These cookies are best served on the day you make them. Store leftover cookies in the fridge.