Erin's New York Cheesecake Cookies

Erin Greene (Mrs. Greene as of 11-1-14) brought a delightful cookie recipe to the annual cookie bake. If you like cheese cake you'll love this cookie.

1 1/4 cup finely crushed graham crackers
1 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, separated
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour and baking powder.

In a medium bowl beat together the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer. Add the egg white and beat until well combined. Add to graham cracker crumbs and blend until just combined.

In a separate medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest, and vanilla until well combined. Set aside.

Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of graham cracker dough onto a lined cookie sheet. Slightly flatten the dough and press your thumbs into the center to create a small bowl. Repeat with all the dough. Fill the bowl with cheese cake mixture.

Bake until filling is barely set and cookies are golden, 12 minutes. Allow to cool on cookie sheet 5 minutes then move to a cooling rack.