CHEESECAKE COOKIES

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 2 1/2 sticks butter, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 2 cans (20-ounce) cherry pie filling (or your favorite kind.) 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, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until incorporated. Reduce speed to low and 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 1/2-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.

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