Cherry-Centered Cheesecake Cookies

1 . Stage

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.

2 . Stage

Combine cream cheese, butter, and sugar in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture, and mix until just combined. Refrigerate dough until firm, at least 30 minutes.

3 . Stage

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

4 . Stage

Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Pour graham cracker crumbs into a shallow bowl; roll dough balls in the crumbs. Place balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Make an indentation in the center of each ball with the back of a tablespoon measure. Place 3 cherries in each indentation.

5 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven, switching and rotating the sheets halfway through, until edges are golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.