Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until the batter is smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. You’ll have a thick, creamy dough.

Add the Strawberries and Optional Ingredients:

5. Add Strawberries and Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries using a spatula. If you’re using white chocolate chips, add them at this stage, folding them into the dough as well.

Bake the Cookies:

6. Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even thickness.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Check them around the 20-minute mark to ensure they don’t over-bake.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:

9. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Once the cookies have cooled, you can lightly dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration. Serve and enjoy these deliciously soft and fruity cookies!