Yes, you can omit the freeze-dried strawberries if you don't have them or prefer not to use them. The recipe will still yield delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies using only fresh strawberries. However, keep in mind that freeze-dried strawberries add an intensified strawberry flavor and a pleasant crunch to the cookies. Without them, the cookies may have a slightly milder strawberry taste and a different texture. Adjust the quantity of fresh strawberries to maintain the desired level of strawberry flavor.