Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

For anyone who loves the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake and the comforting, nostalgic flavor of chocolate chip cookies, these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect treat. Combining the best of both worlds, these cookies feature a soft, buttery dough filled with a sweet cream cheese center and studded with gooey chocolate chips. They’re ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth and are a show-stopping addition to any dessert table.

These cookies have the perfect balance of flavors and textures: crispy edges, a soft center, and a rich, creamy filling that will leave you wanting more. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a quick bake, these cookies are easy to make yet taste like they came straight from a bakery. This recipe yields 18 cookies, making it a great choice for sharing with friends and family or enjoying over a few days.

What You Will Need

This recipe yields 18 delicious cookies, each filled with a luscious cream cheese center and plenty of chocolate chips. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, gifting, or keeping a sweet stash for yourself.

Ingredients:

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make

Making these cookies is simpler than you might think, with just a few steps to combine the ingredients and create delicious, bakery-worthy treats right at home. Follow these steps to get that perfect balance of cookie and cheesecake.

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Set this mixture aside. The filling should be smooth and spreadable, making it easy to place in the center of each cookie.

3. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to aerate the dough, resulting in a softer cookie. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

5. Assemble the Cookies:

Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball, creating a space for the cream cheese filling. Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each indentation, filling it generously but not overflowing.

6. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies should have a slightly crisp edge with a soft, creamy center. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as this can cause the filling to crack.

7. Cool and Serve:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart while still warm. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!

Helpful Tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother filling and dough, which is easier to combine.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the cookies with the cream cheese mixture, as it can overflow during baking. A teaspoon-sized dollop is usually the perfect amount.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps to ensure all of your cookies are the same size, leading to even baking and a uniform appearance.
• Chill the Dough: For a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading, creating a puffier, softer cookie.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a Beverage: These cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a cozy mug of hot chocolate.
• Dessert Platter: Serve these cookies on a dessert platter alongside brownies and fruit for a balanced spread that will delight your guests.
• Holiday Treat: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies make a fantastic holiday treat. Dress them up with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of festive sprinkles for a seasonal touch.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 90mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 15g

Storage and Leftovers

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling requires refrigeration to stay fresh.

Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can heat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will slightly melt the chocolate chips and warm the creamy center for a just-baked experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best, creamiest results for the filling.

Do I have to chill the cookie dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is optional. It helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents spreading, but if you’re short on time, you can bake them right away and they will still turn out delicious.

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a mix of all three for a twist on the classic recipe. Mini chocolate chips can also be a fun addition.

How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges are golden brown and the centers look set. They will continue to firm up slightly as they cool, so don’t wait for them to look fully firm in the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and assemble the cookies as directed.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of cheesecake and the classic charm of chocolate chip cookies. With a creamy center and plenty of chocolatey goodness, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and versatile enough to suit any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. Try out this recipe today and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible cookies. Enjoy the creamy, sweet, and chocolate-filled bites that will have everyone coming back for more!

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