If you’re looking for a cookie that takes the classic chocolate chip to a whole new level, this Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with melty chocolate chips, only to discover a luscious, creamy cheesecake center hiding inside—each bite is a delightful surprise. These cookies bring together the best of both worlds, combining the familiar comfort of a chocolate chip cookie with the rich, tangy goodness of cheesecake, making them perfect for sharing or savoring solo with a glass of milk.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to make these irresistible Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies. Each component plays an essential role, whether adding moisture, structure, sweetness, or that signature tang of cheesecake goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps create that perfect soft cookie texture.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the cookie’s taste.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup for filling): Boosts sweetness and helps with the perfect cookie structure and cheesecake filling smoothness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while contributing to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon for filling): Infuses aromatic warmth into both cookie dough and cheesecake filling.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The backbone of the cookie, giving it shape and chewiness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and pillowy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Classic, melty pockets of chocolate ideal for chocolate chip cookies.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake filling, bringing a tangy creaminess that makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture you’ll love.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in two large eggs and a tablespoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, making the dough smooth and ready for the dry components.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed for consistent cookie texture and flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Careful folding helps maintain the lightness created earlier.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chill Dough
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, then chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough so your cookies don’t spread too much while baking, resulting in thick, soft cookies.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what turns these cookies into something extraordinary.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about one tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten slightly. Add a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center, then cover with a small piece of dough, sealing the edges snugly. Roll gently into a ball to encase the creamy surprise.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the assembled cookies on your baking sheet and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before baking to enhance the flavors and add a subtle crunch. For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies or dust them lightly with powdered sugar.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate. For a party, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of raspberry jam. For a fun twist, serve mini versions on skewers alternating with marshmallows or fruit for a playful dessert display everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain that soft, fresh-baked texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies after baking by placing them in a well-sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying to preserve that creamy cheesecake center.
Reheating
To revive the just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or gently warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This reawakens the melty chocolate chips and cream cheese filling.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, the filling may not be as creamy or rich. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor for this Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It prevents spreading and helps the cookies bake into thick, soft rounds with a luscious cheesecake center.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with chunks or a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Both chunks and various chocolates like milk, dark, or white chocolate will work well, adding your preferred flavor twist to the recipe.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results, to enjoy these fantastic cookies gluten-free.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges with centers that are still slightly soft but set. Overbaking can dry out the creamy filling, so aim for that perfect balance to enjoy gooey cheesecake inside.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are more than just a treat—they’re a joyful experience that will brighten any day or occasion. Soft, gooey, and packed with rich cheesecake and chocolate, they’re guaranteed to become a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the magic of these cookies with your loved ones.
Print
Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic favorite chocolate chip cookie with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling for an irresistible treat. Soft on the inside with a gooey cheesecake center, these cookies are perfect for dessert lovers seeking a decadent twist on a traditional cookie.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: While the dough chills, use a mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and creamy with no lumps. Set aside.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place about 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center of the dough. Take another small piece of cookie dough to cover the filling and carefully seal the edges around it, ensuring the filling is enclosed. Gently roll the filled dough into a smooth ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until cookie edges are golden and centers appear set but soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture and gooey cheesecake center.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up without losing their softness inside.
Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- For an extra indulgent flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking to enhance the sweetness and balance flavors.
- These cookies freeze well after baking, making them perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying later.
