Okay, hear me out—cookies and cheesecake in one bite? Yep, it’s a thing. And oh my gosh, it’s so good.
I made these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies last weekend, and wow, my kitchen smelled like a dream. They’re soft, sweet, and have this creamy surprise in the middle.
If you love cookies but want something extra, this is it. Let me tell you how I made them—super easy and totally worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesecake in Cookie Form: This recipe brings together two of the best things—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one delicious dessert.
- Irresistibly Creamy Filling: The tangy cream cheese filling inside these cookies adds a whole new layer of flavor that is smooth and decadent.
- Soft and Chewy: With a perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie and creamy center, these cookies have the ideal texture you’ll crave.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, party, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies are perfect for any time you need something sweet.
- Great for Gift Giving: These cookies look gorgeous and make a lovely homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
- No-Chill Dough Required: The dough doesn’t need to chill, making this recipe quick and convenient to whip up on a whim.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you get started, make sure you have these kitchen tools on hand to help with your baking:
- Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: To cream the butter and cream cheese together smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure your ingredients are just right.
- Baking sheets: For baking the cookies. Make sure to line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Ice cream scoop or tablespoon: To portion out the dough evenly.
- Cooling rack: For letting the cookies cool completely without getting soggy.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: For beating the dough and cheesecake filling.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these amazing cookies, both for the cookie dough and the creamy cheesecake filling:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Butter: 1 cup (softened)
- White Sugar: ¾ cup
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (lightly packed)
- Egg: 1 large
- Egg Yolk: 1 large (this adds richness and helps keep the cookies chewy)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (helps the cookies spread and rise)
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (balances sweetness)
- All-Purpose Flour: 2¾ cups (unsifted)
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: ½ to ¾ cup (or more if you’re a chocolate lover!)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream Cheese: ¾ cup (softened, about 6 oz) – you can use regular or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Powdered Sugar: ⅓ cup (adjust as needed, especially if using vegan cream cheese)
Variations for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Sometimes, it’s fun to mix things up! Here are a few variations you can try to make these cookies your own:
- Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a little crunch.
- Different Chocolate Chips: You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of semisweet, depending on your preference.
- Double Chocolate Cheesecake: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a rich chocolate flavor in the cookies as well.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: Instead of filling each cookie with the cheesecake filling, make mini cheesecake balls and sandwich them between two cookie dough scoops for a more bite-sized treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, making it easier to remove the cookies once they’re done.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, ¾ cup of white sugar, and ¼ cup of brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (this takes about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in 1 egg and 1 egg yolk, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix.
- Fold in ½ to ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In another bowl, beat ¾ cup of softened cream cheese and ⅓ cup of powdered sugar together using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This filling will be rich and tangy and is what makes these cookies so special!
4. Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop a generous tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball.
- Press your thumb gently into the center of the dough ball to create a little well.
- Place a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling into the well (about 1 teaspoon).
- Cover the cheesecake filling by wrapping the dough around it, sealing the edges so the filling is enclosed.
- Roll the dough ball gently between your hands to smooth it out, and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space the cookie balls about 2 inches apart to allow them room to spread while baking.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might appear soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Cool and Serve
Once your cookies have cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! These cookies have the perfect balance of soft cookie, gooey chocolate chips, and creamy cheesecake filling in every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion! Here are a few ideas on how to serve and enjoy them:
- Dessert Platter: Serve these cookies as part of a dessert platter along with other sweet treats like brownies, cake pops, or mini cupcakes.
- Cookie Box: Package these cookies in a cute gift box and give them as a homemade gift to friends or family members.
- With Ice Cream: Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert combo.
- Tea or Coffee Time: These cookies are perfect with your afternoon tea or coffee. The creamy filling pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Storing Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies are great for making ahead and storing:
- Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. This will keep them fresh and chewy.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds.
- Unbaked Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough as well. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze until solid, and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake the cookies straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Nutrition with Table Format
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for these delicious cookies:
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 130mg |
*Note: The nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Course: Uncategorized20-24
cookies15
minutes10
minutes230
kcal30
minutesIngredients
- For the Cookie Dough:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Directions
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Scoop out small teaspoons of the filling onto a parchment-lined tray.
Freeze the filling drops for 20–30 minutes while you make the cookie dough. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate chips. - Assemble the Cookies:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your hand.
Place a frozen drop of cheesecake filling in the center.
Cover it with another small piece of dough and seal the edges, rolling into a ball.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. - Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Serve & Store:
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are truly a showstopper. They combine two classic treats into one irresistibly delicious dessert. With the perfect balance of soft cookie dough, gooey chocolate chips, and a rich cheesecake filling, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves sweet indulgence.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a party, or just because you want to treat yourself (and your loved ones), this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have these delightful cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to these mouthwatering Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies today!