Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved desserts: classic chocolate chip cookies and creamy cheesecake. The soft, chewy cookie base is filled with rich cream cheese, making it irresistibly tender and indulgent. With pockets of gooey chocolate chips scattered throughout, these cookies are an unforgettable treat that combines the best of both worlds.

I first made these cookies when I wanted something extra special to share with friends, and they were an instant hit. The combination of the creamy cheesecake filling and the classic chocolate chip cookie flavor makes them truly unique. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee.

What’s great about these cookies is that they bring together the rich, tangy cream cheese and the comforting chocolate chips, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Once you’ve tried them, they’ll quickly become a go-to treat for any dessert lover!

Perfect for:

• Cookie lovers
• Special events
• Holiday baking
• Gifting
• Dessert buffets

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Here’s why Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies will become your go-to cookie recipe:

• Cheesecake Filling: The rich, creamy cheesecake filling adds a deliciously soft texture and tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate chips.
• Soft and Chewy: These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, making every bite a delightful experience.
• Perfect Chocolate Chip Ratio: Each cookie is loaded with plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chips, giving you that perfect balance of chocolate and cream cheese flavor.
• Easy to Make: The cookie dough is easy to prepare, and with the addition of cream cheese, you’ll get a special cookie with minimal effort.
• Versatile: These cookies are a great treat for any occasion and can easily be customized with your favorite chocolate, nuts, or even swirls of caramel.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra chewiness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling gives the cookies a soft, creamy texture and a slight tanginess, mimicking the flavor of cheesecake.
• Butter: Butter contributes to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies, making them melt in your mouth.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the perfect addition, providing that chocolatey richness without overpowering the cream cheese flavor.
• Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch is optional, but it helps to make the cookies extra chewy and soft.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies:

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 for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for serving in various ways:

• As a Sweet Snack: These cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
• For Special Occasions: Serve these cookies as a unique and indulgent dessert at parties, family gatherings, or holiday events.
• Gift-Giving: These cookies make a great gift when packaged in a cute tin or jar for friends and family.
• Dessert Buffets: These cookies are a wonderful addition to dessert tables or cookie exchanges, thanks to their distinct flavor and texture.

Additional Tips for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe are perfect every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to make mixing easier and ensure a smooth dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until everything is combined to prevent the cookies from becoming dense.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before scooping the dough onto the baking sheets.
• Check for Doneness: The cookies should have golden edges but still look soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their soft texture.

Recipe Variations for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Caramel Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add caramel bits along with the chocolate chips for an extra indulgent flavor.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Swirl in peanut butter for a nutty twist that complements the cheesecake filling.
• Double Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough to make these cookies extra chocolatey.
• White Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
• Nutty Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Add mint extract to the dough for a refreshing minty flavor.
• Orange Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• S’mores Cheesecake Cookies: Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers along with the chocolate chips for a fun s’mores-inspired cookie.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Top each cookie with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you cream the butter and cream cheese to the perfect consistency.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures even-sized cookies for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheets for easy removal.
• Cooling Rack: A wire rack allows the cookies to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   While cream cheese is the best option for this recipe, you can try substituting mascarpone for a different creamy texture, but the flavor may change slightly.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake these cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
   Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Print

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves both cookies and cheesecake. With their soft, chewy texture and creamy cheesecake filling, they’re a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, ideal for everything from casual snacks to special gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or treating yourself to something sweet, these cheesecake-filled cookies will bring joy in every bite.

I’d love to see how this recipe turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!