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Ah, the delightful moment I first stumbled upon Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies! Imagine a chilly afternoon, with the golden light streaming through my kitchen window as I experimented with a classic cookie recipe. I had extra cream cheese from a previous dessert venture, and inspiration struck—a soft, creamy cookie that wrapped luscious cheesecake filling in its warm embrace. Little did I know, this sweet creation would become a beloved favorite amongst friends and family!
As the cookies baked, the sweet aroma filled every corner of my cozy kitchen, mingling with hints of rich vanilla and melting chocolate. The moment I pulled the first batch from the oven, the edges were golden brown, and the centers ever so slightly puffed, begging to be devoured. One bite revealed heavenly layers of creaminess with every chewy morsel, making it impossible to stop at just one. And now, I’m thrilled to share this scrumptious recipe with you, because I know you, too, will love them as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You only need about 20 minutes of prep time before these cookies are ready to bake!
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and creamy cheesecake filling creates a flavorful explosion in each bite.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Even those who claim they’re not cookie fans can’t resist these delightful treats!
- Soft & Chewy: The perfect balance of texture between the soft, creamy centers and the slightly crisp edges.
- Versatile: Great for any occasion—bake them for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in with loved ones.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides the rich, buttery flavor we’re all after. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture, resulting in chewy cookies that are irresistible.
1/4 cup white sugar – Balances the sweetness while contributing to the cookies’ lovely golden hue.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together, ensuring that each cookie holds its shape while staying soft.
1 tsp vanilla extract – A must for that warm, comforting flavor that enhances all the other delicious ingredients.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie dough—too much can make them tough, so be precise!
1/2 tsp baking soda – Gives the cookies a nice rise, making them fluffy and delightful.
1/4 tsp salt – A tiny pinch to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
1 cup chocolate chips – Semi-sweet or dark, they’re essential for that classic chocolate chip flavor that everyone loves.
4 oz cream cheese, softened – The star of the show! Creamy and delicious, adds that cheesecake element we crave.
2 tbsp sugar – Mixed with the cream cheese for a touch of sweetness, creating a delectably smooth filling.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Just a whisper more of that glorious vanilla flavor in the filling.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup!
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Pop it in the fridge while you whip up the cookie dough.
Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s light in color and has a lovely, creamy texture. Next, beat in one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter mixture until combined, taking care not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, allowing their gooeyness to bring each cookie to life!
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center. Now, take another small piece of dough, cover the filling, and seal the edges. Roll it into a ball to hide that delicious surprise!
Step 6: Bake
Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye on them! The centers should look soft and slightly puffy.
Step 7: Cool Off
Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell in your kitchen? Pure bliss!
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Bake Time: 12 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 32 minutes
⚡ About 190 calories per cookie | 🍽️ Makes 18 cookies
Chewy, gooey, creamy, dreamy—these cookies are like two desserts in one and guaranteed to disappear fast! 🍪💫
Pro Tips for Success
Chill the Dough: If it’s warm in your kitchen, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes. This will help your cookies keep their shape while baking!
Don’t Rush the Creaming: Take your time when creaming the butter and sugars. This step is crucial for a light, fluffy texture.
Use Quality Vanilla: Choose pure vanilla extract over imitation for that heavenly aroma and taste!
Flavor Variations
- Add Some Spice: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring warmth to your cookie flavors—perfect for cozy autumn days!
- Swap the Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a delightful twist.
- Nutty Goodness: Fold in chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Treat yourself by serving these goodies warm with a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm cookies and cold treats is pure euphoria! For a pretty presentation, stack them high on a cozy platter and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can absolutely make the dough ahead of time! Chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw before baking! Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
Leftovers
Leftover cookies? Consider crumbling them into a delicious parfait with yogurt and fresh berries for a delightful breakfast treat or dessert.
Freezing
Yes! These cookies can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw them at room temperature!
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warmed up, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. So cozy and comforting!
FAQs
Can I use light cream cheese instead of regular?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Sure! Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a delicious vegan alternative.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, yes, yes! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets ready for all those cookies!
What should I do if my cream cheese isn’t soft enough?
You can cut it into small cubes and let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes, or microwave it in short bursts (5 seconds at a time) until softened.
Final Thoughts
As you bake these scrumptious Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies, let the warm, inviting scents guide you through the process—turning your kitchen into a cozy haven of deliciousness. Each bite will remind you of sweet moments shared with loved ones and create new memories to cherish. So get those mixing bowls ready, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some cookie magic happen! Happy baking, my friends! 💕🍪
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Place in the fridge while you prepare the cookie dough.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter mixture until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center. Cover with another small piece of dough and seal the edges.
- Roll it into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.