These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a fun twist on two favorites! They are soft and chewy on the outside, with a creamy cheesecake center that melts in your mouth!
Who can resist a cookie that tastes like cheesecake? I love making these for friends, and they never last long on the plate. Just try to save some for later if you can! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. It works well in most recipes!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. You can substitute it with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter if you want a dairy-free version.
Cream Cheese: This gives the cheesecake center its rich flavor. For a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I love using semi-sweet, but dark chocolate chips will add a richer flavor. If you find dark chocolate a bit too intense, you can mix dark and regular chocolate chips for balance.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Cheesecake Filling?
Getting the cheesecake filling just right is key for these cookies. Here’s how to make it creamy:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly into the dough.
- Use a mixer or a sturdy fork to whip the cream cheese until it’s fluffy and spreadable—this takes a minute or two.
- When you scoop out the cookie dough, flatten it well before adding the cream cheese inside. This ensures it’s fully enclosed when baking!
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for filling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 12-14 minutes of baking. Including cooling time, you can enjoy these cookies in about 30-40 minutes overall!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This will make sure your cookies have the right texture!
3. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In a larger bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is nicely blended. Then, add in the vanilla extract, the whole egg, and an extra egg yolk. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and creamy.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! Then, fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips for that gooey goodness.
5. Making the Cheesecake Filling:
In a small bowl, make sure your cream cheese is softened enough to spread easily. This creamy filling will make your cookies taste like cheesecake!
6. Assembling the Cookies:
Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it a bit in your hands. Place about 1 teaspoon of the softened cream cheese in the center of the dough. Now, fold the dough around the cream cheese, sealing it inside. This way, it magically melts into a delicious filling when baked!
7. Baking the Cookies:
Place each filled cookie dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Press a few remaining chocolate chips on top of each cookie to make them extra pretty.
8. Time to Bake!
Bake your cookies in the oven for 12-14 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges, but still soft in the center. Lastly, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your warm Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies! They’re delightful fresh from the oven or cooled down for a chewy treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese for the Filling?
While cream cheese is the traditional choice for that creamy filling, you could try using mascarpone for a richer flavor or a dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version. Just ensure it’s spreadable!
How Can I Make These Cookies Chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, be careful not to overbake them! Pull the cookies out when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. They’ll firm up while cooling!
What’s the Best Way to Store These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, or substitute some chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or butterscotch for extra flavor. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins around 1 1/2 cups.
