Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the classic charm of chocolate chip cookies, look no further! These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are an absolute delight, merging creamy cheesecake with gooey chocolate chips in each bite. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating your family, or simply indulging in a sweet snack. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your household!
Why Cooks Rave About It
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are not your ordinary cookies. The unique twist of adding cheesecake filling creates a soft, creamy center that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookie exterior. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and the rich cream cheese elevates these cookies to a whole new level. They’re easy to make and are sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, who can resist the allure of warm cookies fresh out of the oven?
Ingredient Checklist
To make these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, barely softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, cold
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, or 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (preferably semi-sweet)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cold
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for the cheesecake filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (for the cheesecake filling)
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugars smoothly.
- Baking sheets: To place your cookie dough on.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon: To portion out the dough evenly.
- Spatula: For mixing and transferring cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: How It’s Done
Making these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Once combined, set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of barely softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the two large cold eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough using a spatula. This will give you that classic chocolate chip goodness.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Assemble the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, take a portion of the dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center and fold the dough around it, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. Roll into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked; that’s perfect as they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies warm or at room temperature!
Fit It to Your Goals
Tailor these cookies to fit your dietary preferences or needs with the following adjustments:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking in place of the granulated sugars.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Flavor Variations: Add nuts, or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or caramel bits for a unique twist.
Little Things that Matter
The little details can make a big difference in your cookie-making experience:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and cream cheese to soften slightly for easier mixing.
- Measuring Flour: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy to ensure the right cookie texture.
- Chilling Time: Don’t skip refrigeration; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies fresh and delicious:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate chips, whether they are milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for later use.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool, resulting in a perfect chewy texture.
Save & Share
If you’re as excited about these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies as we are, don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family! Snap a photo of your baking success and tag your favorite food bloggers on social media. The joy of baking is best when shared!
These cookies encapsulate the best of both worlds—cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies. With their creamy centers and delightful chocolatey bites, they are bound to be a hit at any gathering. Dive into the baking process and enjoy the sweet rewards of your effort. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of barely softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the two large cold eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough using a spatula.
- Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge. Take a portion of the dough, flatten it slightly, place about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center, fold the dough around it, and roll into a ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough to prevent cookies from spreading.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for unique flavors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
