These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a treat you won’t want to miss! They are soft and chewy, packed with chocolate chips, and have a delightful creamy cheesecake filling.
Baking these is like making a sweet hug for your taste buds! I always have a batch ready because they’re perfect for sharing (or not!). Just pair them with a glass of milk and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for a light texture. If you’re out, coconut oil or even margarine can work, though they may change the flavor a bit!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips bring a nice balance of sweetness. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate are great substitutes if you prefer a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: For the creamy filling, regular cream cheese is perfect. You can use low-fat cream cheese or even mascarpone for a different twist.
All-Purpose Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This helps keep the cookies chewy.
How Do I Seal the Cheesecake Filling Properly?
Sealing the cheesecake filling in the cookie dough is crucial to keep it intact while baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Take a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm.
- Place about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching it together to make sure it’s well-sealed.
- Form it into a ball in your hands to create an even shape.
This method prevents the filling from leaking out during baking, giving you that delightful surprise in every bite!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes to prep the ingredients and mix everything together. After that, you’ll bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Once they come out, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. So, in total, expect to spend about 35-40 minutes to enjoy these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamy butter and sugar mixture, mixing until everything is combined. Don’t overmix! Finally, fold in the chocolate chips gently to keep them evenly distributed.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In another medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, which will be your yummy cheesecake filling.
5. Assemble the Cookies:
Now, it’s time to create the cookie dough balls! Take about 1 tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Add about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, then cover it with a small scoop (about 1 tablespoon) of additional cookie dough. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside, and roll it back into a ball. Repeat this for the remaining dough and filling.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden while the centers still look soft. They’ll harden a bit as they cool.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies with a glass of milk or just on their own—they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese Instead of Regular?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese! It will create a slightly lighter filling, but the flavor will still be delicious. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
What Should I Do If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to work with when forming the cookie balls.
Can I Freeze These Cookies After Baking?
Absolutely! Allow the baked cookies to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
How Can I Make These Cookies Even More Decadent?
For an extra indulgent treat, try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. You can also mix in nuts or caramel pieces for additional texture and flavor!