These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies bring together the best of both worlds! Soft, chewy cookies filled with creamy cheesecake goodness and melted chocolate chips. Yum!
Every bite feels like a sweet hug! I love making a big batch and sharing them with friends—or enjoying them all by myself. No judgment here! 😄
They’re super easy to make, just mix, bake, and watch them disappear in no time. Trust me, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter is key for a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil. Just be aware this may change the cookies’ texture slightly.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream. However, it may alter the taste a bit!
Granulated Sugar: Standard granulated sugar works best for sweetness. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Chocolate Chips: Go for semi-sweet chocolate chips—always a favorite! If you want a twist, use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips instead. You can also use carob chips if you’re avoiding chocolate.
How Do I Create the Perfect Cheesecake Center?
Getting that creamy cheesecake center is super important for these cookies. It starts with properly softening your cream cheese. If it’s cold, it won’t mix well and will create lumps!
- Leave your cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
- When scooping the dough, flatten it slightly. This way, the cheesecake fit better when you seal the dough around it.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly. This helps the cheesecake stay inside while baking.
Using these steps ensures you’ll get those delightful cream cheese surprises in each cookie! Enjoy baking!
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-14 minutes to bake. After baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then on a wire rack. So, all in all, plan for about 30-35 minutes to make these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help your cookies not stick!
2. Creaming the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. It’s important to get a good blend for the best texture!
3. Mixing Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Keep beating until everything is well combined. It should look rich and creamy. Yum!
4. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; don’t overmix! You want your cookies to be tender and delicious.
6. Adding Chocolate Chips:
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Try not to break them up too much—every bite should have delicious melty chocolate!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly into your hand. This will allow you to place the cream cheese in the center easily.
8. Create the Cheesecake Center:
Take a small spoonful (about 1 tsp) of cream cheese and place it in the center of half of the flattened dough portions. Don’t be afraid to use a little extra cream cheese if you love it!
9. Seal the Cookies:
Now, take another scoop of dough and place it on top of the cream cheese-filled dough. Seal the edges carefully, forming a ball that encloses the cream cheese completely.
10. Bake Your Cookies:
Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center still looks soft.
11. Cooling Time:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s hard to wait, but worth it!
Enjoy your soft, melty chocolate chip cheesecake cookies, and delight in the creamy cheesecake surprise at the center of each cookie!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese Instead of Regular?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese, but keep in mind that it may have a slightly different texture and flavor. Full-fat cream cheese yields the richest, creamiest results!
What If I Don’t Have Any Granulated Sugar?
No problem! You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile. Just use the same amount, and your cookies will still taste delightful!
How Should I Store the Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared dough. Just scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time!
