Description
These Irresistibly Indulgent Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy tang of cheesecake with the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies. Soft, rich, and chewy, they are perfect for a decadent dessert or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (opt for pure for best results)
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (light brown sugar can replace dark)
- 1 large Egg (consider flax egg for vegan)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (can use gluten-free blend)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Make the cookie dough: In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Assemble the cookies: Place a tablespoon of cookie dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then top with a small dollop of the cheesecake mixture. Top the cheesecake with another tablespoon of cookie dough, enclosing the cheesecake inside. Gently press a few chocolate chips onto each cookie on top.
- Chill the cookies: Refrigerate the assembled cookies for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake chilled cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
- Using room temperature ingredients ensures better mixing and texture.
- Chilling the dough before baking is crucial to prevent spreading and to maintain the cheesecake center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with light or dark according to preference.
