If you have a soft spot for indulgent desserts that marry two of the best flavors in one bite, the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe will absolutely steal the show. Imagine a cookie that’s delightfully tender and rich, infused with the creamy tang of cheesecake and studded with melty chocolate chips that burst with every chew. This recipe blends the comforting familiarity of chocolate chip cookies with a luscious cheesecake twist, making every bite a heavenly experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple but packs in all the essentials that build the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the cream cheese adding creaminess or the chocolate chips providing that irresistible sweetness and snap.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, giving structure without weighing it down.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, creating a soft yet slightly airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The secret star that adds a smooth, tangy creaminess unlike any other cookie.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and helps keep the cookies wonderfully tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough with a classic clean taste.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm and inviting aroma to every bite.
- Egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the soft crumb.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic chewy pockets of chocolate we all crave.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For a more intense chocolate blast and beautiful texture contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off effortlessly once done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This combines the leavening and seasoning evenly, which is key for balanced flavor and texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is critical because it creates an airy, luscious base, ensuring your cookies will have that signature soft and rich bite.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into your creamy mixture until everything blends perfectly. These give moisture and flavor depth, setting the stage for that irresistible cheesecake vibe.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mixing slowly here prevents overworking the dough, meaning your cookies stay tender, not tough.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips if using. These will provide lovely bursts of chocolate throughout each cookie — essential for that indulgent feel.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating a perfectly baked cookie without losing that soft center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This little pause allows them to set up and helps preserve their delicate texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-fancy touch, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also marvelously enhance the sweet-and-salty contrast that makes these so addictive.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat experience. These combos perfectly suit the creamy and chocolatey notes of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between them for an easy ice cream cookie sandwich. Or arrange them on a dessert platter with assorted fruits and nuts for an inviting party presentation that will impress everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, allowing you to savor that cheesecake goodness any time without loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag once firm. This preserves their freshness for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy this treat whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
To refresh chilled or frozen cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives their soft, chewy texture and melty chocolate magic beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, using the full-fat version is best for that rich, creamy texture that makes these cheesecake cookies so special.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No worries! Just use additional regular semi-sweet chocolate chips. They’ll still deliver plenty of chocolate flavor, though the texture might be a tad less varied.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Be mindful that the texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain fantastic.
Do the cookies taste like cheesecake? How strong is the cheesecake flavor?
They definitely have a noticeable creamy cheesecake flavor thanks to the cream cheese, but it’s beautifully balanced with cookie sweetness and chocolate. It’s more subtle than a slice of cheesecake but perfectly charming.
How thick do the cookies get during baking?
These cookies stay fairly thick and soft rather than spreading thin, thanks to the cream cheese and the proper ratio of wet to dry ingredients. You’ll end up with nicely rounded, tender bites.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to elevate your cookie game and dive into something truly comforting yet exciting, the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s straightforward to make, rewarding to eat, and guaranteed to bring joy to any cookie lover’s heart. Go ahead and try it—you might just find yourself baking again the moment the last cookie is gone!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic chocolate chip cookie for a soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious treat. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these cookies deliver a unique texture and flavor that will delight cheesecake and cookie lovers alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed before combining with wet ingredients.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which forms the base of the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the wet mixture, mixing well to fully combine and add flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together and has a cohesive texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional mini chocolate chips, evenly distributing them throughout the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Portion Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, signifying the cookies are cooked through while maintaining a soft center.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the right texture before serving.
Notes
- For extra chocolate flavor, include the optional mini chocolate chips.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to achieve a smooth batter.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen after baking for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
