Description
These decadent cookies combine the best of both worlds: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with a creamy cheesecake filling in the center. The sweet and tangy cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate chips, making every bite an irresistible treat. Ideal for dessert lovers, these cookies are a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients:
- Chopped nuts
- Different types of chocolate chips (white, dark, etc.)
Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough Base:
- Cream together butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Making the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Cookies:
- Scoop out a portion of the cookie dough and flatten it into a disc.
- Add a spoonful of the cheesecake filling in the center.
- Top with another scoop of cookie dough and seal the edges to encase the filling.
- Place assembled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to ensure smooth and easy mixing.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Seal the Edges Well: Be sure to seal the edges of the cookie dough around the cheesecake filling to prevent it from leaking during baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop. This will also ensure the cookies bake evenly.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and freeze it for later. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag for later use.
- Customizable: You can swap in your favorite types of chocolate chips (white, dark, or milk chocolate) or add extras like chopped nuts or toffee bits to customize these cookies.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay fresh longer if stored in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake cookies, cream cheese filling, chewy cookies, homemade cookies, dessert, chocolate cheesecake, easy cookies