Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
What if you could combine the best parts of cheesecake and cookies into one glorious treat? Enter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies, a dessert that perfectly marries the creaminess of cheesecake with the chewy, indulgent texture of chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are a game-changer, boasting a velvety, tangy cheesecake flavor with bursts of chocolate chips in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a party, treating your family, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is bound to impress. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to making these heavenly cookies!
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. For an extra chocolaty experience, toss in the mini chocolate chips too.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underdone.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the butter and cream cheese blend smoothly for a creamy dough.
- Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for preventing cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheets after being removed from the oven.
- Experiment with Chips: Try dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for variation.
- Add a Cheesecake Crust Touch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top before baking for an extra cheesecake-inspired element.
Flavor Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Fruit Fusion: Fold in dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweet dough.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Glass of Milk: Classic and comforting!
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert.
- Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: Elevate the cookies by adding a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tanginess of cream cheese complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or satisfying a personal craving.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate hybrid dessert, combining the best qualities of two beloved treats. With their soft, creamy centers and rich chocolate flavor, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled for a cheesecake-like texture, these cookies deliver every time.
So grab your ingredients and start baking — your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but low-fat can work in a pinch.
3. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
4. Can I use white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips add a sweet, creamy contrast to the tangy cream cheese.
5. How long does the dough need to chill?
For best results, chill the dough for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for enhanced flavor.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
What if you could combine the best parts of cheesecake and cookies into one glorious treat? Enter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies, a dessert that perfectly marries the creaminess of cheesecake with the chewy, indulgent texture of chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are a game-changer, boasting a velvety, tangy cheesecake flavor with bursts of chocolate chips in every bite.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spoon small dollops (about 1 teaspoon each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips. - Assemble the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a frozen cheesecake filling dollop in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges. Roll gently into a ball.
Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. - Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Serve:
Enjoy these cookies warm for a gooey center or at room temperature for a firmer texture.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The cheesecake filling can be prepared and frozen up to 24 hours in advance.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.