Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
If you’ve been wobbling between cheesecake and cookies as your favorite dessert, the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is here to end your dilemma with the best of both worlds. Imagine all the creaminess and tang of classic cheesecake, swirled into the softest, pillowy cookie, studded with little chocolate chips in every bite. These cookies are a total crowd-pleaser, easy enough for a weeknight treat but decadent enough for special occasions. With their ultra-soft texture, subtle cream cheese tang, and bursts of chocolate, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready for a list of simple pantry staples—and a few special touches—that come together in magic fashion. Each ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe pulls its weight in contributing to the irresistible flavor, delicate texture, and tempting appearance of these cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and gives your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Introduces a dreamy creaminess and signature tang you’ll recognize from classic cheesecake.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies just right, keeping things light and classic.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while adding just the right amount of moisture for soft, fluffy cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of fragrant vanilla beautifully complements both the cream cheese and chocolate chips.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides structure to ensure the cookies hold their delightful shape.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with lift, so the cookies stay tender instead of flat.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a soft, chewy bite by balancing the acidity of the cream cheese.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny bit brings out all the other flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Guarantees a bit of chocolate in every bite, without overwhelming the dough.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step will prevent any sticking and make cleanup a breeze, so all your focus stays on the cookies themselves.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This combo forms the foundation for that uniquely rich and tender texture that sets this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe apart from any other cookie you’ve made.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Beat in the granulated sugar until your mixture looks light and fluffy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well incorporated for a beautifully homogeneous, airy dough base.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt so your cookies bake consistently from batch to batch.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in tougher cookies. The dough might look a little extra creamy compared to basic chocolate chip cookie dough (thank the cream cheese!).
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Add the mini chocolate chips and gently fold them into the dough with a spatula or wooden spoon. You want chocolate in every bite, so take care to distribute them evenly throughout the batch.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough mounds onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart for even baking. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden and the centers look set but still soft. This gentle bake keeps the cookies ultra-tender, true to the cheesecake spirit.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up without overbaking, ensuring that perfect cheesecake-inspired softness. Once completely cool, they’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful (and tasty) finish, dust your cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or even a pinch of finely grated chocolate. If you want to get extra fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few festive sprinkles can make these cookies stand out for celebratory occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful with a chilled glass of milk, but they’re equally amazing alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sandwiched around a dollop of whipped cream. For a sophisticated pairing, try serving them with cappuccino or hot chocolate to highlight the creamy, chocolatey notes in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into a showstopping dessert platter for parties by arranging them with fresh berries, more mini chocolate chips, and even squares of chocolate or graham crackers for that full cheesecake vibe. For gifting, stack them in a parchment-lined tin or box tied with ribbon for a charming homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe fresh, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cream cheese in the dough keeps them soft and tender, while the flavor intensifies over the first day or two.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead or stash extras for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep their amazing texture for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temp whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for 7–10 seconds. It’ll bring back a touch of warmth and make the chocolate chips gooey again, much like enjoying the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Why use cream cheese in cookies?
Cream cheese brings a luscious, subtly tangy flavor and keeps the cookies extra soft and moist, differentiating this recipe from traditional chocolate chip cookies and adding a unique cheesecake-inspired twist.
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chips?
Absolutely! While mini chips ensure more chocolate distribution, regular chips work well too and provide puddles of chocolate in every bite for a more decadent experience.
What’s the best way to ensure the cookies stay soft?
The combination of cream cheese and a careful baking time is key. Be sure to avoid overbaking; pull the cookies out when the edges are just golden and let them finish setting up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I chill the dough before baking?
Yes! Chilling for 30 minutes helps the flavors develop and prevents too much spreading, resulting in even thicker, chewier cookies. It’s a great tip if you want bakery-style results.
Is it important to use full-fat cream cheese?
For the best flavor and texture in your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, stick with full-fat cream cheese. Reduced-fat versions can make the dough wetter and yield less impressive results.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just treating yourself, you’re going to love this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Every bite is a delightful marriage of creamy cheesecake and soft cookie goodness—once you taste them, they’re bound to become a new favorite. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies with this easy and delicious Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies recipe. These soft and flavorful cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
