New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a sweet treat that tastes just like a slice of your favorite iconic dessert, this New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine bite-sized, tangy, creamy cookies with soft middles, a hint of golden graham cracker crunch, and optional bursts of fruity pie filling on top. They’re everything you love about classic New York cheesecake, only easier to share (or stash away for yourself). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a pick-me-up with your coffee, these cookies are endlessly delightful and surprisingly simple to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is that every ingredient works hard to create the perfect texture and balance of flavors—nothing extra, nothing missing. Each component brings something essential to help mimic that dreamy cheesecake experience in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich flavor and contributes to that irresistibly soft texture.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the show, it infuses the dough with creamy, tangy cheesecake flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and enriches the cookies so they’re soft but not cake-like.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth, enhancing that classic cheesecake taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides just enough structure to hold the cookies together, yet keep them delightfully tender.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle lift for the perfect pillowy centers.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and brightens all the other flavors.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1/2 cup, for rolling): Recreates the classic cheesecake crust, adding extra crunch and flavor.
- Optional fruit preserves or pie filling (strawberry, cherry, or blueberry): Spoon into the centers for a colorful and tasty finishing touch—totally customizable!
How to Make New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes sure your New York Cheesecake Cookies slide right off with golden bottoms and no sticking. Gathering your ingredients and tools ahead of time is an easy way to make the process as smooth as possible—less mess later, more fun now!
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Grab a large bowl, and with an electric mixer, blend together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step is key! The air incorporated here helps create those dreamy, pillowy cookies reminiscent of the filling in traditional New York cheesecake.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until your batter is smooth and everything is well incorporated. These two add moisture and that subtle warmth found in the very best cheesecake recipes. Take a little whiff—the vanilla already smells amazing at this stage!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stirring them as a dry mix before adding keeps the baking powder evenly distributed, so you get lovely, even cookies every time.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently, just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, or the cookies could turn tough instead of tender. Chill the dough in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes—this makes it much easier to handle for rolling!
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your hands to make neat little balls. Roll each ball in the graham cracker crumbs until they’re generously coated. Space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet—these little clouds do spread a bit as they bake.
Step 7: Create Indentations
Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. This step sets the stage for the classic thumbprint look, perfect for holding a dollop of fruity jam later—just like a slice of cheesecake with a glossy topping!
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are a hint of golden and the centers look set. Don’t let them overbake; their fluffy texture is part of the charm of this New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
Step 9: Add Toppings and Cool
If you’re adding fruit preserves or pie filling, spoon them into the cookie centers while they’re still warm from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this helps them hold their shape and stay tender.
How to Serve New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch is half the fun! Besides dollops of fruit preserves or pie filling, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar or add a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. This ups the wow factor and gives you lots of opportunities to get creative with every batch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a mug of strong coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a glass of cold milk for a classic treat that lets the New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe shine. For an elegant dessert spread, serve them alongside bowls of fresh berries or other bite-sized sweets.
Creative Ways to Present
Line a pretty platter with parchment, pile the cookies artfully, and tuck a few fresh mint sprigs or berries around for extra flair. For gifting, stack the cookies in a cellophane bag, tie with a ribbon, and include a little note about the New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. They also make a dazzling addition to any cookie swap or dessert table—watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container. If you topped them with fruit filling, make room in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days. Plain cookies (without fruit) can hang out at room temperature for up to 3 days, but let’s be honest—they rarely last that long!
Freezing
The dough for the New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully. Shape and coat the dough balls, skip the jam, and chill them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready, simply bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze well, too, but for the best texture, freeze them without the fruit topping and add the filling after thawing.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies a little warm, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes. This revives their flavor and makes the middles creamy again, mimicking the just-baked magic of the New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them too soft or dry out the centers.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat?
Full-fat cream cheese yields the richest flavor and texture, but you can substitute low-fat in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the cookies may be a bit less creamy and slightly more cake-like.
Will gluten-free flour work for this New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can swap in a good-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the wheat flour. The cookies will still be soft and delicious; just check the texture as you shape the dough, as some blends absorb more moisture.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 20 to 30 minutes before baking is key. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can even chill the rolled dough balls for an extra 10 minutes before baking to ensure super thick, cheesecake-like cookies.
What’s the best way to add fruit filling to these cookies?
For neat, bright centers, add about 1/2 teaspoon of fruit preserves or pie filling to each indentation right after the cookies come out of the oven. This helps the filling set slightly as the cookies cool, for a picture-perfect finish.
Can I double or halve the New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely—double the ingredients if you’re baking for a crowd, or halve them for a small-batch treat. Just keep an eye on the bake time if you change the size of each cookie, as smaller cookies may bake more quickly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving both comfort and a little New York City flair, give this New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite dessert. Each cookie is like a mini celebration: easy to share, impossible to resist, and pure joy in every bite. Happy baking!
Print
New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of New York cheesecake in the form of soft, handheld cookies. These cream cheese cookies are rolled in graham cracker crumbs and can be filled with your favorite fruit preserves for a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Main Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (for rolling)
- Optional: fruit preserves or pie filling (strawberry, cherry, or blueberry)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, then mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form dough. Chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Shape and bake: Roll dough into balls, coat in graham cracker crumbs, and place on baking sheet. Make an indentation in each cookie and bake for 10–12 minutes. Fill with fruit preserves if desired.
- Cool and store: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Store in the fridge if topped with fruit filling.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with a pinch of cinnamon in the graham cracker crumbs.
- These cookies capture the essence of New York cheesecake in a portable treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
