If you’re craving something that combines the best of two iconic treats, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a soft, tender crumb with that subtle tang of cream cheese layered perfectly with rich, melty chocolate chips. Every bite is delightfully decadent yet balanced, making them irresistible for both cheesecake lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to dessert when you want something special but straightforward to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a joy because each one plays a crucial role in creating the cookie’s signature texture and flavor. From the buttery richness to the creamy smoothness of cream cheese, every item builds that perfect harmony you’ll swoon over.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and creates a tender crumb while ensuring the cookies spread just right.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret star that gives these cookies their creamy, cheesecake-like softness and subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar (1¼ cups): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that slightly crisp edge contrasting the soft center.
- Large egg (1): Provides structure and moisture, binding everything together effortlessly.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2¾ cups): Forms the sturdy base of the dough to hold all those delightful mix-ins.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the cookies, giving them a gentle lift and lightness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out the richness of butter and cream cheese.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1½ cups): Bursts of melty chocolate that melt into the chewy dough for that classic irresistible combo.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This step is the foundation for your cookies’ tender texture and those signature rich, tangy undertones. It’s important not to rush here—ensure the mixture is perfectly smooth before moving on.
Step 2: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the granulated sugar until everything becomes light and fluffy—this airy texture in the batter translates into soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, combining fully to amplify flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and prevents pockets of salt that could affect the taste of the final cookie.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see flour. The dough should be soft but manageable.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips, saving some to sprinkle on top if you want extra chocolaty bursts when baked. This step adds the classic favorite chip texture and rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential—it makes dough easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading during baking, while also allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but centers remain set. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Fresh out of the oven, these cookies have an addictively soft texture that will have you coming back for more.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate to elevate the presentation. A light dusting of finely chopped nuts can add a satisfying crunch and sophisticated touch if you want to jazz it up for guests.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee to balance their rich sweetness perfectly. For an extra indulgent experience, pair them with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cheesecake-flavored gelato for double the creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies with layers of softened cream cheese frosting or sandwich your chilled dough around a brownie bite to create unique dessert sliders. Use mini versions of this recipe to create a charming cookie platter for parties or gift them in decorative boxes with personalized notes for loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their luscious softness and freshness for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying through the week or sharing at gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in your hand.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth and softness, warm cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their chewy texture and gooey chocolate chips just like right from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key to this recipe’s unique texture and flavor, so substitutions aren’t recommended, but full-fat mascarpone cheese can sometimes be a decent alternative for a similar richness.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling solidifies the fats in the dough, which helps prevent spreading during baking and enhances the cookie’s flavor by allowing ingredients to meld.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to alter the flavor profile according to your preference.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you would need to use a suitable gluten-free flour blend, but texture and taste may vary.
What’s the best way to keep these cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and add a slice of bread inside to maintain moisture. Reheating mildly also refreshes softness.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to the ultimate comfort cookie, the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a stellar choice. The tender crumb, subtle tang, and melty chocolate chips make every bite a little moment of joy. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and see how quickly these beauties disappear!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich, creamy texture of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies, combining the lusciousness of cream cheese with classic chocolate chips for an irresistibly soft and flavorful treat perfect for dessert or snacking.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, providing the rich base for your cookies.
- Mix Sugar and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintaining soft texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly through the dough for bursts of chocolate in each bite.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough, which helps control spreading during baking and enhances flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of baked cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set, ensuring perfect doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and prevents breaking.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips or add a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
