Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Imagine biting into the perfect marriage of two all-time favorites: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with a luscious, creamy cheesecake center. The Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings pure joy in every bite, combining rich chocolate chips and tangy cheesecake into an irresistible treat. Whether it’s for a cozy night in, a special celebration, or just a sweet escape, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients that create deep flavors and delightful textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender cookie dough to the smooth cheesecake filling, making every cookie a perfect bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the foundational structure for a soft yet sturdy cookie.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, giving a light, tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender chewiness to the dough.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and adds a soft lift.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: Classic melty pockets of chocolate throughout each cookie.
- 1 egg yolk: Ensures a rich, tender cookie dough shell for the cheesecake.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, lending a creamy, tangy center.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Adds an extra layer of luscious flavor inside the cream cheese.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Get your oven going at 325°F (165°C) and prepare your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This moderate temperature allows the cookies to bake through and develop golden edges without over-browning, so it’s a crucial first step for perfect results.
Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring your dry ingredients are properly mixed to distribute leavening evenly. In a separate larger bowl, beat together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Then incorporate the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, combining everything lovingly before gradually folding in the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips to ensure each cookie will have generous pockets of melty chocolate delight.
Step 3: Make Cheesecake Filling
Take softened cream cheese and beat it with sugar and vanilla extract until impeccably smooth and creamy. This filling is the star surprise that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s soft cookie dough exterior.
Step 4: Assemble Cookies
Now for the fun part: scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and gently create wells in the center of each ball. Spoon in a dollop of the cheesecake filling—don’t be shy; this rich center makes the cookie unforgettable. Cover the filling with more cookie dough and carefully seal it inside, forming neat balls that trap the luscious filling within.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheets with space to spread. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color. The cookies should be just set to keep the cheesecake creamy inside. Let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to fully cool and set.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent look. A pinch of flaky sea salt added after baking also intensifies the flavor beautifully, balancing the sweetness with a little savory crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic combination. For grown-up gatherings, coffee or espresso complements the creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate magnificently. Ice cream lovers might also enjoy a scoop of vanilla or caramel alongside for a luscious dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a pretty platter with festive napkins for casual gatherings, or individually boxed as charming homemade gifts. For a party, create a cookie sundae bar where guests can crumble cookies over ice cream and add sauces or toppings like nuts and berries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for making ahead of time or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Baked cookies also freeze well for 2-3 months when packed airtight, allowing you to stock up on this Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe anytime.
Reheating
Warming cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds refreshes their soft texture and slightly melts the chocolate and cheesecake center, giving a freshly-baked experience. Avoid overheating to keep that perfect gooey center intact.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Low-fat cream cheese may alter the texture and richness of the cheesecake filling. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese to ensure that creamy, smooth center that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Is it necessary to melt the butter for the cookie dough?
Melting the butter helps achieve a chewier cookie with a tender crumb. While you can cream softened butter instead, the melted butter method contributes to the soft texture that pairs wonderfully with the cheesecake filling.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try chunks of your favorite chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even nuts for added crunch. Just keep in mind that altering the chocolate chips can change the texture slightly but the cheesecake stuffed center remains the hero.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
This recipe doesn’t require chilling, so you can assemble and bake straight away. However, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help with easier handling and a thicker cookie, if you prefer.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for golden edges and a set surface with a slightly soft center. The cookies firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep that soft, chewy texture with a creamy cheesecake surprise inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about combining creamy cheesecake with chocolate chip cookie dough, and this Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s such a rewarding treat to bake and share — each bite delivering a burst of flavor and texture that feels both comforting and indulgent. If you love unique twists on classic desserts, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Dive in, have fun assembling, and prepare to wow everyone around you with these incredible cookies!
Print
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Deliciously indulgent cheesecake stuffed chocolate chip cookies feature a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie exterior with a creamy, rich cheesecake filling hidden inside. These treats combine the best of two desserts, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a unique twist that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the melted unsalted butter with packed brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract, whole egg, and egg yolk until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Assemble Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of cookie dough. Flatten each ball slightly and create a hollow or indentation in the center. Spoon a portion of the cheesecake filling into this space, then carefully cover the filling with more cookie dough, sealing the edges tightly to encase the cheesecake completely.
- Bake: Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced adequately apart. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Do not overfill the cookies with cheesecake to prevent leakage during baking.
- You can refrigerate the assembled cookie dough balls for 15-30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a twist, try using white chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
