If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the comforting combination of rich chocolate chip cookies and the creamy tang of cheesecake, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a perfectly soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie with a luscious cheesecake center that melts in your mouth. This recipe not only satisfies your dessert cravings but transforms a beloved classic cookie into an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or simply enjoying as a cozy indulgence at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is both straightforward and essential. Each component plays a key role in building the perfect balance of buttery dough, sweet chocolate, and creamy cheesecake filling that delivers these cookies’ signature texture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for our tender cookie dough, providing structure and softness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be delightfully chewy without spreading too thin.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives the dough richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note for deeper flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes throughout both dough and filling.
- Egg and egg yolk: Bind the dough while contributing to a tender chew.
- Chocolate chips: The classic melty chocolate pockets that everyone loves inside the cookies.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake filling, bringing rich creaminess and tang.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature allows the cookies to bake evenly, ensuring that the cheesecake center stays delightfully creamy while the cookie edges become lightly golden. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough
Begin by whisking the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl—this dry mixture will give your cookies their perfect texture. In a larger bowl, beat together melted butter with both brown and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy. Then add vanilla extract, the whole egg, and the egg yolk—these add moisture and richness. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet, folding in the chocolate chips last for those irresistible melty pockets of chocolate.
Step 3: Make Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will create the surprise center inside your cookies and adds a dreamy tangy contrast to the sweet cookie dough.
Step 4: Assemble Cookies
Grab a tablespoon of cookie dough and form it into a ball. Then gently poke a hole in the center of each ball. Fill this indentation with a small spoonful of the cheesecake mixture, being careful not to overfill. Finally, cover the cheesecake filling with a bit more cookie dough and seal the edges tightly to trap all that creamy goodness inside.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange your stuffed cookie balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes—this resting period helps them set without collapsing—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an extra festive look. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can also elevate the presentation and complement the creamy cheesecake filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a classic cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a more decadent dessert experience, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your cheesecake stuffed chocolate chip cookies recipe alongside mini cheesecakes or brownie bites on a dessert platter for an irresistible party spread. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment paper tied with ribbon makes a sweet homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your batch, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option but may slightly firm the texture of the cream cheese filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough, form and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes. For baked cookies, freeze cooled cookies in a single layer, then store in airtight containers or bags.
Reheating
Reheat baked cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the cheesecake center to become grainy or overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
Using low-fat cream cheese is possible but may affect the texture and richness of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese offers the best creamy and smooth consistency for this Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
What type of chocolate chips works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a nice balance of sweetness without overpowering the filling, but you can also try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips if you want to customize the flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking. Chilling helps develop flavor and can improve cookie texture, making this recipe even more delicious.
What if the cheesecake filling leaks out during baking?
Leakage usually happens when the filling isn’t sealed properly. Make sure to press the cookie dough firmly around the filling and fully enclose it. You might also want to use slightly less filling per cookie to avoid overflow.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing and then baking later?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully both before and after baking. If baking from frozen dough, bake a few minutes longer, and for baked cookies, thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe enough—each bite is a comforting hug of sweet nostalgia mixed with a fresh twist that feels so special. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies promise a luscious experience that’s simply unforgettable. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and create some delicious memories with this showstopper dessert!
Print
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies stuffed with a creamy cheesecake filling, perfect for dessert lovers looking for a unique treat. These cheesecake stuffed chocolate chip cookies combine rich flavors and a delightful texture contrast, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat 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 flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then gently fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them through the dough.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, avoiding lumps to ensure a silky filling.
- Assemble Cookies: Form tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough. Create a small indentation or hole in the center of each ball and fill it with a spoonful of the cheesecake mixture. Then, cover the filling with more cookie dough and seal tightly to encase the cheesecake inside completely.
- Bake: Place the stuffed cookie balls on the prepared cookie sheets spaced apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies appear set. Once baked, allow them to cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth filling consistency.
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- Sealing the dough well around the cheesecake filling prevents leaking during baking.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
