Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you love the creamy taste of cheesecake and the comforting crunch of chocolate chip cookies, then you’ll fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies recipe. These cookies are soft, buttery, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese, with melty chocolate chips in every bite. They’re perfect for when you’re craving something a little extra special and indulgent. Best of all, these cookies are easy to make and will quickly become a household favorite. Ready to start baking? Let’s dive into the recipe!

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What Are Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies?

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect marriage between two beloved desserts: cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies. The addition of cream cheese to the cookie dough makes these cookies extra soft, rich, and slightly tangy, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s similar to a cheesecake. The chocolate chips add a familiar touch of sweetness and gooeyness, making these cookies a truly decadent treat.

Ingredients List for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these soft, chewy, and irresistible Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (half a block)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for added texture
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips for a fun flavor twist
• A pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice note

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some great substitution and variation ideas to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Sugar Alternatives: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar content.
• Dark Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
• Filled Cookies: Turn these into stuffed cookies by adding a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough ball before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies step by step. The dough comes together quickly, and chilling it before baking helps keep the cookies soft and thick.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.

2. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is at room temperature so that it blends more easily with the butter and cream cheese mixture.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips (and any other optional add-ins, such as chopped nuts or white chocolate chips). Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker, chewier cookies, cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps the dough firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step, but chilling the dough makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.

8. Scoop and Shape the Dough

Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly.

9. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly underbaked, but that’s okay — they will firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.

10. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to make these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and sugars until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
7. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to 2 hours for best results.
8. Scoop and Shape: Portion out the dough and slightly flatten each cookie.
9. Bake and Cool: Bake for 10-12 minutes, cool, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfect, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough or dense cookies.
• Skipping the Chill Time: While chilling the dough is optional, it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and improves the texture.
• Overbaking the Cookies: Be sure to remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a chewy texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These cookies are perfect as-is, but here are a few fun ways to elevate your presentation:

• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a decadent finish.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: For a sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after baking.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Serve these cookies at room temperature for the perfect balance of soft centers and slightly crispy edges. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. For a fun dessert idea, warm a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds and top it with a scoop of ice cream for a quick and easy dessert.

Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Here are some creative ways to present your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies:

• Stacked Cookies: Stack a few cookies on a plate and tie them with a ribbon for a cute gift or party favor.
• Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, surrounded by fresh berries or fruit slices for a colorful display.
• Cookie Tin: Package the cookies in a cute cookie tin or jar and gift them to friends, family, or coworkers for a delicious homemade present.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are all at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies may look underbaked in the center when you first take them out of the oven, but they’ll firm up as they cool. This ensures they stay soft and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer

to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Q: How long will these cookies stay fresh?
A: These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.

Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect treat for when you’re craving something soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate. With their rich, creamy texture and deliciously sweet flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow this simple recipe, get creative with add-ins and toppings, and enjoy these decadent cookies with family and friends. Happy baking!

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