If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies, get ready to take your baking game to the next level with this indulgent twist: Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie only to discover a luscious, creamy cheesecake center! These cookies combine the best of both worlds, with a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie dough encasing a velvety cheesecake filling. Whether you’re planning a dessert for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, these cheesecake-stuffed cookies are sure to impress.
Let’s break down this indulgent recipe and explore how easy it is to make these dreamy cookies at home.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Two of your favorite desserts in one: Who doesn’t love cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies? By combining them, you get the best of both worlds.
- Soft and chewy texture: The cookie dough is tender and chewy, while the cheesecake center adds a rich and creamy texture that takes each bite over the top.
- Easy to make: This recipe might sound fancy, but it’s simple to prepare with just a few basic ingredients. No complicated steps, just a delicious outcome!
Ingredients
To make these Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need two main components: the cheesecake filling and the cookie dough. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
The key to making these delicious cheesecake-stuffed cookies is making sure you prepare both the cheesecake filling and the cookie dough correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you nail this recipe:
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy. This mixture should be velvety, with no lumps. Set this aside as you prepare the cookie dough.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture ensures that your cookies will have the right texture and rise just perfectly.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugars until they become light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, chewy texture in your cookies.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and continue to beat until well combined. The egg helps bind everything together while adding richness to the dough.
3. Combine the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. This is where the dough starts to come together, and it should be thick and slightly sticky. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything.
Once the dough is fully mixed, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. These chocolate chips will melt slightly while baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
4. Form the Cookies:
Now, it’s time to assemble your cheesecake-stuffed cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the cookie dough into 1 ½-inch balls and flatten each ball slightly with your hands.
Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling in the center of each flattened dough ball. Carefully fold the dough around the cheesecake filling, sealing it completely so that the filling is hidden inside.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave space between each one so they have room to spread as they bake. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet once they’re removed from the oven, so be careful not to overbake them.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cookies have cooled, serve them up with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. The cheesecake filling will remain creamy and gooey inside, while the cookie exterior will have the perfect balance of crunch and chewiness. Enjoy the combination of two classic desserts in each bite!
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened before you start mixing. This ensures that everything blends together smoothly.
- Chill the dough: If you find that the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before rolling into balls. Chilled dough is easier to work with.
- Don’t overfill the cookies: When adding the cheesecake filling, use just about 1 tablespoon per cookie. Overstuffing the cookies can cause them to leak filling while baking.
- Use quality chocolate chips: For the best flavor, use semi-sweet chocolate chips, which complement the sweetness of the cheesecake filling perfectly.
Why These Cookies Are a Game Changer
Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies combine two irresistible desserts into one indulgent treat. The chocolate chip cookie, with its golden edges and chewy interior, serves as the perfect vessel for a rich and creamy cheesecake filling. This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves rich desserts but doesn’t want to settle for the same old chocolate chip cookie. Plus, these stuffed cookies are a fun baking project and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
FAQs: Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
While cream cheese provides the signature tangy flavor and smooth texture for the filling, you could try mascarpone or ricotta for a different twist. However, the result may be slightly different.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze wonderfully. After baking, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls, and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
4. How long do these cookies last?
These cookies stay fresh for about 4-5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Related Recipes You Might Love
If you loved these Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll want to try more indulgent dessert recipes. Check out these delicious ideas:
- Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe: A comforting pasta dish with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese – A Pizza Lover’s Dream Sandwich: Combine the best of pizza and grilled cheese in this indulgent sandwich loaded with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni.
- Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies – Festive Holiday Recipe: A beautiful and festive cookie recipe that’s ideal for holiday parties or gift-giving.
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these rich, creamy, and indulgent treats!
Print
Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies – Irresistibly Gooey!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert fusion with these Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Soft and gooey chocolate chip cookies encase a rich cheesecake filling, creating a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside. - Make the Cookie Dough:
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet, then stir in chocolate chips. - Form the Cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling in the center. Enclose filling fully with dough. - Bake:
Arrange stuffed dough balls on the baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. - Serve and Enjoy:
These cookies are best served warm with a gooey center. Perfect with a glass of milk!
Notes
- For best results, use room-temperature ingredients.
- To prevent sticking, chill the cheesecake filling for 10 minutes before assembling cookies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, gooey cookie recipe, stuffed cookies, cheesecake filling, chocolate chip dessert