There is something undeniably delightful about combining the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the comforting chew of a cookie, and that’s exactly what makes this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe such a standout treat. These cookies are irresistibly soft, with a tangy cream cheese undertone that pairs perfectly with melty pockets of mini chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe brings a fresh twist to classic chocolate chip cookies that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe features simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor, ensuring your cookies turn out soft, creamy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides the signature cheesecake tang and irresistible softness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a subtle lift for lightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips: Delivers pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies cook evenly and prevents sticking, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This crucial step creates the luxuriously soft texture that sets these cookies apart from the rest.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing everything until fully combined to infuse the dough with flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough for consistent rise.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough cookies—softness is what we’re after here.
Step 6: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips so that each cookie will have delicious pockets of melted chocolate to enjoy.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
Step 8: Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them finish cooking gently and develop their perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are spectacular on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add an elegant touch. Fresh berries on the side also add a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy drink complements the cheesecake flavor beautifully and makes for a cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of whipped cream or cheesecake frosting. Or stack them up on a pretty plate for a quick grab-and-go dessert at your next party; their irresistible texture will have guests coming back for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain that soft, chewy cheesecake-like texture. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, perfect for a midweek treat!
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready to be enjoyed whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, microwave a frozen or refrigerated cookie for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives the softness and melts the chocolate chips just perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips work fine, although mini chips distribute more evenly, giving you chocolate in every bite. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite mix!
Is it necessary to soften the butter and cream cheese?
Yes, softening them ensures they blend smoothly together, creating the rich, creamy base that makes these cookies so tender. Cold ingredients won’t mix properly and could affect texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
With a suitable gluten-free flour blend that can replace all-purpose flour cup for cup, you can enjoy these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.
Why should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and allows flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful and perfectly textured cookie.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Since both butter and cream cheese are essential here for texture and flavor, dairy-free substitutions would require specialty products, such as vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives, but results may vary.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite in any cookie rotation. It’s that magical blend of creamy, soft cheesecake richness with classic chocolate chip charm that makes these cookies truly unforgettable. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious cookies that are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and creamy, these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich tanginess of cream cheese with the classic sweetness of chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to achieve tender edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center, these cookies are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that offers a unique twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring a velvety base for the cookies.
- Add Sugar: Incorporate the granulated sugar into the mixture and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Mix Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined to add moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cookie edges are just golden and the centers are set, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breakage.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better and intensifies the flavor.
- For extra richness, try using dark chocolate chips or a combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips.
- Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain a soft, cheesecake-like texture.
