If you are on the hunt for an utterly delightful twist on classic cookies, the Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is here to steal your heart. These cookies combine the rich, creamy tang of cheesecake with the gooey, melty charm of chocolate chips, creating a texture that is simultaneously soft, chewy, and just a little decadent. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or impressing friends with a unique dessert, this recipe delights both cheesecake lovers and cookie fans alike with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy base to the rich chocolate bursts, these simple pantry staples come together like magic.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 115 g): Provides a creamy richness and tender crumb to the cookie.
- Cream cheese (4 oz or 115 g): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their distinctive cheesecake flavor and moist texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup or 150 g): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that lightly crisp edge.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup or 100 g, packed): Infuses a subtle caramel note and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for tender bites.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups or 280 g): The foundation of the cookie’s structure and body.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the dough slightly, creating a perfect rise and soft crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate’s richness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups or 270 g): The irresistible pockets of melty chocolate that make each bite a delight.
How to Make Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by beating together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. This combination is what sets these cookies apart, giving each bite a luscious, cheesecake-like texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 2: Sweeten the Mixture
Add both granulated sugar and brown sugar to your creamy base. Beat the mixture until it turns light and fluffy, which ensures that your cookies will have a delightful texture with just the right amount of sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Mix in one large egg and two teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined. This step introduces moisture and warmth into the dough, amplifying the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies, so be careful to stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These chips are the pockets of joy that provide bursts of richness and complement the cheesecake flavor perfectly.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. Chilling is a key step that enhances the flavor and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, leading to those perfect soft centers and golden edges.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden while the centers stay soft and inviting.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to set before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies firm up just enough while preserving their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate these cookies visually and tastefully. You might also sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips or crushed nuts on top right out of the oven for that extra festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or your favorite tea to complement their rich sweetness. For a more decadent dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent cheesecake-cookie hybrid experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or even a little jam for a delightful twist. You could also serve them as part of a dessert platter with fresh berries and whipped cream, turning your Cookies Recipe into a celebration-worthy centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For the dough, scoop and freeze portions on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag; bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes. Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat them briefly in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will revive their softness and melting chocolate goodness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is essential for that creamy texture and tangy flavor, you could try mascarpone as a substitute. However, it may alter the final taste and texture slightly, so cream cheese remains the best choice for this recipe.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it enhances flavor and prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring soft centers and perfectly golden edges.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips create a balanced sweetness, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, the Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe cookies freeze wonderfully. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing, then they’ll retain their flavor and texture well.
What makes these cookies different from classic chocolate chip cookies?
The addition of cream cheese adds a subtle tang and extra moisture, giving these cookies a unique cheesecake-inspired softness and richness that you won’t find in traditional recipes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe that makes it a standout treat to add to your baking repertoire. The perfect harmony of tangy cream cheese and luscious chocolate chips wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie is sure to bring smiles around any kitchen table. Don’t wait to try this recipe — your sweet tooth and loved ones will thank you!
Print
Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with classic chocolate chip cookies, resulting in soft, chewy treats with a delightful tangy twist. Perfect for cookie lovers looking for a unique and delectable dessert that stays soft and flavorful.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Sugars: Add both the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar, then beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until everything is fully combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough to evenly distribute the chocolate throughout the cookies without breaking down the chips.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps to develop flavor and improves the texture, allowing the dough to firm up for easier scooping.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Scoop the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading without merging.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers still appear soft and slightly underbaked, which keeps the cookies chewy.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best texture and flavor, allow the dough to chill for several hours or overnight.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure a smooth dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with chunks or other mix-ins like nuts for variation.
