Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies combine the best of both worlds—rich, tangy cheesecake flavor in a soft, chewy cookie loaded with chocolate chips. These cookies have a slightly creamy texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese, making them an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
- White chocolate chips
- M&M’s
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold the chocolate chips (or any additional mix-ins) into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
- For best results, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve
- Enjoy your chocolate chip cheesecake cookies warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cook Notes
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and improves the texture, so don’t skip this step if you want thick, chewy cookies.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly into the dough.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or other mix-ins.
Variations
- Double Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies: Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty version of these cookies.
- Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies: Create a surprise inside by stuffing the cookie dough with a small piece of cream cheese before baking.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a peanut butter twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake as directed.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, the dough may not have been chilled long enough. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for a slightly firmer texture.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese works best for this recipe because it provides a richer flavor and creamier texture. You can use low-fat cream cheese, but the cookies may be slightly less rich and more prone to spreading.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a delicious combination of rich, creamy cheesecake flavor and classic chocolate chip cookie goodness. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack anytime. With their indulgent texture and customizable mix-ins, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!
