If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the classic charm of cookies with a twist, the Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These cookies are the perfect marriage of rich, creamy cheesecake flavor and the comforting, nostalgic taste of chocolate chip cookies. Each bite offers a soft, chewy texture sprinkled with melty chocolate chips that feel like a little hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a sweet treat just for you, this recipe hits all the right notes, making it an irresistible go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, familiar ingredients that you might already have stocked in your pantry and fridge. Every element plays an important role in building the cookie’s luscious texture and inviting flavor, from the creamy butter to the tangy cream cheese and decadent chocolate chips.
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter: Provides rich fat content for tender, buttery cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie spreading.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for lift and softness.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The cookie’s body—creates structure and chewiness.
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened): The secret star that gives these cookies a luscious, creamy tang.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: Choose semi-sweet, dark, or white for your preferred chocolate hit.
How to Make Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. This step is essential to create a light texture that will make your cookies irresistibly tender.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time. This ensures smooth integration without breaking the dough. Stir in the vanilla extract afterward to infuse that lovely, familiar aroma and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your cookie dough and control the texture perfectly.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Flour Mixture
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with soft cream cheese. This technique keeps the dough tender and moist while blending cheesecake flavors seamlessly with cookie dough.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently mix in your chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. This gives you pockets of delightful chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Roll the chilled dough into uniform 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they should be soft but not raw in the center.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling time lets the flavors settle and prevents breakage.
How to Serve Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate your cookies for a more decadent presentation. Fresh berries on the side also add a burst of color and a touch of brightness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for classic comfort. For something extra special, serve alongside vanilla ice cream to contrast warm, gooey cookies with cold, creamy sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or tea also complements the complex flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies into mini ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Alternatively, serve them on a dessert platter with assorted chocolates and nuts for a stunning party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain perfectly soft and chewy for up to five days, making them an excellent make-ahead snack.
Freezing
If you want to stash some cookies for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. When properly frozen, they can last for up to three months without losing quality.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat frozen or stored cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the soft, chewy texture and melts the chocolate chips just right.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Using low-fat cream cheese can alter the texture and richness of the cookies. For the best results, stick to regular cream cheese to maintain that indulgent, creamy quality.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written. This Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For gluten-free versions, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with chunks or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate chunks, white chocolate, or even chopped nuts to personalize your cookies. Just be mindful of the quantities to keep the dough balance right.
Why do we chill the dough before baking?
Chilling solidifies the fats and lets the flavors develop more depth. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in a thicker, chewier texture.
What causes cookies to be too flat or dry?
Cookies flatten out when the dough is too warm, or if there’s not enough flour or baking soda. Overbaking can cause dryness. Follow the instructions carefully and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a cookie that combines the velvety richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting hug of chocolate chip cookies. This Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is such a fun way to enjoy the best of both worlds in every bite. I promise, once you try them, these cookies will become a regular feature in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to something wonderfully delicious!
Print
Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with classic chocolate chip cookie flavors for a soft, chewy, and decadent treat. With cream cheese folded into the dough and a perfect balance of sweet, buttery richness and chocolatey goodness, these cookies are an irresistible twist on a beloved favorite, perfect for sharing or indulging any time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Add-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or white)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated for a light, fluffy texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour to ensure even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the softened cream cheese, blending thoroughly after each addition until a smooth dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently mix the chocolate chips into the dough with a spatula, making sure they are evenly spread throughout without overmixing to maintain dough texture.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up and allow the flavors to meld.
- Portion and bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, spaced evenly apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Optional serving suggestions: Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for dunking, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast, or enjoy with coffee or tea to complement their rich flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is chilled adequately to achieve the perfect texture: not too sticky nor too firm.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips such as semi-sweet, dark, or white for varied flavor profiles.
- Bake until golden brown for a crisp exterior and soft, chewy center.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their chewy texture.
