Name: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

If you’re someone who finds it impossible to choose between a chewy chocolate chip cookie and the creamy decadence of cheesecake, this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession! Each bite is a dreamy fusion of comfort and indulgence, featuring buttery cookie dough stuffed with a tangy cheesecake center and melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply want to treat yourself on a quiet afternoon, these cookies deliver all the satisfaction and surprise of a truly unforgettable dessert.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient has a special job, from the rich butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb to the luscious cream cheese that creates the signature creamy swirl. Stock your kitchen with these essentials to guarantee sweet success.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Makes the cookies rich and chewy, allowing all the other flavors to shine.
Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds depth and moisture, giving the cookies a soft, caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup total): Sweetens both the dough and the cheesecake filling, ensuring every bite is balanced.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough and add just the right amount of moisture.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons + extra for filling): Enhances both the cookie base and the cheesecake with a warm, inviting aroma.
All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Builds the cookies’ structure so they’re tender but not crumbly.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives just enough lift for cookies that are thick yet soft.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the best in all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The heart of the cheesecake filling; creamy, tangy, and irresistible.
Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): The classic pop of chocolate in every heavenly bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by beating together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. This will be your irresistible cheesecake core! Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions, spoon them onto a parchment-lined tray, and pop them in the freezer. Freezing the filling isn’t just a neat trick—it helps it keep its shape later on and ensures that each cookie gets a perfectly creamy center.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cookie Dough

While your cheesecake drops are getting chilly, grab a large bowl and beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well to keep things silky. Stir in the vanilla extract to deepen the flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly combine the dry mixture with your wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips—they’re the little nuggets of joy throughout your cookies.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

This is the moment when cookies become legendary! Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, and nestle a frozen cheesecake dollop right in the center. Top with another teaspoon of dough, pinch the edges together, and roll into a perfect ball. The secret here is to keep the cheesecake filling tucked completely inside so it doesn’t escape during baking. Space each ball about two inches apart on your baking sheet so they have all the room they need to spread and get gorgeously golden.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the tops look set—don’t overbake, or you’ll miss out on that dreamy, gooey texture! Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes so the filling can settle, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).

Step 5: Serve or Store

Once your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is ready, enjoy them warm for that just-melted center, or let them rest to discover how the flavors meld even more as they cool. For anything leftover (if such a thing exists), store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—though we bet they’ll vanish much quicker!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are absolutely fabulous on their own, you can take them over the top with a swirl of melted chocolate, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to heighten that sweet-and-salty vibe. A few mini chocolate chips pressed on top before baking make for a particularly photogenic finish.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe pairs dreamily with a cold glass of milk, but don’t stop there! Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a play on textures and temperatures, or offer alongside a fresh berry salad to brighten the richness. Want to make it a dessert board? Add some fresh fruit, a handful of nuts, and maybe even a tiny pitcher of warm fudge for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap a few cookies up in parchment and twine for a heartfelt edible gift, or stack them high on a pretty cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. For parties, try mini versions on skewers, dunked in chocolate, or use the cookies as the “buns” for ice cream sandwiches—instant crowd-pleaser! With the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, your imagination is the only limit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese center stays lush and safe this way, and the cookies will taste fresh for up to five days. For little bursts of joy, it’s worth letting them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, both baked and unbaked! For ultimate convenience, assemble and freeze the dough balls on a baking tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into a preheated oven and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. If freezing baked cookies, wrap individually and thaw gently at room temp or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To restore just-baked magic, zap a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey middle, or warm in a low oven for 3–4 minutes. This not only softens the cookie but also brings out the lovely chocolate aroma and the creamy center once more.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

Full-fat cream cheese creates the richest, creamiest filling, but you can use low-fat in a pinch. Just note that the texture may be a bit less luxurious and slightly softer after baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. The cheesecake filling can also be prepped and frozen beforehand, making assembly a breeze whenever you’re ready to bake.

Why do I need to freeze the cheesecake filling?

Freezing the filling helps it keep its shape inside the cookie while baking, preventing it from leaking out and ensuring a luscious, creamy pocket in every bite. Don’t skip this step for the best results!

Can I add nuts or use different types of chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white or peanut butter chips make delightful additions to this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Feel free to experiment and customize to your taste.

Is it normal for the cookies to look slightly underbaked in the center?

Yes! The cookies should look just set on top when you pull them from the oven—the residual heat will finish the job. This leaves the centers irresistibly gooey (and helps keep the cheesecake filling creamy).

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat to wow friends or simply spoil yourself, the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe will win hearts and tastebuds every single time. Let yourself indulge—these cookies blend fun, nostalgia, and a splash of creativity in every single bite. Go ahead and give them a try; you won’t regret making them part of your baking repertoire!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake filling nestled within a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Instructions

Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Scoop out small teaspoons of the filling onto a parchment-lined tray. Freeze the filling drops for 20–30 minutes while you make the cookie dough.
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Assemble the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a frozen drop of cheesecake filling in the center. Cover it with another small piece of dough and seal the edges, rolling into a ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve & Store: Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American