Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies combine two beloved desserts into one indulgent treat. These cookies deliver the familiar comfort of classic chocolate chip cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake baked right in. The texture is what truly sets them apart: soft and tender in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and luxuriously moist throughout. I tested these cookies when I wanted something more elevated than a standard cookie but easier than a full cheesecake, and they turned out to be the perfect balance. The cream cheese adds subtle tang and richness without overpowering the chocolate, while the cookies stay soft for days. They are ideal for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special without being complicated. If you enjoy cookies that are rich, bakery-style, and crowd-pleasing, this recipe is one you will return to again and again.
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Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies That Are Soft, Rich, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy cookies that combine the richness of cheesecake with classic chocolate chip cookies, featuring a creamy center and crisp edges.
Ingredients
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes results in thicker cookies.
- Do not overbake; cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- You can use dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while remaining soft and tender.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is the key ingredient that gives these cookies their cheesecake-like richness and creamy texture.
Unsalted butter
Butter adds flavor and contributes to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency of the cookies.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create lightly crisp edges.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the chocolate.
Egg
The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors of both the cookie and cheesecake elements.
Baking soda
Baking soda provides gentle lift, keeping the cookies soft rather than dense.
Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Chocolate chips
Chocolate chips deliver bursts of sweetness and texture throughout every bite.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 175°C and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Bake until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 12 to 14 minutes per batch.
Storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to one week. For a just-baked texture, warm cookies briefly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Variations and Customizations
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are easy to adapt to suit different preferences. For a richer cookie, use dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of milk chocolate. White chocolate chips also pair beautifully with the cream cheese base, offering a sweeter, creamier profile.
You can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for crunch and contrast. If you enjoy a bakery-style look, press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies before baking.
For a flavored twist, add a small amount of lemon zest to the dough for brightness, or swirl in a spoonful of strawberry or raspberry jam for a cheesecake-inspired variation. I tested these with a light raspberry swirl, and the contrast between the tangy fruit and rich cookie was exceptional.
These cookies can also be made slightly larger and baked a minute longer for thick, soft-centered cookies that feel especially indulgent.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 26 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use room-temperature ingredients
Softened butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly, resulting in a uniform dough.
Do not overbake
Remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly underdone to preserve softness.
Chill for thicker cookies
If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Consistent sizing
Using a cookie scoop ensures even baking and uniform presentation.
FAQs
Do these cookies taste like cheesecake?
They have a subtle cheesecake flavor, with creaminess rather than tang dominating the profile.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, the dough freezes well for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen with a slight increase in baking time.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for best texture and flavor, but low-fat can be used with slightly less richness.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure the butter is not overly soft and consider chilling the dough before baking.
Can I add a filling to these cookies?
Yes, a small cube of cream cheese or a spoon of jam can be added to the center for a filled variation.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them ideal for gifting and special occasions.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect fusion of two classic desserts, offering creamy richness and comforting familiarity in every bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they are a standout treat for any occasion. Once you try them, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.
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