If you have a soft spot for cookies that combine rich, creamy textures with a classic chocolate chip crunch, then this Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s tender and slightly tangy from real cream cheese, bursting with gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla. These cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie, turning a beloved favorite into something utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe promises an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and balance for your cookies. From the creamy richness of cream cheese and butter to the deep sweetness of brown sugar and the satisfying burst of chocolate chips, every component counts.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a creamy base and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a subtle tang and ultra-soft texture that makes these cookies uniquely decadent.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping create a tender cookie crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Introduces moisture and depth with its molasses content for a richer taste.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, floral notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure builder, carefully balanced to keep the dough from getting too dense.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just enough for that tender, pillowy middle.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A tiny touch to enhance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate’s richness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): The heart of the cookie for perfect pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter together with the cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step creates the lush base that gives these cookies their signature tenderness and slight tang, setting them apart from ordinary chocolate chip cookies.
Step 2: Add the Sugars
Next, add your granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture. Beat these together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, helping your cookies achieve that perfect balance between a slight crunch on the edges and a soft center.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. These ingredients add flavor depth and help bind the dough, ensuring the cookies hold together beautifully once baked.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then, gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just until everything is combined to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. You want every bite to have those satisfying bursts of rich chocolate.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours if you have the time. Chilling intensifies the flavors and helps the dough firm up, resulting in thicker cookies with a more delightful texture.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies set up perfectly—soft in the middle and just a little crisp around the edges.
How to Serve Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top right after baking to enhance the flavors. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate for a fancy finish that pairs perfectly with the tanginess from the cream cheese.
Side Dishes
These cookies are amazing on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk takes the experience to the next level. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea can also complement the sweet, creamy notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn these cookies into a showstopper. Try sandwiching two with a layer of cream cheese frosting or mascarpone filling. For parties, arrange them in tiers with fresh berries and mint leaves as garnish to wow your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed maintains their softness and prevents the chocolate from drying out or blooming.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough itself or the baked cookies. For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Cookies freeze well too; just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separated with parchment to prevent sticking, and keep for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives their softness and makes the chocolate chips irresistibly melty again.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is key to achieving the unique texture and tang, you can try using mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different but still creamy effect. However, the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Do these cookies spread a lot during baking?
Thanks to the cream cheese and chilling step, these cookies spread less than traditional chocolate chip cookies, resulting in thicker, soft-centered treats. Make sure to chill the dough to control spreading effectively.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Just keep the total measurement roughly the same to maintain balance.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh and soft for about five days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended to keep them tasting their best.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended. It enhances the flavor and helps create a better texture—thicker cookies with a tender crumb. If you’re short on time, chilling for at least one hour still makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making the Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. The way the cream cheese tenderizes the dough combined with melty chocolate chips makes every bite pure comfort. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies bring a homemade touch of happiness that’s hard to beat. So grab your ingredients, dive into this recipe, and enjoy the warm, sweet reward of baking at home!
Print
Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookies, combining the indulgent flavors of cream cheese and chocolate in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfectly balanced sweetness and texture make these cookies a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the 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 softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, creating the rich base of the cookie dough.
- Add Sugars: Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture; beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough to evenly distribute them throughout.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Chilling enhances flavor and improves the dough’s texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each scoop approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft for the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for longer (up to 24 hours) will deepen flavors and improve texture.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier blending.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to your preference.
- For a festive touch, add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips.
